Make your sweetheart smile by planning a romantic weekend getaway! The area offers many fun things to do, from the national park to attractions on the Parkway. But one of the best Smoky Mountain activities for couples is wine tasting! Take a look at all the details about the Rocky Top Wine Trail:
About the Rocky Top Wine Trail
This wine trail in the Smokies features 5 stops within 5 miles of each other. You can complete this tour in 2 different ways– a self-guided or a VIP tour. By choosing the self-guided option, you can go at your own pace and get gifts just for participating! Ask for a passport at the first location, and then have it stamped at each winery you visit. After 3 stamps, you’ll receive a gift and another after filling your passport with stamps from all 5 locations! If you use social media, tag the Rocky Top Wine Trail in your post using the hashtag #RTWT, and you’ll be entered to win more free prizes, even VIP tour tickets!
If you opt for a guided tour, you must book tickets for the wine trail’s VIP tour at least 24 hours in advance. These private tours provide a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes of winemaking, making it a fun, personalized experience for couples!
Participating Wineries
You can start your tour of the Rocky Top Wine Trail at any of these wineries– no need to go in any particular order!
Hillside Winery
Hillside Winery is just outside Pigeon Forge in Sevierville, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a little slice of Tuscany! Black and Blue is one of their best-sellers for a reason. It’s a sweet wine made from blackberries and blueberries that is beyond delicious.
Apple Barn Winery
The Apple Barn Winery makes its wines on-site using locally grown apples. You’ll find classic red and white sweet wines infused with apples as well as refreshing fruit combinations such as apple peach, apple strawberry, and apple cranberry.
Apple Barn Cider House
Also at the Apple Barn Village is a cider house that takes fresh apple cider and uses a filtration process rather than standard pasteurization to form crisp and smooth hard cider with an incredibly clean flavor. Sip Gingerly is a fantastic semi-sweet option with loganberry and ginger that you must try!
Mountain Valley Winery
Mountain Valley Winery is one of Tennessee’s oldest wineries, winning hundreds of awards for its incredible wines. From dry reds to sweet whites, they have something for everyone! One of the best sweet reds is Red Velvet, a rich medley of berry flavors intertwined with hints of dark cocoa and vanilla.
Mill Bridge Winery
Mill Bridge Winery is located in the Old Mill Historic District and offers both hard cider and wine. The outdoor patio allows you to enjoy the Little Pigeon River as you sip and relax. A nod to Dolly Parton, The Dolly Llama is a sweet and tangy pineapple-infused hard cider that takes you to the beach with each tropical sip!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to complete the wine trail in one day? No, you don’t! Once you have your passport, you can start or stop at any point- even weeks or months between visits is okay!
Are reservations required? Calling ahead or making a reservation at the wineries isn’t necessary. Those doing a self-guided tour can simply walk in and ask for a free tasting!
Is the VIP tour worth it? We highly recommend the VIP tour, especially if you don’t have a designated driver. That way, everyone in your group can fully enjoy the experience. Plus, this guided tour provides perks such as extra samples and discounts!
Can I ship wine back home? Absolutely! You can shop the area wine selection or sign up to join their wine club and get all your favorite wines delivered to your door!
A Romantic Smoky Mountain Getaway
With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, there’s no better time to plan a romantic getaway and enjoy the Rocky Top Wine Trail! From pet-friendly cabins with a view to secluded cabins with an indoor pool, you can find the perfect cabin just minutes from all the action in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Book a cabin in the Smoky Mountains and enjoy quality time with your sweetie!
