Top Rated Wine and Shine Walking Tour

Moonshine and wine in one walk.

This is a 3 hour 30 minute evening tour in Gatlinburg that mixes tastings at a moonshine distillery, a winery stop with a VIP feel, and a behind-the-scenes finale at a working distillery. I especially like the small group size (up to 12), which keeps things friendly and gives you time to ask questions, and I like that the tastings are bundled together so you can come thirsty without doing your own route planning. One drawback to consider: you need a moderate walking ability and you should expect a faster pace with lots of samples rather than a slow, sit-down lesson.

You start at 520 Parkway and head out at 5:00 pm, returning to the same spot when you’re done. The tour includes alcoholic tastings at each stop, plus a special moonshine cocktail, so your money is mostly going to drinking time, not extra add-ons. If you cannot walk about 0.7 miles at a moderate pace or stand for up to 3 hours, this may feel like too much.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Three included stops across moonshine and wine, with tastings at every location
• A working distillery finale that includes a behind-the-scenes look and extra cocktail sampling
• Lots of pouring with a full moonshine flight at the end, not just one quick taste
• Up to 12 people max, which helps the guide keep everyone together
• Moderate walking required, and you should plan to stand part of the time
• Alcohol is included, but tips are not, so budget a little extra if you want to reward the crew

Price and What You Actually Get for $51

At $51 per person, this isn’t a bargain bargain, but it also isn’t just a marketing-friendly “try a sip” tour. The big value is that your ticket covers alcoholic beverages at each stop, including a special moonshine cocktail tied to the final stretch.

In practice, what that means for you is less decision fatigue. You are not bouncing between spots trying to figure out which flight is worth it, which bottle is popular, and whether a line is about to swallow your evening. You are on a timed route, and the stops are selected so you can sample a range of flavors in one go.

One more value point: several tour participants noted that the group setup can help with front-of-line access and that there are discounts available at each location for shopping. That’s not why you go, but it sweetens the deal if you want to bring something home.

The 5:00 pm Walk, Time Budget, and Pace

This tour runs about 3 hours 30 minutes and starts at 5:00 pm from 520 Parkway in Gatlinburg. You will be back at the same meeting point when it ends. That timing is smart because it gives you daylight to roam earlier, then lets you roll into tastings as the evening scene picks up.

The pace can feel “move, taste, learn a little, move again.” Many people loved the energy and said they got plenty of samples. A smaller number wished the pacing were a touch more leisurely or more focused on digestible tasting info. So if you hate rushing, go in with expectations set: this is a fun drinking walk, not a slow class.

Your guide also matters. People highlighted guides like Jenn/Jen and mentioned distillery staff by name, including Wild Bill at Tennessee Shine Company, plus Payton and Trey at Sugarlands. Even when the guide’s job is mostly to keep you moving, the serving staff at each stop can make the experience feel personal.

Stop 1: Tennessee Shine Company Tasting, From Cream to Off-the-Still

Your first stop is Tennessee Shine Company in Gatlinburg, and it is all about variety. The tasting you get runs from 35 proof cream-based flavors up to 135 proof off-the-still moonshine. That range is exactly why this start works: you ease in with something approachable, then you get a reality check on how intense higher-proof moonshine can be.

If you are new to moonshine, this is a useful way to learn by taste. Cream-based moonshine often reads smoother and dessert-like, while higher proof versions are more about the raw bite, the spirit character, and how you personally like your sweetness or flavoring.

Also, this is where you set your night strategy. If you know you are sensitive to alcohol, take the first pours slowly, sip water, and decide early whether you will stay in “tasting mode” or switch into “I want to enjoy this fully” mode.

Practical note: the tour lasts long enough that you should plan for a moderate amount of standing and walking soon after you arrive. Start hydrating before you meet your group.

Stop 2: Little Bear Winery VIP Sampling After a Short Walk

After Tennessee Shine Company, you head on to Little Bear Winery for a tasting-style stop that aims for a VIP experience. The tour includes wine sampling across different types, and the vibe here is typically lighter than a pure moonshine pour.

This stop is valuable because it adds contrast. Moonshine culture is its own world, but wine brings structure: acidity, fruit character, tannin, and how different styles pair with flavors. Even if you do not think of yourself as a wine person, tasting multiple types back-to-back helps you find what you actually like instead of guessing.

One thing to keep in mind: if you tend to dislike dry wines, you might want to pay attention when you get served. Some participants mentioned that certain pours were not their favorite because they preferred sweeter styles. You can usually manage that by asking for a swap or by focusing on the sweeter-leaning options during your tasting.

Stop 3: Sugarlands Distilling Behind-the-Scenes and the Last Moonshine Flight

Sugarlands Distilling Company is the finale, and it is the stop with the most moving parts. You get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a working distillery, then you may have the chance to sample actual moonshine cocktails, and finally you finish with a moonshine flight tasting.

This is where the tour earns its keep. A behind-the-scenes segment gives context for what you are tasting. You are not just chasing flavors, you are seeing how a working facility functions and how the staff think about serving and mixing.

The cocktail moment is also a smart bridge. Tastings can stay at “neat sip” mode, but cocktails help you experience moonshine in a more approachable format. If you love spicy or bold flavors, you will probably enjoy having a cocktail option on the menu.

Then comes the final flight, which is the tour’s last big opportunity to explore multiple moonshine styles in a single session. If you pace yourself earlier, this is the moment where you can really enjoy the variety instead of just surviving it.

Small Group Size: Why Up to 12 Matters Here

The tour caps at 12 travelers, and that small number is not just a comfort detail. It changes the whole feel.

With a bigger group, you spend time waiting, pushing, and losing track of your place. With a smaller group, your guide can keep everyone together, the staff can pour more smoothly, and you usually get better interaction. People specifically praised the guide for keeping things organized and for maintaining a pace that felt manageable.

It also helps for couples and small groups. Several people wrote about going as a pair, including honeymoon celebrations. That tells me the tour works when you want a shared experience without it turning into a chaotic bar crawl.

One caution: small groups can still move fast if the stops run on tight schedules. If you are hoping for a long conversation at each location, bring that up with your guide early and keep your own questions short and specific.

Who Will Love This Tour (and Who Might Not)

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• A fun Gatlinburg evening that combines wine and moonshine
• A route that does the decision-making for you
• Plentiful tastings instead of one token pour
• A behind-the-scenes distillery stop at the end

It may not be the right fit if you:

• Want a deep, slow lesson on how moonshine is made and how it differs from whiskey
• Hate rushing between locations
• Have trouble walking about 0.7 miles at a moderate pace or standing for up to 3 hours
• Are traveling with kids or anyone under 21, since this tour is not recommended for those situations

If you are the type who thinks, I can just walk into any bar and taste, you might be disappointed. Some people did say the tour felt unnecessary for doing simple tastings on your own. But the tour’s value is the structured experience: the group timing, the included tastings, and the working distillery focus.

Drink Smart: How to Have Fun Without Wrecking Your Night

This tour is designed to get you tasting, and the tastings can add up. The most consistent advice is simple: eat before you go. People directly called this out as the difference between fun and misery.

Here are a few practical moves:

• Start with water before your first pour and keep a bottle handy during the walk
• Pace yourself at the high-proof end, especially with 135 proof
• Treat the final flight as your “choose your favorites” stage
• If you want to shop, remember you may be better off knowing what you like first, then checking the discounts afterward

And if you have never liked moonshine, do not assume you will hate it forever. One of the most encouraging notes was that people discovered they actually liked it once they tried the right flavors and mixes.

Getting the Most Out of Your Guide and Your Stops

Even when the route is the star, the people who pour the samples can change everything. You will likely meet a guide like Jen/Jenn, and you may hear staff names such as Wild Bill, Payton, or Trey mentioned by people who attended. Whether those are your specific hosts or not, you can expect a friendly serving style and a willingness to explain the differences you are tasting.

To get more out of the experience, ask:

• Which flavors are easiest for first-timers
• What makes the higher proof tastings feel different
• Which wine types match a moonshine flavor style

Keep questions short because the group moves. Your best payoff comes when you ask one or two good questions at the right moment, then enjoy what they serve.

Should You Book This Wine and Shine Walking Tour?

Book it if you want an organized, alcohol-included evening that hits moonshine and wine in one smooth route, with a small group feel and a working distillery finale. At $51, it makes sense for anyone who would otherwise spend time and money hopping around trying to recreate the same sampling lineup.

Skip it if you are looking for a relaxed, long-form explanation of distilling history, or if walking and standing are tough for you. This is a drinking walk with included tastings, not a slow museum-style tour.

If you are choosing between this and self-guided tastings, my advice is to pick this when you want structure and a set lineup. Pick self-guided only when you truly want to control every stop, every pour, and every pacing decision.

If you’re ready to come hungry, pace yourself, and treat 5:00 pm as your start time for fun, this one is a very solid bet in Gatlinburg.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 5:00 pm and ends back at the meeting point.

Where does the tour meet, and where does it end?

The meeting point is 520 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the tour?

It runs about 3 hours 30 minutes.

What is included in the ticket price?

Your ticket includes alcoholic beverages, including tastings at each location and a special moonshine cocktail.

What is not included?

Tips and gratuities are not included.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum size of 12 travelers.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

How much walking is involved?

It is not recommended for individuals who cannot walk at a moderate pace for a minimum of 0.7 miles.

Is it okay if I cannot stand for a long time?

It is not recommended for individuals who cannot stand for a period of up to 3 hours.

Is this tour refundable if I cancel?

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. If canceled because the minimum number of travelers is not met, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.