The Smoky Mountains may be famous for moonshine, but the area is also home to legendary wine! If you’re looking for an adults-only activity in Gatlinburg during your couple’s retreat or trip with friends, you should go wine tasting to try the local wines. As an added bonus, these wineries in Gatlinburg offer tastings that are completely free! Here are the top Gatlinburg wineries that you should visit while you’re in town:
1. Smoky Mountain Winery
Smoky Mountain Winery is the oldest of the Gatlinburg wineries. This local winery has won hundreds of regional, national, and international awards over the decades. When you visit this winery, you’ll find more than 20 varieties of wines to choose from. Some favorites include Muscadine, Peach, and Raspberry. Smoky Mountain Winery is located at Winery Square, where you can also try free samples of jams, preserves, and butters at Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House.
2. Tennessee Homemade Wines
Another one of the must-visit Gatlinburg wineries is Tennessee Homemade Wines. This popular local winery produces a variety of wines using a hundred-year-old family recipe. Tennessee Homemade Wines specializes in Southern sweet wines, which they make using locally grown fruits and berries. During your free wine tasting, you can try their famous flavors with a side of Southern hospitality. Some of the most unique wines at this Gatlinburg winery include Mountain Chocolate, Strawberry Creme, and Peanut Butter & Jelly.
3. Old Mountain Wine Company
Old Mountain Wine Company is one of the Gatlinburg wineries that produces wines inspired by deep Tennessee roots. This winery uses farmed fruits to craft their wines, which they then bottle right at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Each of their sweet-natured wines pays homage to the mountain folk and farmers who built this region. Some of the delicious wines you can try at Old Mountain Wine Company include Watermelon, Blackberry Lemon, and Mango Honey Mead.
4. Bootleggers Homemade Wine
One of the best Gatlinburg wineries that you should visit is Bootleggers Homemade Wine. This winery was founded by two sisters and continues to make Appalachian wines the old-fashioned way right here in Gatlinburg. That means there are no special machines or high-tech equipment used. Instead, Bootleggers Homemade Wine crafts unique varieties of wines in small batches. Popular options include Homegrown Muscadine Blush, Redneck Reserve Dessert Wine, and Homegrown Peach Wine.
5. Gatlinburg Winery
There are two Gatlinburg Winery locations in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg near the Great Smoky Mountains. This local winery carefully crafts a variety of wines that embody the beauty and hospitality of the area. Gatlinburg Winery has a range of red, white, and blush wines. Their signature wine is Cotton Candy, which also has variations such as Cotton Candy Blueberry and Cotton Candy Peach. Other great flavors include Keylime Cheesecake, Barely Blushing, and Mountaingria.
Sampling wines at these Gatlinburg wineries is one of the best free things to do in Gatlinburg. Our Gatlinburg cabins are just a short drive from these amazing wineries and all the other fun things to do in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains! Ranging from 1 bedroom to 26 bedrooms, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect cabin for your vacation! Browse our selection of Gatlinburg cabin rentals and start planning your next getaway!