Moonshine and wine, on foot, after 5pm. This 3.5-hour Gatlinburg experience strings together moonshine and wine tastings at three locations, capped with a behind-the-scenes look at a working distillery.

I like that the flavors range widely, from 35 proof cream-based moonshine to 135 proof off-the-still pours, so you can sample different styles instead of one-note sweetness. I also love the small-group feel, where the guide and the bar staff keep things social and let you ask questions.

One thing to consider: the pace is drinking-focused, with real walking and standing time, so eat first and wear comfortable shoes.

Key highlights at a glance

• All tastings included at each stop, plus a special moonshine cocktail
• Small group (up to 12), so you get more attention and fewer bottlenecks
• Three distinct stops: Tennessee Shine Company, Little Bear Winery, Sugarlands Distilling
• Behind-the-scenes distillery time at the final stop, not just a quick look
• Proof variety from cream-based moonshine to higher proof options for the brave
• Discounts if you shop at the locations, based on what the tour provides

A 5pm Gatlinburg tasting walk that packs in three pour stops

This is a classic Gatlinburg evening plan: you meet downtown at 5:00 pm, then spend about 3 hours 30 minutes going bar to bar on foot, tasting wine and moonshine along the way. The tour is designed for adults who want more than a quick sip, since tastings are included at every location and the group stays small.

The meeting point is easy to find: 520 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. From there, the route keeps you in the action on the strip, instead of sending you out to a remote drive-through stop.

What matters most, in real life, is how the tour “feels.” This one is structured to keep you moving, so you are not spending your whole night hunting down the shortest line. A lot of the value here is front-of-line access and coordinated timing, so you get to taste more and wait less.

Stop 1: Tennessee Shine Company flavors, proofs, and that 35 to 135 range

Your evening starts at Tennessee Shine Company – Gatlinburg, where the tasting menu is built around one big idea: you can go from smooth and creamy to straight-up high-proof moonshine. Expect flavors that run from 35 proof cream-based options all the way to 135 proof off-the-still pours.

That range is the fun part. Lower-proof cream styles tend to taste more approachable, like a dessert-adjacent drink. Higher-proof bottles are a different story: they are sharper, hotter, and better for people who like strong spirits. Even if you are not sure what you like, the tour format helps you sample in a guided way, so you learn your own preferences fast.

This is also where the evening’s drinking culture shows up. One practical tip from the experience: if you are into cocktails, ask for the Bloody Mary mix made with jalapeño moonshine from Tennessee Shine Company. It is the kind of detail that turns a tasting into a story you will actually remember.

What can slow you down here

If you take your time at the first tasting, you may feel the pressure later, since the tour is built to move through all three stops. I’d go in hungry only in spirit, not literally hungry, because you will be tasting plenty of pours.

Stop 2: Little Bear Winery VIP time and a true wine break

After the first moonshine tasting, you walk a short distance to Little Bear Winery. This stop is the “wine gear shift,” and it is set up as a VIP experience where you sample multiple types of wine.

For me, the value of this stop is that it breaks the night up. Instead of three hours of the same spirit category, you get a palate reset. That matters, because moonshine can skew sweeter or hotter depending on what you try, and wine tasting gives you a different set of textures and aromas.

The tour staff at this stage typically keep the group comfortable and engaged, with a noticeable emphasis on getting everyone through tastings without long stalls. There are also signs the tour anticipates comfort needs during the walk. For example, you may see a water setup managed by the guide, which is smart, because tasting sessions add up quickly.

A possible expectation mismatch

If you come hoping for a class on grape growing or cellar technique, you might find this is more about enjoying and sampling than deep technical instruction. The tour does teach culture and context, but the structure is still primarily a tasting route.

Stop 3: Sugarlands Distilling behind the scenes, cocktails, and the final flight

The last stop is Sugarlands Distilling Company, and this is where the tour turns from tasting-only into a working distillery experience. You get an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour led by a guide, focused on how the distillery operates as a business, not just how it markets products.

After that, you have a chance to sample moonshine cocktails, then you finish with a moonshine flight tasting. That final flight is often the last moment people decide what they actually want to buy, because by then you have learned how your palate reacts to the different styles and proof levels earlier in the evening.

One detail I really appreciate about this final stop is the pacing choice. Instead of rushing through all tastings and calling it done, the tour gives you a closing experience that feels like an event, not a checklist. Even if the tasting portion is intense, the behind-the-scenes look helps it feel grounded.

The end can feel a little rushed if you linger

A small number of people felt the last tasting and cocktail portion could move faster than expected. That is not rare on a group spirits tour, where the tour schedule is tight. If you are someone who likes to take notes, talk a lot at the bar, or nurse drinks slowly, you may want to keep your “linger time” for the first or second stop, then be ready to keep up near the finish.

Price and value: what $51 really buys you in Gatlinburg

At $51 per person, the tour is priced like a value add, not a premium luxury excursion. The real question is: what do you get for the money?

You get:

• Tastings at three locations, with alcohol included at each stop
• A special moonshine cocktail included in the tour experience
• A planned walking route with a guide coordinating timing
• Small-group handling, so you spend less time waiting in lines

When people say it is worth it, they usually mean the same thing: the tastings are plentiful, and the group structure gets you to the front faster than if you walked in on your own. If you compare it to buying your way through tastings individually at each venue, you can see why the price lands where it does. You are not just paying for “a sip,” you are paying for the schedule, access, and multiple included samples.

There’s also a practical bonus if you shop. The tour provides discounts at each location for purchases, which can reduce the sting if you end up taking something home.

Who this value works best for

This tour tends to be a better deal if you want to sample multiple styles and you do not want to spend your evening making decisions from a menu with a line forming behind you. If you are the type who likes to pop into one place, order one drink, and call it a night, you might not feel the same value.

Small-group size and guides: why the human part matters

This tour caps at 12 travelers, which is more important than it sounds. In Gatlinburg, crowds can turn a fun tasting into constant waiting. With a smaller group, you get a better rhythm: the guide calls the group forward, the bartenders manage tastings for a manageable number of people, and you are not stuck watching other groups go ahead.

The guiding can also set expectations. Multiple guides show up across the experience stories, including names like Jen/Jenn, plus bartenders such as Wild Bill at Tennessee Shine Company, and Payton and Trey at Sugarlands. You should not treat those names as guaranteed, but they reflect the kind of energy this tour is aiming for: friendly, funny, and ready to keep the night moving.

Make the most of the guide time

If you want to squeeze more from the tour, ask questions that connect to what you just tasted. For example:

• Which proof levels tend to be smoother versus hotter?
• What style choices pair best with cocktails?
• How do the flavors change as proof climbs?

If you do that, you will feel like you actually learned something instead of just drank through the night.

Comfort and pacing: how to avoid the common mistakes

This is not a sit-down tasting. You should plan for real walking and standing. The tour is not recommended if you cannot walk at a moderate pace for at least 0.7 miles, and it is not recommended if you cannot stand for up to 3 hours.

Even if you meet those limits, you still want to travel smart. Here are the practical moves that keep the experience fun instead of tiring:

• Eat beforehand. This is the number one piece of advice, because you are getting multiple tastings plus a cocktail.
• Wear comfortable shoes. The route is short between stops, but it adds up over 3.5 hours.
• Pace your pours. You are tasting, not building a personal beer pong career. Take breaks between sips.
• Bring water into your plan. The guide may have water support, but you should still think about hydration as part of your night.

If you want more education

Some people wanted deeper info about how moonshine is made and the finer points of the difference between moonshine and whiskey. The tour does provide cultural context, but it is still a tasting walk. If you want a hands-on technical distilling lesson, pair this with a separate distillery experience in Gatlinburg or accept that this one is more about tasting and stories.

Who should book this tasting tour, and who should skip it

This is a strong fit for:

• Couples and small groups who want a fun evening plan in Gatlinburg
• People who enjoy tasting flights and comparing flavors
• Anyone who wants both moonshine culture and a wine stop, without planning transportation

It is not the best fit for:

• Anyone who cannot handle walking at a moderate pace for 0.7 miles or standing for up to 3 hours
• People traveling with someone under 21 years old, since it is not recommended for that situation
• People who want a calm, slow museum-style tour with lots of time to sit and absorb details

Also consider your drink style. If you only drink one type of alcohol and you are worried about trying unfamiliar flavors, you might find it more enjoyable if you come curious, not committed. The tour gives you options at the Tennessee Shine start, so you can find your lane early.

My bottom line: should you book the Wine and Shine Walking Tour?

If your idea of a good night is structured tastings, a small group, and a working distillery peek, then book it. The biggest reasons are simple: all tastings are included, the group stays small, and the route is set up to reduce waiting while still giving you time to enjoy each stop.

I would skip it only if you want a slow-paced tour with heavy technical instruction, or if you know you will struggle with walking and standing for the full 3.5-hour window. If that is you, you may prefer a more low-key tasting plan at one location.

If you are deciding right now, here’s the quick checklist:

• You want moonshine plus wine in one night, yes?
• You are okay tasting lots of different styles, yes?
• You can handle comfortable walking shoes and standing, yes?

If those three are yes, this tour is a solid value way to spend your Gatlinburg evening.

FAQ

How long is the Wine and Shine Walking Tour?

It runs for about 3 hours 30 minutes.

How much does it cost?

The price is $51.00 per person.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at 520 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 5:00 pm.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

What is included in the ticket price?

Your ticket includes alcohol tastings at each location and a special moonshine cocktail.

Is tipping included?

No. Tips and gratuities are not included.

Do I need to book a specific accessibility level?

The tour is not recommended if you cannot walk at a moderate pace for at least 0.7 miles, or if you cannot stand for up to 3 hours.

Is the tour appropriate for people under 21?

It is not recommended for individuals traveling with persons under 21 years old.

Does the tour run in any weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel and get my money back?

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If it is canceled because the minimum traveler requirement is not met, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.