Top Rated Wine and Shine Walking Tour

Discover Gatlinburg’s premier Wine and Shine Walking Tour for just $51 per person, a 3.5-hour experience packed with tastings, insights, and behind-the-scenes access. Rated 5.0 out of 5 based on 427 reviews, and recommended by 98% of participants, this tour offers an engaging way to explore local distilleries and wineries with a small group of up to 12 travelers. Its moderate pacing makes it suitable for most guests willing to walk around 0.7 miles and stand for up to 3 hours. While the experience includes generous tastings and VIP treatment, some reviews highlight that the guides primarily lead the walk rather than direct tastings, which may influence your expectations.

This tour is perfect for those eager to learn about moonshine culture, taste a variety of spirits and wines, and enjoy a personalized, interactive experience. The stops include Tennessee Shine Company, Little Bear Winery, and Sugarlands Distilling Company, each offering distinct tasting opportunities and exclusive insights into the craft of distilling and winemaking. If you’re a fan of local spirits and wines, and want behind-the-scenes access at a working distillery, this trip delivers both flavor and education.

Key Points

• All tastings included: Moonshine, wine, and a special moonshine cocktail are part of the package.
• Visit three stops: Tennessee Shine Company, Little Bear Winery, and Sugarlands Distilling Company.
• Exclusive behind-the-scenes access at Sugarlands Distilling Company.
• Personalized experience: Small group of up to 12 guests ensures attentive service.
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes, with flexible pacing.
• Price: $51 per person, offering good value considering the tastings and VIP treatment.

Gatlinburg’s Top Moonshine and Wine Stops

The tour begins at Tennessee Shine Company, where you encounter a wide array of moonshine flavors, from 35 proof cream-based to 135 proof ‘off the still’ spirits. The tasting here emphasizes variety and potency, with samples that will satisfy both casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike. Expect to learn about traditional moonshine production while enjoying ample samples, including a moonshine cocktail.

Next, the group walks to Little Bear Winery, where a VIP experience awaits. This stop offers the chance to sample many different wines in a relaxed setting, with the guide helping enhance your understanding of the wines’ unique qualities. The short walk between stops makes this tour manageable and keeps the experience engaging.

The final stop is Sugarlands Distilling Company, where the tour goes behind the scenes of a working distillery. Visitors get exclusive access to see the distillation process firsthand, guided by knowledgeable staff. This stop also features moonshine cocktail samples and a comprehensive moonshine flight tasting, making it a highlight that combines education with flavor.

Behind-the-Scenes at Sugarlands Distilling Company

The Sugarlands Distilling Company marks the culmination of this tour with an inside look at how moonshine is made. Visitors are led by a knowledgeable guide who explains the distillation process and the history behind the spirits. The behind-the-scenes tour is exclusive to this experience, offering insights not available to general visitors.

Adding to the appeal, guests are invited to sample moonshine cocktails crafted on-site, blending tradition with modern mixology. The moonshine flight here is longer and more detailed, giving participants the chance to appreciate the differences among various spirits produced at the distillery.

Tasting Experience at Little Bear Winery

At Little Bear Winery, the focus shifts to wine tasting. The VIP treatment includes sampling a variety of wines in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. The guide helps explain each wine’s characteristics, making it a great stop for those wanting to expand their palate.

This winery offers a relaxed environment to enjoy multiple wine varieties, with the possibility to purchase bottles or enjoy additional tastings at your own expense. The walk to this stop is brief, ensuring the pace of the tour remains comfortable and enjoyable.

Logistics: Meeting Point and Group Size

The tour departs from 520 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, making it easy to access from most accommodations in the area. This mobile ticket experience is designed for small groups of up to 12 travelers, fostering a more personalized and interactive atmosphere.

The moderate walking pace covers approximately 0.7 miles, so guests should be comfortable walking and standing for several hours. The tour is accessible for those with service animals and is near public transportation, although it is not recommended for persons under 21 or those unable to stand or walk comfortably.

Pacing and Tour Structure

This 3-hour 30-minute tour is carefully paced to allow ample time at each stop, with approximately one hour at Tennessee Shine Company, another hour at Little Bear Winery, and about an hour and a half at Sugarlands. The final stop provides a more immersive experience, including behind-the-scenes access and extended tastings.

Guests should prepare for a fast-paced tasting at Sugarlands, which some reviews note is quick but comprehensive. The tour flow ensures that you maximize your time at each location without feeling rushed, despite the busy schedule.

Price, Value, and Tips

At $51 per person, this tour offers a competitive price point considering the inclusive tastings, VIP access, and behind-the-scenes tour. The discretionary tips are not included, so guests may wish to tip guides and staff based on their satisfaction.

Guests are encouraged to come thirsty and prepare for a lot of sampling, including multiple cocktails and spirits. The tour’s small group size guarantees personalized attention and the chance to ask questions about the spirits and wine varieties.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience appeals most to adults interested in spirits and wine, especially those eager to learn about moonshine culture and production. It is ideal for those seeking a relaxed, informative, and entertaining outing, with a focus on quality tastings and exclusive access.

Guests should be comfortable walking and standing for up to 3 hours and understand that the guides primarily facilitate the walk rather than lead extensive tastings. The price and included experiences make it a good value for anyone wanting a comprehensive tasting tour in Gatlinburg.

The Sum Up: A Flavorful, Personal Gatlinburg Tour

The Top Rated Wine and Shine Walking Tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Gatlinburg’s distilling and winemaking scene. Its small group size and behind-the-scenes access at Sugarlands Distilling Company** make it stand out. The combination of spirits, wine, and cocktails, along with knowledgeable guides, creates an engaging and educational experience.

While some reviews mention that the guides mostly walk and the tastings can be fast-paced, most guests appreciate the personalized attention and quality of the spirits. The $51 price covers all tastings, VIP treatment, and exclusive tours, making this tour a solid choice for those wanting to sample and learn in Gatlinburg.

This experience is best suited for adults looking for fun, flavor, and insight in a casual, friendly setting—a true highlight for anyone wanting to explore local spirits with a small-group vibe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from 520 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738.

Are tastings included?
Yes, all wine, moonshine, and cocktails are included in the ticket price.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?
It’s designed for most adults able to walk 0.7 miles and stand for up to 3 hours. It is not recommended for those under 21.

How many stops are there?
There are three main stops: Tennessee Shine Company, Little Bear Winery, and Sugarlands Distilling Company.

What makes Sugarlands special?
Guests get behind-the-scenes access to a working distillery, plus moonshine cocktail samples and a detailed moonshine flight.

Can I skip the tastings?
No, tastings are included and part of the tour experience, but some reviews suggest that you could taste independently without a guide.

Is the tour good for first-timers?
Absolutely, especially for those new to spirits and wine, as the tour offers educational insights and guided tastings.

What should I bring?
Guests should bring a valid ID for alcohol sampling and be prepared to walk and stand comfortably.

Can I purchase spirits or wine after the tour?
Yes, most locations offer options to buy bottles or additional tastings at your own expense.

Is this tour weather-dependent?
Yes, it requires good weather and may be canceled or rescheduled if conditions are poor, with options for a full refund or a different date.

This Gatlinburg Wine and Shine Walking Tour combines fun, education, and exclusive access, making it a standout choice for spirits and wine enthusiasts exploring the area.