Moonshine and wine, tightly wrapped into one easy walk. You get tastings at three classic Gatlinburg stops, plus a guide who explains the culture while you sample. I especially like how the tour keeps things small-group sized, so you’re not shouting over a crowd.

My other big like is simple: the ticket includes the drinking. Tastings are built into each stop, so you’re not doing math every 10 minutes. The main drawback to consider is pace: the evening is designed to move, and a couple of guests said the information felt a bit fast at times.

Key highlights you should care about

• All tastings are included at every stop, so you can focus on what you like instead of paying extra.
• Small group (max 12) makes it easier to ask questions and actually talk to your guide.
• Front-of-line value: if you’ve dealt with long tasting lines along the strip, this format helps.
• Moonshine culture explained while you taste, not just random pouring.
• A special moonshine cocktail is part of the included experience at the end.
• Three distinct styles: cream-based moonshine, higher-proof favorites, and wine pours that include a VIP-style stop.

Price and what you truly get for $51

At $51 per person for about 3.5 hours, this tour is priced for people who want a guided tasting that feels like you’re skipping the hassle. You’re paying for more than a few sips. You’re paying for the structure: tastings are included at each location, and you also get a special moonshine cocktail tied to the final stop.

A good way to think about value here is this: you could wander on your own and pay for tastings at multiple places. But the tour stitches those tastings together with timing, a guide, and small-group access. That matters in Gatlinburg where lines can get sticky, especially in the evening.

Also, this isn’t a one-note tour. It pairs moonshine and winery pours in the same loop, so your ticket has more variety than a straight distillery crawl.

Your 5 pm start and how the walking fits real life

This tour starts at 5:00 pm at 520 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. It ends back at the same meeting point. The total time runs around 3 hours 30 minutes, and the structure is basically stop, taste, walk again.

You’ll walk a modest distance between locations, and the tour is not ideal if you can’t handle a moderate pace for about 0.7 miles. It also requires standing for up to roughly 3 hours. If you’re comfortable with a slow-to-normal walking pace and can stand through a tasting, you’re in the right lane.

One small practical win: guides and staff are set up to help keep the vibe moving. Multiple guests noted a wagon for water and support for carrying items purchased along the way, which is handy if you end up bringing home bottles.

Stop 1 at Tennessee Shine Company: cream, then high proof

Your first stop is Tennessee Shine Company in Gatlinburg. This is where the tour leans into the “shine” side early. You get a tasting that can run from 35 proof cream-based moonshine all the way up to 135 proof off-the-still moonshine.

That range is a big deal, because it gives you context fast. Cream-based flavors are smoother and often feel like dessert. Higher-proof pours are sharper, more intense, and less forgiving if you drink them too quickly. The guide’s role here is to help you understand what you’re tasting and why moonshine has such a strong following in the region.

If you’re new to moonshine, start by going slow. Take notes in your head about what you like: sweet vs. spicy, creamy vs. straight, and whether the higher proofs feel fun or just burny.

Stop 2 at Little Bear Winery: VIP pours with a short stroll

After the first tasting, you do a short walk to Little Bear Winery. This stop is described as an amazing winery with a true VIP feel. The ticket includes admission, and you sample multiple types of wine.

Here’s the practical catch: this is still part of a moonshine-heavy tour, so wine lovers who only like very dry styles may find the wine selection not perfectly tailored to their taste. One guest specifically pointed out that if you only drink dry wine, you might want to adjust expectations about what you’ll enjoy here.

Still, the VIP-style format is exactly why this tour works. Instead of walking in on your own, you’re in a guided group experience that keeps you tasting and learning without constantly asking where to go next.

If you want to play it safe, drink water between tastings and aim for slower sipping at the winery stop. That’s when you can start deciding what “direction” your night should go.

Stop 3 at Sugarlands Distilling Company: behind the scenes plus cocktails

The final stop is Sugarlands Distilling Company, and this is the biggest “production” moment of the tour. You get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at a working distillery with a knowledgeable guide, then the tour adds tasting time that includes actual moonshine cocktails.

After the cocktail, you finish with a last moonshine flight tasting. This is a great ending format because flights help you compare. Instead of getting one pour and hoping it’s your favorite, you can pick out what hits: lighter styles, bolder profiles, and any sweet-spice flavors that match the cocktails you already tried.

A couple of names came up repeatedly for their entertainment and service, including Wild Bill and Payton. Trey also got specific praise. If your group lands with one of these friendly pros, the evening tends to feel less like a school trip and more like a fun tasting hang with a crowd.

The guide experience: culture talk without killing the fun

The best tours don’t just pour alcohol. They explain what you’re seeing in a way that makes the tasting make sense. That’s the strength of this one. The guide talks moonshine culture while you taste, and multiple guests highlighted that the experience was entertaining and built for conversation.

One thing I’d watch: a couple of guests felt the guide’s job was mostly moving the group between stops, with bartenders doing most of the tasting interaction once you arrived. That may be true depending on the night and the flow at each location. If you expect deep technical lessons about the distilling process from start to finish, you might be slightly surprised.

That said, you can still ask questions at the bar. If you want “learn while you sip,” this tour is designed to give you plenty of chances to ask what’s in the glass and how each style differs.

What people rave about most (and why it matters)

The strongest repeated themes are about how much you sample, how well the evening runs, and how friendly the staff feels.

• Guests repeatedly said tastings are plentiful, not stingy.
• Several noted the tour is worth it specifically to avoid or reduce long tasting-line waits.
• A bunch praised guides like Jen/Jennifer for keeping things organized while still making it fun.
• People also loved the small group size, because you can actually interact instead of just standing in the back.

There’s also a vibe advantage: the tour is built around a “walk-and-taste” rhythm that makes it feel like a plan, not random wandering. That matters if it’s your first time in Gatlinburg and you don’t want to waste time deciding where to go.

A few realistic considerations before you book

This is where you stay grounded and avoid disappointment.

Pacing can be quick. A couple of reviews mentioned they wanted a more leisurely pace or more digestible explanations. If you’re the type who likes to linger, plan to slow down yourself by sipping slower and taking a breath between stops.

Wine expectations can vary. Some guests said the wine portion may not satisfy those who prefer very dry styles. If wine is your main goal, this tour is still a moonshine-focused night.

Stop order or lineup can shift. One guest reported the planned wine portion didn’t happen and the group ended up with fewer stops. That’s not the most common story, but it’s a reminder to stay flexible and treat it as a guided tasting experience rather than a guarantee of identical sequencing every time.

What to do before you go: simple tips that prevent regrets

If you do only two things, do these:

1) Eat before you arrive. Guests said not going on an empty stomach makes a huge difference because the tastings add up quickly.

2) Pace yourself. Even if you feel fine at the start, those higher-proof pours can sneak up on you.

If you’re buying bottles, wear shoes you can walk in and consider keeping room in your bag. The tour includes help for carrying purchases, but you’ll still be happier if your footwear and bags are ready for the evening.

For ordering strategy, I’d suggest:

• Start with the smoother styles first (cream-based tends to be easier).
• Save the higher proof pours for when you’re ready to taste, not when you’re just trying to catch up.

And yes, bring your curiosity. Some guests said they didn’t expect to like moonshine until they tried it in a guided range from mild to intense.

Who should book this tour (and who should skip it)

Book it if you want:

• A guided night with all tastings included
• A small group experience where you can ask questions
• A fun way to learn moonshine culture without turning it into a lecture
• A mix of moonshine and winery pours in one evening

Skip it if:

• You want a slow, sit-down tasting only. This is a walking tour.
• You can’t stand for up to about 3 hours or walk at a moderate pace for around 0.7 miles.
• You’re traveling with people under 21. The tour is not recommended for groups that include minors.

Also, if you’re a strict dry-wine drinker, you may or may not love the winery stop. I’d still consider it if you’re open to variety, but don’t book it expecting a wine-only tasting experience.

Should you book the Wine and Shine walking tour?

If you’re looking for a high-value, guided sampling night in Gatlinburg, I think this is a strong choice. The $51 price feels fair because you get multiple tastings, a special moonshine cocktail, and a small-group flow that helps you avoid line-wait frustration.

The decision comes down to your tolerance for an upbeat pace and your interest in moonshine culture as part of the fun. If that sounds like your kind of evening, book it. If you want a leisurely, wine-first tasting with lots of technical instruction and minimal alcohol intensity, you may prefer a different style of tour.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour runs about 3 hours 30 minutes.

What does the $51 ticket include?

Your ticket includes wine and moonshine tastings at each stop, plus a special moonshine cocktail.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at 520 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is this a small group tour?

Yes. The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Is it suitable if I’m traveling with someone under 21?

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

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.