Near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a vacation land provides entertainment and fun for vacationers and tourists. In addition to dinner theaters and outlets, the Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg area offers three tasting rooms.
Within three miles of one another, three wineries with tasting rooms are in operation and each one specializes in different styles of wine. Each winery offers a large assortment of wine-related accessories and gifts to browse.
Mountain Valley Winery
Mountain Valley Winery was the first winery to open in the area with its location in Pigeon Forge. Several years after successfully opening this winery, Businessman Don Collier opened two more wineries in nearby Sevierville. Collier will open a fourth winery during the summer of 2011 in Gatlinburg. Mountain Valley Winery offers German-style wines. Visitors will discover Chardonnay, Chambourcin, Merlot and Riesling wines. Other wines include a Muscadine blend and a blackberry wine. Mountain Valley Winery is at ?2174 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Apple Barn Winery
Apple Barn Winery, located in Sevierville, offers apple-based wines. These wines are produced with tart apples but wine drinkers will discover sweet and dry wines. Apple Barn Winery is located within Apple Barn Village, a small complex of stores that offers a variety of shops with an emphasis on apples. Shops include the Candy Factory, Cider Bar and Creamery plus a restaurant. Apple Barn Winery is located at 220 Apple Valley Road, Sevierville, Tennessee.
Hillside Winery
Hillside Winery, within minutes of Apple Barn Winery, offers Italian-style wines and sparkling wines. Each wine label features a different type of butterfly. The artistic photos featuring butterflies are by Patricia Ferguson. Those who enjoy bubbles and raspberries will want to try the Raspberry Frizzante. This wine is delightful with intense raspberry notes. Hillside Winery is located at 229 Collier Drive, Sevierville, Tennessee.
Sugarland Cellars will be opening in Gatlinburg during the summer of 2011. Although currently under construction, Sugarland Cellar has a website where visitors can see the progress of the new facility. The address is 1133 Parkway?, Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Rocky Top Wine Trail
All three wineries have combined to make a wine trail. Wine lovers can stop at the first winery and pick up a card to be stamped. A staff member will stamp the card and at the third winery visitors will receive a free wine glass.
Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler
If you are looking for moonshine, yes it is available legally in Gatlinburg. The distillery uses a 100-year-old recipe to produce the moonshine. The distillery is Tennessee’s first legal distillery following traditional recipes for producing moonshine. Travelers stopping by the distillery will see the production of moonshine through large plate glass windows. Each section gives details including interesting historical information. Small moonshine tastings are available. Moonshine is available for purchase.
Attractions
Take a delightful journey to the Smoky Mountains in Eastern Tennessee. There are many activities available in the Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville area. Look for many types of entertainment including Dollywood, theaters, dinner theaters, outlet shopping, wineries and a distillery. The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community near Sevierville includes numerous studios and shops. This area has been named the Tennessee Heritage Arts & Crafts Trail.
Lodging
Many lodging options are available in the Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg region. One of the best-known area hotels is The Park Vista, a Doubletree by Hilton that towers into the sky. This hotel, set a short distance from downtown Sevierville, is set high above the town. Windows on one side of the building provide views of the bustling town, Gatlinburg, while the other side offers picturesque views of the Great Smoky Mountains.
While visiting Eastern Tennessee, be sure to visit the area wineries and distillery where you will discover friendly southern hospitality.
Kathleen Sullivan - Kathleen Sullivan is the co-owner and writer for Wine Trail Traveler, a winery and vineyard virtual visitor center. The Wine Trail ...
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