Are you hoping to have an unforgettable Gatlinburg wine weekend when you visit the Smokies? It’s easier than ever to sip on some of the finest Smoky Mountain wines thanks to the Gatlinburg Wine Trail! This self-guided wine tour ensures your weekend is filled with flavor and fun as you hit up all the can’t-miss wineries in the area. Here’s how to have the ultimate Gatlinburg wine weekend:
What is the Gatlinburg Wine Trail?
The Gatlinburg Wine Trail is a self-guided wine tasting experience that allows you to sample the area’s most loved wines for a small fee of just $10! At your first stop, you’ll receive a wine trail passport that gives you access to tastings at each of the 5 wineries on the tour. As you visit each, you’ll receive stamps, eventually redeeming your fully stamped passport for a free gift at your final stop on the Gatlinburg Wine Trail. The stops on the wine trail each offer a unique experience and include:
- Tennessee Homemade Wines (Gatlinburg)
- Tennessee Cider Company (Gatlinburg)
- Smokin’ Banjo (Gatlinburg)
- Old Mountain Wine Company (Gatlinburg)
- Tennessee Homemade Wines/Tennessee Cider Company (Sevierville)
Day 1: Getting Started
Arrive & Unwind
Check into your cabin rental and hotel, taking some time to refresh after traveling. Walk the Gatlinburg Strip, stopping at any shops along the way.
Start Sipping
Along the Gatlinburg Strip, you’ll find your first stop of the Gatlinburg Wine Trail: Tennessee Homemade Wines! Stop in to get your first tastes of some of the finest wines in the Smokies. Sample a variety of Southern sweet wines at this cozy spot, voted as the #1 winery in all of Tennessee! Next head just a short walk away to Smokin’ Banjo, where you’ll enjoy smooth sparkling wines and ciders. Head next door to Tennessee Cider Company, where delicious classic and untraditional hard ciders await.
Dinner Pairings
Be sure to purchase a bottle of your favorite at least one of your first 3 stops on the Gatlinburg Wine Trail. Take your Gatlinburg wine back to your cabin and enjoy it with a home-cooked meal for a relaxing evening, or sip slowly on your hotel balcony as you savor sunset views.
Day 2: The Trail Continues
Your Must-Try Activities
After having a hearty breakfast at one of the many pancake houses in town, it’s the perfect time to dive into any must-try activities before the crowds get big. Whether you want to take a hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park or visit some of the top attractions in town like Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Anakeesta, or Ober Mountain, start your day off with adventure.
Visit Old Mountain Wine Company
Old Mountain Wine Company in Gatlinburg is conveniently located near the entrance of the national park. Drop by to savor the nectar of the Smokies! There’s a bit of everything here, from hard ciders to wines and even meads that you’ll quickly fall in love with.
Finish Up in Sevierville
Don’t forget about visiting Sevierville on your trip! Make your final stop on the Gatlinburg Wine Trail at the combined location of Tennessee Homemade Wines and Tennessee Cider Company in Sevierville. Redeem your fully stamped wine trail passport for a free gift. Once you’re done, do some shopping in the Tanger Outlets or enjoy dinner at one of the nearby restaurants, like Five Oaks Farm Kitchen or The Chop House.
Day 3: A Sweet Sendoff
Morning in the Mountains
Start off your final morning in the Smokies by breathing in the refreshing mountain air from your cabin deck or hotel room balcony. After breakfast, take a relaxing stroll along the Little Pigeon River or visit The Village Shops in Gatlinburg.
Last Call & Midday Relaxation
Did you forget to grab a bottle when experiencing the wine trail? Make sure to stop by and grab your favorite Gatlinburg wine before leaving town. If you have the time, have a picnic lunch or stop at one of the scenic pull-offs in town to get one last glimpse of the spectacular Smokies views.
The ultimate Gatlinburg wine weekend awaits when you experience the award-winning wineries of the Gatlinburg Wine Trail! Curious about the different choices you’ll find? Take a look at all the Gatlinburg wines you’ll find along the way!
