Rocky Top Wine Trail

The Smoky Mountain area is well known for its beautiful vistas, wildlife, fun family activities, and overwhelming local hospitality. A little-known gem of the area that should be included in this long list of fun things to do is the wineries. Over the past 30 years, they have sourced local grapes and small fruits to produce exceptionally delicious vintages right here in the Smokies. Until recently, these wineries have been one of the best-kept secrets in the area. Only known to those who happen to chance upon one of the seven while out and about. Ranging from the standard offerings of Cabernet, Merlot, and Chardonnay. To sweet dessert wines such as Blackberry, Peach, and Muscadine. Visitors are often surprised at the quality and variety of winemaking styles.

Here is a sneak peek at the wineries you don’t want to miss:

Sugarland Cellars Winery

Sugarland Cellars Winery is also in Gatlinburg and offers several different tasting options when you visit. Best known for its sweet Loganberry and fruit wines. Don’t miss out on trying some of their dry offerings as well. The wines are named using local history. Therefore, be sure to grab a spot at the bar and ask plenty of questions.

Mountain Valley Winery

Mountain Valley Winery in Pigeon Forge is another long-standing winery that has been around since 1991. Blackberry, Peach, and Muscadine are by far this location’s most popular offerings. They also offer full tours of their wine-making area from noon to 5 p.m. every day.

Apple Barn Winery

Apple Barn Winery is part of the Apple Barn complex in Sevierville. It makes a plethora of sweet apple wines. Blended with fruit that is sure to pair well with your next order of apple fritters! In 2015, they began offering farm-fresh hard ciders as well in their lineup. Pro tip: Don’t miss the seasonal offerings of Apple Pomegranate and Apple Cranberry wines.

Hillside Winery

Hillside Winery is unique in that it is the only local winery that offers a large selection of in-house-made sparkling wines. Tours at this location are some of the best around. Especially if you luck out and are there around harvest season (August – October). Located in Sevierville near the Tanger Five Oaks shopping outlets. Be sure to try their Black & Blue wine made with (you guessed it!) blackberries and blueberries.

Mill Bridge Winery

The latest addition to the area is Mill Bridge Winery. It offers a variety of locally produced wines and hard cider! Be sure to stop in for a fresh growler. Or even a glass of their Cider House Blue, a blueberry/apple hard cider. Additionally, their Pomicide is a delicious blend of apple and pomegranate! They are located on the Little Pigeon River in the Old Mill Historic District. Because of this, you can find tons of family-friendly activities to do in the area, as well.

With over 70 unique wines to try, the Rocky Top Wine Trail is a great option for those looking to make a day (or two) of wine tasting! You simply start at any of the following wineries. Pick up a passport. Then get a stamp at each location: Mountain Valley Winery, Apple Barn Winery, Hillside Winery, Sugarland Cellars Winery, and Mill Bridge Winery. Not only is the Rocky Top Wine Trail 100% free to do, but once you have visited three locations you will receive a free wine glass. And if you finish the trail and visit all five locations you will receive another free gift!

Pro Tip: Don’t plan to do them all in one day, make it a few-day adventure! Stop and enjoy lunch in between and take your time sampling the many different wines available.