I Did The Gatlinburg Winery Trail: Details From Ciders, Meads, and Wines
Yes, I did the Gatlinburg Winery Trail this past week. I did not anticipate doing so soon, but I was curious to taste what I could impart from the different businesses in town. I’m not a big wine guy…or cider…or mead, so this is a bit out of my element to endure a challenge like the one I did last week. After finishing up my last task today, I feel I should let you know how it all went down.
The Gatlinburg Winery Trail was reborn from the similar Gatlinburg Wine Trail. That one had a few wineries that no longer operate in Gatlinburg; however, there are 2 new ones that took over in their exact locations. Many were crestfallen when Sugarland Wine Cellars and Little Bear Winery closed, but never fear, the new wineries may have upped the ante. You have 5 locations to visit in just 7 days, so you can easily accomplish this task on your visit, being that 4 of them are all in downtown Gatlinburg. Tour the town and also get your brochure—which you get on the first stop (any one of the five)—so you can get it stamped at each of the 5 locations as you go along. The cost is just $10 for a VIP tasting, saving you a grand total of $15! Here is my order of operation as it happened…
First: Old Mountain Wine Company
First on my list of winery samplings was Old Mountain Wine Company on Tuesday evening. They are at the southern end of the Parkway closest to the national park entrance. Formerly Sugarland Wine Cellars, they have a nice patio with the occasional live music. But what sets them apart from the rest is they sell slushies and wine by the glass. That’s right—you can order a glass of one of their wines and enjoy it inside or outside on their charming patio.
Their VIP session included all 4 of their meads—the honey-based alcoholic offerings; then, you could choose 5 from their choice of fantastic wines and ciders, plus a slushy at the end. I have spoken previously about my sweet tooth that I have mostly conquered but still—like any addiction—have to stay focused on healthier options. On the other hand, my taste buds repel sweet wines. Old Mountain hits that sweet spot without actually being saccharine. It’s a nice balance I appreciate, and even the ciders aren’t bad. Yes please, to the Caramel Apple! On to the next!
Second: Tanger Outlets Dual Winery
Tennessee Homemade Wines and Tennessee Cider Co. make up the next stop on my list—the only winery on the list not in Gatlinburg, which is located at Tanger Outlets in Sevierville. Being that it’s a unique shop showcasing 2 different businesses under the same ownership, you’re getting a mix of both. Since both have a separate location not far from each other on the Parkway in Gatlinburg, I’ll move on and talk about each later.
Third: Smokin’ Banjo
After doing the first two on consecutive days, I took a day off before tackling #3 on the trail. Smokin’ Banjo occupies the space that was formerly Little Bear Winery, and they are—to me—characterized by a distinct frog mascot plucking the banjo AND two flavors of wine that place them on the “must try” list if you are a visitor: Dreamsicle and Cotton Candy. In totality, you’re given about 9 different wines of their choosing, plus the slushie at the end. Overall, they were strong, and in my opinion, the two “dessert-y” wines I mentioned were the stars—a little sweet but not overpowering.
Fourth: Tennessee Homemade Wines
After taking another day off, on Day 5 of my winery timeline, I visited Tennessee Homemade Wines. So…yeah, if you’re into sweet tart-y wines that’ll make your face pucker, this is your jam…if you will. I’m not going to say I didn’t like any of these—they were decent. My favorite was the Mountain Latte, not surprising since I prefer the alcoholic creams, no matter if they’re from a cider, wine, whiskey, or legal moonshine place. They’ve been in business for 10 years, and I respect their game. It’s just not quite my jam.
Fifth: Tennessee Cider Co.
With one day to spare, I finished off the Gatlinburg Winery Trail at Tennessee Cider Co. Ciders are a hit and miss situation for me. While I’ve tried this place as recently as a free sampling on my son’s birthday, today provided me with an opportunity to revisit its distribution of flavors. I’m a fan of teas, in general, but not of the fervent variety. However, their Hard Tea was smooth and delicious—my favorite of the surprisingly pleasant selections which also included Watermelon, Pineapple, and Peach Mimosa. Overall, I was impressed and a little surprised at how much I enjoyed them, but the payoff was my t-shirt I earned in completion of visiting the five locations and doing the tastings of four different wineries and cideries.
My favorite? For me, the clear winner is Old Mountain Wine Company. The camaraderie, location, patio, music, and of course, the wines, form the perfect place for a nice beverage suitable in any weather or environment. This is the only one I picture myself visiting more often. Everything about it just fits and feels right. Despite my obvious ambivalence toward Tennessee Homemade Wines, I feel 2-5 can be interchangeable based on my mood. I enjoyed the experience, but I’m also glad it’s done. I like to space out my samplings living here in Gatlinburg—almost like a special occasion. I’m definitely not a heavy drinker, so I don’t plan to do another one until the moment is right…or a new flavor is introduced (with a wink and a nudge).
Was it worth it? Yes, absolutely! I learned a few things along the way—other than how much I dislike doing that many tastings in a week. I got my green Gatlinburg Winery Trail t-shirt and did the VIP tastings in 5 different wineries for just $10. That’s some huge savings! So if you are a wine snob, a regular or infrequent drinker, or someone who is anxious to try the various offerings, I highly suggest you give it a shot…or many.
Thank you for reading and subscribing to my publication! More Gatlinburg events are just around the corner, so stay tuned for all the latest information and reviews right here at the Gateway to the Smoky Mountains!