- Discover 5 top wineries in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains, each with free tastings and unique local flavors.
- Explore the Gatlinburg Wine Trail and the Rocky Top Wine Trail for more delicious sips.
- Many wineries are pet-friendly and offer signature experiences like stay-and-sip patios and cocktail bars.
- Pair your wine adventure with a luxury cabin stay; hot tubs, fire pits, and mountain views await!
Turns out these rolling hills in the Smokies are the perfect place to grow grapes! Picture this: You’re sampling sweet Muscadine wine in a cozy tasting room, chatting with friendly winemakers passionate about handcrafted wines from local ingredients. The afternoon brings a stroll along the Gatlinburg Strip, hopping from one award-winning winery to the next. As the sun sets, you return to your private cabin: hot tub bubbling, mountain views stretching for miles, and a bottle of your new favorite wine ready to uncork.
Ready to plan your day sipping your way through Smoky Mountain wineries? Here are 5 must-visit wineries in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville:
1. Tennessee Homemade Wines
Locations: Downtown Gatlinburg & Sevierville TN
Unique Features: Wine club with shipping, friendly staff, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Signature Offerings: Sweet fruit wines, hard ciders, and creative cream flavors
What Makes It Special: Voted the best local winery in Tennessee and the most popular stop along the Gatlinburg Wine Trail, Tennessee Homemade Wines is all about Southern hospitality and local ingredients. Join their wine club for home delivery, or just pop in for a complimentary tasting, no reservations needed!
Wine tastings are one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg for couples, groups of friends, and adults, and you’ll want to bring a bottle back to your cabin to enjoy on the deck as the sun sets over the Smokies.
2. Smoky Mountain Winery
Location: Gatlinburg TN
Unique Features: Gift shop, free parking, and a welcoming vibe for both new and seasoned wine enthusiasts.
Signature Offerings: Over 20 award-winning wines, including Peach, Muscadine, Raspberry, and Blackberry.
What Makes It Special: As the oldest winery in East Tennessee, Smoky Mountain Winery has racked up hundreds of regional, national, and international awards. The tasting room is pet-friendly, and the staff is always happy to share their expertise.
While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House across the street for free samples and unique food items!
3. Old Mountain Wine Company
Location: Gatlinburg TN
Unique Features: Family-friendly, cocktail bar, outdoor games, and a relaxed, social atmosphere.
Signature Offerings: mead, hard cider, Burly Blackberry, Mango Honey Mead, and Summer Peach Cider.
What Makes It Special: The only “stay-and-sip” winery in Gatlinburg, Old Mountain Wine Company features a pet-friendly outdoor patio with fire pits and cornhole. Their cocktail bar serves up handcrafted drinks made from their own wines and ciders.
After sampling their creative cocktails, take a few bottles of wine back to your cabin and unwind on the deck, in the hot tub, or by the fire pit, perfect for a romantic getaway in Gatlinburg TN!
4. Elkmont Winery
Locations: Downtown Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge TN
Unique Features: rustic, modern Southern flair, wine slush mixes.
Signature Offerings: Peach Cobbler Moscato (a local favorite), Huckleberry Moscato, Blueberry Pie, Chocolate Almond Creme, and more.
What Makes It Special: Known for its signature Peach Cobbler Moscato, Elkmont Winery offers a wide variety of sweet fruit wines, cream wines, slush mixes, and hard ciders. Visit the rustic tasting room along the Gatlinburg Strip or stop by the Pigeon Forge location across from the Old Mill!
5. Apple Barn Winery
Location: Sevierville TN
Unique Features: Pet-friendly, vegan-friendly, wine slushies, and riverfront views.
Signature Offerings: Apple-based wines, Muscadine, Blueberry, Peach, and seasonal blends.
What Makes It Special: A stop along the Rocky Top Wine Trail, the Apple Barn Winery crafts delicious wines from locally grown apples. The Apple Barn Village also features restaurants, a hard cider shop and cider mill, a creamery, candy shop, and a separate dessert wine shoppe, making it a full-day destination.
After a day at Apple Barn Village, head back to your cabin for a relaxing evening, maybe with a glass of apple wine by the fire.
Comparing the Top Wineries in Gatlinburg & the Smokies
| Winery | Locations | Signature Offerings | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Homemade Wines | Gatlinburg/Sevierville | Sweet fruit wines, ciders | Wine club, voted best TN winery |
| Smoky Mountain Winery | Gatlinburg | 20+ award-winning wines | Oldest in East TN, gift shop |
| Old Mountain Wine Co. | Gatlinburg | 20+ flavors, mead, cider | Stay-and-sip, cocktail bar, |
| Elkmont Winery | Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge | Fruit wines, hard ciders, and slush mixes | Home to Peach Cobbler Moscato |
| Apple Barn Winery | Sevierville | Apple-based, Muscadine, blends | Apple Barn Village, dessert wine shoppe |
Key Takeaway: Whether you’re a sweet wine fan or love a classic Muscadine, Gatlinburg’s wineries offer something for every palate. And with most tastings free, it’s easy to sample your way through the Smokies. After a day of exploring, there’s nothing better than relaxing in a Summit Cabin Rentals hot tub with your favorite local bottle.
Explore Wine Trails of the Smoky Mountains
Wine trails are a fun, flexible way to explore the region: no reservations, no rush, just great wine and good company.
Gatlinburg Wine Trail
With over 40 different offerings, the Gatlinburg Wine Trail is a must for anyone wanting to sample the best of local wine culture. Visit all 5 locations within 7 days and receive a free gift!
Rocky Top Wine Trail
The Rocky Top Wine Trail is Tennessee’s first and most visited wine trail. The passport is completely free; there is no time limit to complete the trail, and you earn free gifts after collecting 3 stamps and again after all 5 stops
Quick Recap: Gatlinburg’s wine scene is as diverse as its mountain views. From creative meads to dessert-inspired moscato, you’ll find new favorites at every stop. Summit Cabin Rentals offers the perfect lodging pairing to go with your wine: choose from cozy 1-bedroom retreats to spacious 8-bedroom lodges, all with luxury amenities.
FAQs About Smoky Mountain Wineries
Are there free wine tastings in Gatlinburg?
Yes! Most wineries in Gatlinburg offer completely free tastings, including Tennessee Homemade Wines, Smoky Mountain Winery, Old Mountain Wine Company, and Elkmont Winery. Apple Barn Winery in Sevierville also offers free tastings, with an optional Tasting Pass that covers their full lineup, including the Hard Cider Co. and Dessert Wine Shoppe.
What is the Gatlinburg Wine Trail?
The Gatlinburg Wine Trail is a self-guided tasting experience featuring five stops in and around Gatlinburg, TN. For just $10, you receive a passport valid for 7 days. Visit each stop, collect a stamp, and complete all 5 stops to earn a free gift. No reservations are needed, and you can start at any location. The trail gives you access to over 40 different wines and ciders.
What is the Rocky Top Wine Trail?
The Rocky Top Wine Trail is Tennessee's first and most visited wine trail, featuring five wineries in the Pigeon Forge and Sevierville area. The passport is completely free; there is no time limit to complete the trail, and you earn free gifts after collecting 3 stamps and again after all 5 stops.
Which Gatlinburg wineries are pet-friendly?
Smoky Mountain Winery welcomes well-behaved pets in the tasting area, and Old Mountain Wine Company has a pet-friendly outdoor patio with fire pits and cornhole. Apple Barn Winery in Sevierville is also pet-friendly. Summit Cabin Rentals also offers pet-friendly cabins so your whole family, including your dog, can enjoy the Smoky Mountains together.
Where should I stay for a wine tasting trip to Gatlinburg?
A cabin is the ideal place to stay for a Smoky Mountain wine getaway. Summit Cabin Rentals offers cozy 1-bedroom retreats for couples all the way to spacious 8-bedroom lodges for groups. Most cabins feature hot tubs, fire pits, mountain views, and game rooms. After a day of wine tasting along the Gatlinburg Wine Trail or Rocky Top Wine Trail, there’s nothing better than uncorking a bottle on your cabin deck with the mountains in the background.
Sip and Stay at Your Smoky Mountain Cabin
After a day of exploring the best wineries in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains, there’s no better way to unwind than with a glass of local wine on your private cabin deck. Whether you’re soaking in a hot tub, gathered around a fire pit, or simply admiring the mountain views, Summit Cabin Rentals makes every moment special.
Ready to plan your perfect wine getaway? Take a look at all of our cabins in the Smokies and book your stay now!
