Best 5 Wineries in Gatlinburg TN: A Guide to Tasting the Finest Wines in the Smoky Mountains

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In addition to its natural beauty and thrilling attractions, Gatlinburg is home to several wineries that offer a taste of the local Tennessee mountain country. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply looking to relax with a glass of wine, Gatlinburg’s wineries have something for everyone.

One of the most visited wineries in Gatlinburg is Tennessee Homemade Wines, located in the heart of downtown. Using a hundred-year-old family recipe, this winery produces around a dozen varieties of superb wine. Another popular winery is Smoky Mountain Winery, which offers complimentary tastings and a wide selection of wines, including fruit wines and dessert wines. These wineries are just a few of the many options available in Gatlinburg for those looking to experience the local wine scene.

Gatlinburg’s Winery Scene

Gatlinburg, TN, is known for its beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and family-friendly attractions. However, it’s not just about the mountains and amusement parks. The city also has a thriving winery scene that offers visitors a chance to taste some of the best wines in the region.

There are several wineries in Gatlinburg, each with its unique offerings. Visitors can take a tour of the wineries, learn about the winemaking process, and sample some of the best wines in the area. The wineries offer a range of wines, from sweet to dry, and visitors can find something to suit their taste.

One of the best ways to experience the wineries in Gatlinburg is by taking a tour of the Gatlinburg Wine Trail. The trail includes five wineries, and visitors can take a private VIP tour to explore the wineries at their own pace. The Gatlinburg Wine Trail is a great way to experience the wineries and learn about the local wine culture.

The wineries in Gatlinburg are not just about the wine. They also offer a range of activities, from live music to food pairings. Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine while listening to live music or sample some local cuisine paired with the perfect wine.

When it comes to the winery scene in Gatlinburg, visitors can find everything they need downtown. The wineries are located in the heart of the city, making it easy for visitors to explore the wineries and enjoy all that Gatlinburg has to offer.

Top Wineries in Gatlinburg

When it comes to wineries, Gatlinburg has a lot to offer. Here are some of the top wineries in Gatlinburg that you should consider visiting:

Tennessee Homemade Wines

Tennessee Homemade Wines is a family-owned winery that has been producing wine for over 20 years. They offer a wide variety of wines, including fruit wines, dry wines, and sweet wines. Their wines are made from locally sourced fruits, and they have won numerous awards for their quality.

Website: https://tnhomemadewines.com/

Address: 643 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, United States

Sugarland Cellars

Sugarland Cellars is a popular winery located in the heart of Gatlinburg. They offer a variety of wines, including red, white, and fruit wines. They also offer free tastings, so you can try before you buy. In addition to their wines, they also offer a selection of gourmet cheeses, crackers, and chocolates.

Website: https://sugarlandcellars.com/

Address: 1133 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, United States

Elkmont Winery

Elkmont Winery is a small winery located in the Great Smoky Mountains. They offer a variety of wines, including red, white, and fruit wines. Their wines are made from locally sourced grapes, and they have won numerous awards for their quality. They also offer free tastings, so you can try before you buy.

Website: https://elkmontwinery.com/

Address: 754 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, United States

Little Bear Winery

Little Bear Winery is a small winery located in the heart of Gatlinburg. They offer a variety of wines, including red, white, and fruit wines. Their wines are made from locally sourced fruits, and they have won numerous awards for their quality. They also offer a selection of gourmet cheeses, crackers, and chocolates.

Website: https://littlebearwinery.net/

Address: 631 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, United States

Mountain Valley Winery

Mountain Valley Winery is a family-owned winery located in Pigeon Forge, just a short drive from Gatlinburg. They offer a variety of wines, including red, white, and fruit wines. Their wines are made from locally sourced grapes, and they have won numerous awards for their quality. They also offer free tastings, so you can try before you buy.

Website: https://mountainvalleywinery.com/

Address: 2174 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States

Overall, these wineries offer a great selection of wines and a wonderful experience for visitors. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or just looking for a fun activity to do in Gatlinburg, these wineries are definitely worth a visit.

Rocky Top Wine Trail

The Rocky Top Wine Trail is a popular destination for wine lovers visiting Gatlinburg, TN. The trail consists of five wineries, each with its own unique character and selection of wines. Visitors can choose to take a self-guided tour or book a VIP shuttle tour to experience the trail.

The wineries on the Rocky Top Wine Trail include:

• Apple Barn Winery
• Hillside Winery
• Mountain Valley Winery
• Mill Bridge Winery
• Sugarland Cellars

Each winery offers a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and fruit wines. Visitors can also enjoy tastings, tours, and special events throughout the year.

The Apple Barn Winery is located in the Apple Barn Village and uses locally grown apples to handcraft their wine on-site. Hillside Winery offers a unique experience with its Italian-inspired villa and stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. Mountain Valley Winery is known for its award-winning wines and friendly staff. Mill Bridge Winery offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere with a focus on small-batch wines. Sugarland Cellars offers a wide selection of wines and a beautiful tasting room.

Whether visitors choose to take a self-guided tour or book a VIP shuttle tour, they are sure to enjoy the wines and hospitality of the wineries on the Rocky Top Wine Trail.

Wine Tasting Experiences

Gatlinburg is home to some of the best wineries and vineyards in Tennessee. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of wine-tasting experiences, including free tastings, guided tours, and more.

Many wineries in Gatlinburg offer free tastings, allowing visitors to sample a variety of wines before making a purchase. This is a great way to discover new wines and find your favorites. Some wineries also offer guided tastings, where a knowledgeable staff member will guide you through the tasting process and provide information about the wines.

Visitors can also enjoy tastings at local wine festivals and events throughout the year. These events often feature a wide variety of wines from local and regional wineries, as well as food and live entertainment.

For those who want to learn more about wine, some wineries in Gatlinburg offer educational classes and seminars. These classes cover topics such as wine-tasting techniques, wine and food pairing, and the history and production of wine.

Overall, Gatlinburg offers a variety of wine-tasting experiences for visitors to enjoy. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or just looking to try something new, there is something for everyone.

Unique Wine Flavors

Gatlinburg is home to several wineries that offer unique and delicious wine flavors. From sweet and fruity to dry and bold, there is something for every palate. Here are some of the most popular and unique wine flavors you can find in Gatlinburg wineries:

• Cotton Candy Wine: This sweet and fun wine is a favorite among visitors. It has a light and fruity flavor with a hint of cotton candy. It is perfect for those who prefer sweeter wines.
  
• Apple Blush: This wine is made from a blend of apples and grapes, giving it a unique and refreshing flavor. It has a crisp and light taste with a hint of apple and raspberry.
  
• Blackberry Wine: Blackberry wine is a popular choice among visitors. It has a rich and bold flavor with a hint of sweetness. It pairs well with desserts and chocolate.
  
• Peach Wine: This wine is made from fresh peaches and has a sweet and fruity flavor. It is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.
  
• Muscadine Wine: Muscadine is a type of grape that is native to the southern United States. Muscadine wine has a unique flavor that is both sweet and tart. It pairs well with spicy foods and grilled meats.
  
• Raspberry Wine: Raspberry wine has a light and fruity flavor with a hint of tartness. It is perfect for those who prefer lighter wines.
  
• Apple Raspberry Wine: This wine is made from a blend of apples and raspberries, giving it a unique and refreshing flavor. It has a crisp and light taste with a hint of sweetness.
  
• Fruity Reds: Gatlinburg wineries offer a variety of fruity red wines, including blackberry, raspberry, and strawberry. These wines have a bold and rich flavor with a hint of sweetness.
  

Whether you prefer sweet or dry wines, Gatlinburg wineries have something for everyone. Be sure to try some of these unique wine flavors on your next visit to Gatlinburg.

Specialty Wines

Gatlinburg is home to several wineries that offer a variety of specialty wines. These wines are unique and have distinct flavors that make them stand out from the traditional wines. Here are some of the specialty wines that visitors can enjoy in Gatlinburg.

Moonshine Wines

Moonshine is a popular drink in the Smoky Mountains, and some wineries have incorporated it into their wine-making process. These wines have a higher alcohol content and a distinct flavor that is similar to moonshine. Visitors can try different flavors of moonshine wines, such as apple pie, peach, and blackberry.

Cider Wines

Cider wines are made from fermented apples and have a crisp and refreshing taste. Visitors can try different flavors of cider wines, such as apple, pear, and cherry. Some wineries also offer sparkling cider wines that have a bubbly texture and are perfect for celebrations.

Tennessee Cider Company

The Tennessee Cider Company is located in Gatlinburg and offers a variety of hard ciders. Visitors can try different flavors of ciders, such as apple, peach, and blackberry. The ciders are made from locally sourced apples and have a sweet and tangy taste.

Wine Slushies

Wine slushies are a popular drink in Gatlinburg, especially during the summer months. These drinks are made by blending wine with ice and fruit flavors. Visitors can try different flavors of wine slushies, such as strawberry, peach, and blueberry. They are perfect for cooling off on a hot day.

Overall, visitors to Gatlinburg have a variety of specialty wines to choose from. Whether it’s moonshine wines, cider wines, or wine slushies, there is something for everyone.

Food and Wine Pairing

Pairing food and wine is an art that requires a good understanding of both. Gatlinburg wineries offer a wide variety of wines that can be paired with different types of food. Here are some tips for pairing food and wine in Gatlinburg:

• Spicy Food: Spicy food pairs well with sweet wines. Gatlinburg wineries offer a variety of sweet wines that can complement spicy dishes. For example, Little Bear Winery’s Blueberry Wine is a great choice for spicy food lovers.
  
• Seafood: White wines are the best choice for seafood. Gatlinburg wineries like Sugarland Cellars Winery offer a variety of white wines that can be paired with seafood dishes. Their Riesling is a standout choice for seafood lovers.
  
• Red Meat: Red wines are the best choice for red meat. Gatlinburg wineries offer a variety of red wines that can be paired with red meat dishes. For example, Hillside Winery’s Syrah is a great choice for red meat lovers.
  
• Cheese: Cheese pairs well with both red and white wines. Gatlinburg wineries offer a variety of wines that can be paired with different types of cheese. For example, Smoky Mountain Winery’s Blackberry Wine is a great choice for pairing with cheese.
  

When dining out in Gatlinburg, it’s important to choose a restaurant that offers a good selection of wines to pair with your meal. Many restaurants in Gatlinburg offer wine lists that feature local wines from Gatlinburg wineries. Some popular restaurants in Gatlinburg that offer a good selection of wines include The Peddler Steakhouse, The Greenbrier Restaurant, and The Park Grill.

For wine lovers who want to learn more about pairing food and wine, Gatlinburg wineries offer wine-tasting events where you can sample different wines and learn about the best food pairings. Some popular wineries in Gatlinburg that offer wine-tasting events include Sugarland Cellars Winery, Little Bear Winery, and Hillside Winery.

Attractions Near Wineries

Gatlinburg is a popular tourist destination in Tennessee, known for its beautiful scenery, charming downtown, and of course, its wineries. Visitors to the wineries can also enjoy a variety of nearby attractions, making for a full day of fun and entertainment.

One of the most popular attractions near the wineries is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This park is home to over 800 miles of hiking trails, as well as stunning waterfalls, scenic drives, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can spend the day exploring the park and then head to a nearby winery for a relaxing evening.

Another popular attraction is the Parkway, which runs through downtown Gatlinburg. This bustling street is lined with shops, restaurants, and attractions, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Visitors can stop by a winery for a tasting and then explore the Parkway for some shopping and sightseeing.

For those who want to experience the beauty of the Smoky Mountains without leaving the comfort of their car, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a must-see. This scenic drive takes visitors through some of the most beautiful parts of the park, including forests, waterfalls, and historic cabins.

Other nearby attractions include the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, and the Gatlinburg Aquarium. Each of these attractions offers a unique experience and is sure to be a hit with visitors of all ages.

Conclusion

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is home to some of the best wineries in the Great Smoky Mountains region. Visitors can enjoy a variety of wines, from classic reds to fruity blends, while taking in the beautiful scenery of the Smokies.

The wineries in Gatlinburg offer a unique experience for wine enthusiasts, with many of them offering tastings and tours. Visitors can also learn about the history of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains through the stories printed on the wine labels.

Some of the top wineries in Gatlinburg include Sugarland Cellars, Little Bear Winery, and Cades Cove Cellars. Each winery has its own unique charm and selection of wines, making it easy to find a favorite among them.

In addition to wine, many of the wineries also offer food and live music, making for a fun and relaxing experience. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking for a fun activity in Gatlinburg, the wineries in the area are definitely worth a visit.