Top Rated Wine and Shine Walking Tour

This tour is interesting because it treats Gatlinburg like a real tasting town, not a checklist. You start at a moonshine distillery, shift to a wine stop with a VIP feel, then finish at Sugarlands with a working-distillery look and a moonshine flight.

I like that the tastings are included at every stop, so you can focus on trying flavors instead of doing math in your head. I also like the small group size (max 12), which makes it easier to ask questions and compare what you actually taste, not just hear a sales pitch.

One drawback to plan for: the pacing can feel brisk at times, and you are on your feet for part of the evening. If you need a slow, lecture-style tour or you struggle to stand, this might not be your best fit.

Key highlights you will feel on the tour

• Three tasting stops with alcohol included at each one, plus a special moonshine cocktail
• High-proof moonshine range at Tennessee Shine Company, from cream-based styles up to 135 proof
• Sugarlands working distillery time with a behind-the-scenes look and a final moonshine flight
• A small group max of 12, so your guide can actually answer questions
• Front-of-line help reported by people who hate waiting in tasting lines
• Guides and servers by name, with recent groups featuring Jen/Jennifer and bartenders like Wild Bill and Trey

Why this Gatlinburg walk blends moonshine, wine, and a working distillery

Gatlinburg is famous for fun. This tour is how you turn that fun into a clear tasting plan. Instead of popping into random bars, you follow a set route and get guided sampling across moonshine culture and wine within about three and a half hours.

You also get a useful reality check. Moonshine in this region is not one single taste, it is a whole family of styles, strengths, and flavor directions. One of the strongest reasons to book is the built-in chance to compare, like when you start with cream-based options and then hit much higher proof, including something described as off the still up to 135 proof.

Just know the tone is more party-night than classroom. You will learn plenty, but the tour is designed around tasting and conversation while you walk.

Meeting at 520 Parkway and what 3.5 hours really means

The tour meets at 520 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 and starts at 5:00 pm. You also end back near the same place, which keeps the night simple when you are deciding dinner plans afterward.

Duration runs about 3 hours 30 minutes. In that time, you will do multiple tastings and short walks between stops, then finish with a final flight. That timing matters because it is long enough to feel like an event, but short enough that you are not stuck all night.

Also pay attention to the “movement” rules. The tour is not for wheelchairs or slow-moving days. It is not recommended if you cannot walk at a moderate pace for at least 0.7 miles, or if you cannot stand for up to 3 hours. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed, but you should still gauge your comfort level before booking.

Stop 1: Tennessee Shine Company tasting, from cream-based to 135 proof

Your first stop sets the flavor expectations. At Tennessee Shine Company – Gatlinburg, the tasting covers a wide proof range, including cream-based options around 35 proof and offerings up to 135 proof, including a style described as off the still.

Here is the practical value: you learn fast how alcohol strength changes what you taste. Higher proof can hit harder and push flavors to the front. Lower proof can come across smoother and let you pick up sweetness or cream notes more easily.

A smart tip from people who really paid attention: if you like spicy-cocktail territory, ask for the jalapeño moonshine Bloody Mary mix. It has been called out as a standout, and it is the kind of detail that turns a basic tasting into a memorable drink.

One more pacing note. You will likely move quickly through samples, so do what works for you: take a sip, breathe, then decide what you like. If you are the type who tastes five things in a row and forgets your favorites, slow yourself down for the first stop so the rest of the tour is more useful.

Stop 2: Little Bear Winery VIP experience and wine sampling

After that first moonshine hit, you take a short walk to Little Bear Winery. This is where the tour shifts from distillery culture into a more traditional tasting mood, with an experience described as VIP.

The big promise here is variety. You sample many different types of wine, and the setting gives you a different pace than the distillery stop. Even if you normally skip wine tours, this stop helps you compare your day: moonshine flavor patterns versus grape-based profiles.

You should also factor this into expectations. Wine lovers might feel like this is the calmer stop, while non-wine drinkers might find it easier to identify sweetness levels, dryness, and flavor intensity. Either way, it is a useful counterbalance after tasting higher proof spirits.

One caution worth mentioning, based on a real-world report: a couple of people experienced a change that affected the wine portion. The good news is the overall tour structure is still designed around three locations, but if wine is your priority, it is worth checking any updates you receive right before the tour.

Stop 3: Sugarlands Distilling Company behind the scenes and the final flight

Your last stop is Sugarlands Distilling Company, and this is the payoff stop. You get an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of a working distillery with a knowledgeable guide, then you have a chance to sample actual moonshine cocktails. After that, you wrap with a moonshine flight tasting.

This is where the tour becomes more than “just drinks.” The working-distillery angle gives you context for why moonshine tastes the way it does. Even if you already know the basics, being able to ask questions in the moment is where the knowledge sticks.

Cocktails help too. They let you experience moonshine in a mixed format, not just straight. That matters because a flight can feel intense if you jump straight from high proof samples. With cocktails in the mix, you can compare how the base spirit behaves when it meets mixers and flavor add-ons.

People have called Sugarlands a favorite, and there is a reason. It often feels like the tour’s “event finale,” where staff and servers go beyond pouring and actually keep things fun.

Expect this stop to be the most active. If you want to savor every pour, pace yourself earlier so you are still enjoying the final flight instead of just surviving it.

Value and price: what $51 buys you in real tasting time

At $51 per person, this tour can feel like a lot until you break down what is included. Your ticket covers alcohol tastings at three locations plus a special moonshine cocktail.

You are also paying for the structure. In a place like Gatlinburg, tasting lines can be long. Multiple reviews highlight the value of skipping or avoiding long lines, which saves time and keeps your night from turning into a queue marathon.

Then there is the often-overlooked value: discounts. There are discounts at each location for guests doing any shopping, which can help offset the cost if you plan to bring home a bottle or two.

The small-group limit also matters. A max of 12 travelers is not just a number. It changes how the experience flows. When you are not crowded, you can ask how something is made, what proof means for flavor, or why a bartender suggests a certain pairing.

If you hate guided tours and just want to taste on your own, you might feel this is “extra.” But if you want a built-in route, included tastings, and less waiting, $51 can be a fair trade for a night out.

The vibe: guides, pacing, and why names like Jen, Wild Bill, and Trey show up

One of the strongest themes in feedback is that the guide matters. Names like Jen/Jennifer show up again and again as a host who keeps the experience moving and fun. People also mention specific bartenders by name at the stops, including Wild Bill at Tennessee Shine Company and Trey at Sugarlands.

That is useful information for your expectations. This is not just “walk from bar to bar.” The staff at each tasting location tends to be part of the experience, with entertaining pouring and a lot of interaction.

Still, be honest with yourself about pacing. Some people felt the tour could be more leisurely and that tasting info could be easier to process. On top of that, a few reported finishing earlier than expected and then the remaining time felt different at the last stop. That means the schedule is not always perfectly linear.

So here is how you make it work for you. Arrive with an open mind and an appetite for conversation, and be ready to taste fast. If you want deep explanations, ask your questions early at each stop, before the flow moves on.

One more practical detail that came up: your guide may help with logistics like having water available via a wagon and carrying items people buy. That is small, but it makes a difference when you start collecting bottles.

Drink smart: what to eat, how to pace, and what to order

This is a tasting tour. Plan like one.

Eat before you go. It sounds basic, but it is one of the clearest pieces of advice tied to this tour. People have emphasized that tastings are plentiful and you will feel it, especially when you sample different proof levels.

Now add pacing. One review advice that is easy to use: pace yourself. If you try everything at every pour without spacing, you will hit the Sugarlands flight at a less-than-ideal level.

As for what to order, you can use one ready-made suggestion from people who specifically singled it out: ask for the jalapeño moonshine Bloody Mary mix at Tennessee Shine Company if that flavor direction appeals to you.

If you prefer lighter drinks, start with lower-proof samples first, then decide whether higher proof is your thing. Cream-based moonshine can be a softer on-ramp before you go big.

And if you are a wine-focused drinker, do not skip the moonshine. The tour is designed so you can find at least one moonshine style you enjoy. You might discover you like it more than you expected.

Who should book this Gatlinburg moonshine and wine walking tour

This tour is a good match if you want:

• An organized route with included tastings across both moonshine and wine
• A night out with small-group attention and time to ask questions
• A strong chance to try multiple styles without planning each stop yourself
• A final stop with a working distillery behind-the-scenes feel

You may want to skip it if:

• You cannot walk 0.7 miles at a moderate pace or you struggle to stand for up to 3 hours
• You are traveling with anyone under 21 (the tour is not recommended for those situations)
• You need a slow, more classroom-style pace with lots of digestible explanations and fewer pours

This is also a great “first time in Gatlinburg” activity. It gives you a sense of what the town is doing with alcohol and why moonshine culture is such a key part of the local identity.

Should you book this tour?

If you like tasting experiences and you want a structured way to sample Gatlinburg moonshine and wine in one evening, I think this is a smart book. The strongest reasons are the included tastings at three locations, the small group max of 12, and the Sugarlands finish with behind-the-scenes time plus a flight.

Book it if you also value avoiding long lines and getting staff attention, and if you are willing to drink and walk a bit.

Hold off if you dislike fast pacing, want a wine-only itinerary, or need a very slow tempo. A couple of real-world scheduling changes have been reported, so if wine is non-negotiable for you, double check any updates you receive close to start time.

Overall, this is the kind of tour that turns an ordinary evening into a proper tasting night, with just enough guidance to make it feel worth the money.

FAQ

How long is the Gatlinburg wine and shine walking tour?

It runs about 3 hours 30 minutes.

What is the price per person?

The tour costs $51.00 per person.

Where do I meet, and what time does it start?

You meet at 520 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, and the tour starts at 5:00 pm. It ends back at the meeting point.

What tastings are included in the ticket?

Alcoholic beverages are included, including tastings at each of the three stops, plus a special moonshine cocktail.

Is there a cocktail included?

Yes. The ticket includes tastings at each location and a special moonshine cocktail.

How many people are in the group?

This experience has a maximum of 12 travelers.

How much walking should I expect?

The tour is not recommended if you cannot walk at a moderate pace for a minimum of 0.7 miles.

Is this tour appropriate for people under 21?

This tour is not recommended for individuals traveling with persons under 21 years old.

What happens if poor weather cancels the tour?

If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.