Wineries in Gatlinburg TN: 7 Pour-Fect Spots to Sip Your Way Through the Smokies
Planning a getaway to the Smokies should feel exciting—not like choosing between your kid’s field trip and a dentist appointment. That’s why a winery in Gatlinburg is the adult upgrade to souvenir shops and pancake houses you didn’t know you needed.
Between the fudge samples and mini golf signs, wineries in Gatlinburg TN are serving up sweet Southern sips and stress-free vibes that hit differently after a day of wrangling family schedules or dodging bachelorette groups.
These spots aren’t just pouring wine—they’re pouring much-needed peace (and maybe a little buzz). Keep reading, because this is not your grandma’s winery crawl—it’s the one you’ll be bragging about all year!
Sip, Stroll, Repeat: Wineries Worth Wandering to in Downtown Gatlinburg
Tennessee Homemade Wines
Skip the touristy taffy and step inside Tennessee Homemade Wines for a true Southern welcome disguised as a pour. Tucked right on the main strip, this sweet-leaning spot is consistently praised as one of the best wineries in Gatlinburg—and not just because they hand you free samples like candy on Halloween.
Expect vibrant flavors made with local fruit, everything from juicy blackberry to cotton candy wine that somehow works! The staff here doesn’t just pour—they entertain, educate, and sometimes even hand you a wine slushy that makes you rethink your allegiance to moonshine.
Old Mountain Wine Company
Craving a cozy vibe with zero pretense? Find it at Old Mountain Wine Company, where porch hangs and fireplace tastings turn your casual stop into a standout wine tasting experience.
This isn’t just a drink-and-dash kind of place—between the dog-friendly patio, mountain views, and occasional live music, it’s the kind of spot you’ll want to settle into for a while. With meads, mimosas, and fortified wines in the mix, it’s ideal for curious sippers looking to explore beyond the basics.
Smoky Mountain Winery
Behind a stone façade in Winery Square lives a legend: Smoky Mountain Winery, the oldest operating winery in East Tennessee and a crown jewel among local favorites. Mention the Smoky Mountain Winery to any repeat Gatlinburg-goer and they’ll likely have a memory (and a bottle) to share.
Inside, you’ll find more than 20 wines available to sample—from rich reds to fruit-forward favorites—all poured with a side of history and heart. It’s ADA accessible, no-frills, and refreshingly un-touristy in a town that doesn’t always know how to do subtle.
Bootleggers Homemade Wine
Swing by Bootleggers Homemade Wine if you’re looking for a winery in Gatlinburg TN that feels like your grandma’s kitchen…if your grandma made wine and had a rebel streak. Small-batch and proudly hands-on, they craft their wine using Appalachian family recipes, and yes, it tastes like tradition (in the best way).
The space is rustic and charming with a touch of mischief, perfect for sipping something like their Redneck Reserve while swapping road trip stories. Bonus: the pours are generous, the staff is as down-to-earth as it gets, and every bottle comes with a little bit of mountain magic.
Trail Mix, But Make It Wine: Savor Stops Along the Rocky Top Wine Trail
Mountain Valley Winery
Step inside a little slice of Tennessee wine history at Mountain Valley Winery, one of the longest-running spots in the state and a staple on the trail since 1991. Known for pushing the flavor envelope, Mountain Valley Winery serves up everything from sweet watermelon wines to red velvet dessert pours that taste like cake in a glass.
The winery blends small-town charm with a polished experience, offering tours of its bottling room and a tasting bar full of personality. Whether you’re team dry, sweet, or “I’ll try anything once,” this is where the Rocky Top Wine Trail gets deliciously unpredictable.
Hillside Winery
Channel your inner Italian nonna (wine glass in hand, obviously) at Hillside Winery, a Tuscan-inspired gem nestled in Sevierville. Crushing over 850,000 pounds of locally grown grapes each year, Hillside Winery leans into sparkling and Italian-style varietals that somehow make you feel worldly and barefoot at the same time.
Their pet-friendly outdoor patio and wine slushies make it the ultimate spot to relax after a day of outlet mall chaos. With friendly staff, unexpected pours, and a wine list that spans muscadine to bubbly, this place delivers big “vino vacation” energy without leaving Tennessee.
Apple Barn Winery
Don’t expect a typical tasting room experience when you stop by Apple Barn Winery—this place is all about turning apples into applause-worthy wine. Located on the banks of the Little Pigeon River, Apple Barn Winery crafts every bottle onsite using locally grown apples, which gives their wine lineup a uniquely Southern twist.
From refreshing white blends to dessert-style sippers, every pour comes with a side of warm hospitality and small-town charm. And yes, it’s part of a larger village that includes a bakery, restaurant, and general store—so go ahead and make a day of it.
Which Winery Are You Visiting First?
From sweet Southern sips to small-batch surprises, the wineries in Gatlinburg TN offer way more than just a break from moonshine. Each winery in Gatlinburg delivers a mix of personality, flavor, and pure Smoky Mountain magic you’ll be talking about long after the last pour.
Already dreaming up your sipping itinerary? Now’s the perfect time to start planning your trip, especially since you can book Gatlinburg attractions, shows, and hotels all in one place. Score deals, bundle activities, and explore vacation packages through Tripster that make every moment and every dollar count.
Don’t just read about it—grab your passport, pack your stretchy pants, and get ready to sip your way through Gatlinburg!
What Are The Winery in Gatlinburg FAQs?
Do I need a reservation for wine tastings?
Most wineries do not require reservations for standard tastings and welcome walk-ins. However, it’s a good idea to call ahead if you’re visiting with a large group or want a private experience.
What’s the best time of day to visit a winery in Gatlinburg?
Late morning to early afternoon is ideal, especially on weekends when foot traffic picks up. Visiting earlier in the day often means shorter wait times, more personalized attention, and fresher palates.
What kind of wines are served at Gatlinburg wineries?
Expect a variety of sweet Southern wines made with fruits like apple, strawberry, blackberry, and muscadine. Some wineries also offer drier reds, meads, and sparkling wines.
Is there a wine trail in Gatlinburg?
Yes, there are two: the Gatlinburg Wine Trail and the Rocky Top Wine Trail. Both include multiple stops and offer fun incentives like free tastings and souvenir gifts for completing the trail.
Are wine tastings free in Gatlinburg?
Yes, many wineries in Gatlinburg TN offer free tastings, especially for their signature sweet wines. Complimentary samples are available at Tennessee Homemade Wines, Old Mountain Wine Company, Smoky Mountain Winery, Hillside Winery, Mountain Valley Winery, and Apple Barn Winery. No pressure to purchase, just pure sipping fun.
Can I buy wine and have it shipped home?
Yes, several wineries in Gatlinburg offer shipping so you can enjoy their wines long after your trip ends. Tennessee Homemade Wines, Old Mountain Wine Company, and Mountain Valley Winery all ship to eligible states. Just ask their staff or check online for shipping availability in your area.
Is parking available at the wineries?
Parking is available at most locations, though downtown spots may be limited during peak hours. Consider walking, taking the trolley, or using rideshare services for convenience.
What’s the best way to plan a winery trip in Gatlinburg?
Bundle your winery visits with local experiences by booking vacation packages through Tripster. You’ll save time, get exclusive deals, and can include Gatlinburg attractions, shows, and hotels in your itinerary.
Are pets allowed at the wineries?
Yes! Old Mountain Wine Company, Hillside Winery, and Apple Barn Winery all offer pet-friendly outdoor seating areas, making them great stops if you’re traveling with your four-legged friend.
