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Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are homes to a number of spectacular wineries. If you’re in town, try some local wines. The wineries can be a lot of fun. Best of all, the wineries in Sevier County offer tastings that are completely free!
To help you make the most of your next vacation, here is a guide to some of the wineries in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. Wineries # 5 – 8 on the list below are part of the Rocky Top Wine Trail. When you get your official Wine Trail Passport stamped at each location, you’ll get a few free gifts to take home!
Tennessee Homemade Wines
Located in downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee Homemade Wines claims to be the most visited winery in the state. This popular Gatlinburg winery uses a hundred-year-old family recipe to produce around a dozen varieties of superb wine. Tennessee Homemade Wines specializes in sweet wines made from locally grown fruits and berries. Some of the most-buzzed-about wines at the shop include the White Knuckle Grape, Blackberry, and Niagara.
Smoky Mountain Winery
Smoky Mountain Winery is the oldest winery in East Tennessee! This legendary winery has won hundreds of regional, national, and even international awards. Smoky Mountain Winery has more than 20 wines to choose from, including Raspberry, Peach, and Muscadine. When you visit Winery Square, walk over to Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House, where you can get free samples of numerous jams, jellies, and butters.
Bootleggers Homemade Wine
Bootleggers Homemade Wine is another one of the best wineries in Gatlinburg. Founded by two sisters, Bootleggers makes their Appalachian wines the old-fashioned way, without any special machines or high-tech equipment. These delicious small-batch wines come in a number of unique varieties, including Strawberry, Redneck Reserve Dessert Wine, and White Table Wine. This Gatlinburg winery also has its own shop at The Island in Pigeon Forge.
Gatlinburg Wine Cellar
Gatlinburg Wine Cellar is located in the heart of Gatlinburg. The wine cellar offers free tastings. They are at the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so you can stop by after a day exploring everything the park. Enjoy locally made wines like a special Apple Pie and Birthday Cake flavors. You can purchase a bottle to take with you!
Little Bear Winery
Little Bear Winery opened in 2019, is the newest winery in Gatlinburg, and offers free tastings. It’s located on the Parkway. Be sure to try a their favorite, two-berries wine. This wine is made with a blend of blueberries and blackberries, as well as rhubarb wine. Little Bear Winery is part of the Gatlinburg Wine Trail, which includes 7 different Gatlinburg wineries. You can sample wine at each of the spots along the trail for free.
Sugarland Cellars Winery
Sugarland Cellars is one of the most popular stops along the Rocky Top Wine Trail. This winery likes to share Gatlinburg’s rich history through its wine. Each bottle includes a story about the Smoky Mountains printed on the label. The 1802 Century Red is named after the year that Gatlinburg’s first Euro-American settlers arrived and includes the history of the William Ogle Cabin.
Mill Bridge Winery
Mill Bridge Winery is located steps away from The Old Mill, one of the most visited destinations in the Smoky Mountains. This excellent Pigeon Forge winery offers a selection of sweet wines, semi-sweet wines, seasonal wines, and hard cider. Guests at Mill Bridge can enjoy their wine or cider on the winery’s scenic patio that overlooks the Little Pigeon River.
Mountain Valley Vineyards
Mountain Valley Vineyards specializes in French and German style wines. Some are made from grapes grown at an East Tennessee vineyard near the Smokies. In addition to free tastings, this Pigeon Forge winery also offers tours where you can see the barrel room, watch the wines being bottled, and chat with the winemakers.
Apple Barn Winery
Just steps from the famous Apple Barn Cider Mill & General Store, the Apple Barn Winery is known for its apple-based wines. All of the apples for the wine are grown onsite at the Apple Barn’s orchard. Some of the most popular wines at the Apple Barn Winery include the Apple-Raspberry, Apple-Pomegranate, and the Apple-Peach.
Hillside Winery
At Hillside Winery, the focus is on Italian style and sparkling wines. Around 80% of the fruit for Hillside’s wines comes from Tennessee farms, most within a hundred miles of the Smoky Mountains. This winery near Pigeon Forge offers tours of the facility. Guests can examine champagne tanks and learn about the winemaking process.
Where to Stay When You Visit a Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge Winery
When you stay with My Bearfoot Cabins, you will be close to these wineries in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains. We strive to have the perfect accommodations for your vacation. Start planning your getaway today.
Pat and Don Kirchhoefer, owners
618-559-3915
pat@mybearfootcabins.com
https://mybearfootcabins.com
