With National Wine Day coming up, I’ve been exploring wineries in East Tennessee, especially along the Great Valley Wine Trail. First of all, I’m an East Tennessee girl, and I have a passion for this area and, of course, a nice glass of wine. Tennessee, especially East Tennessee, is close to my heart. It’s beautiful driving these country roads, and the people I’ve met at these wineries have shown me wonderful Southern hospitality. I’m excited to introduce you to these fantastic places. So, let’s get started—I’ve got a lot to uncork!
Time for Wine? Discover the Great Valley Wine Trail
Are you a wine lover too? Whether it’s shared with friends, enjoyed by the fire, or paired with a fine dinner, there are so many ways to savor wine! The beauty of winemaking is that each grape varietal brings its own unique flavors and aromas, turning every bottle into a new adventure. So, grab a glass, join me, and let’s dive into what Tennessee has bottled up for us on the Great Valley Wine Trail!
The Great Valley Wine Trail: A Must-Visit for Wine Lovers
The Great Valley Wine Trail is home to four fantastic wineries in East Tennessee, each offering a truly unique experience. Nestled in rural areas, these wineries are more than just a quick stop—they’re true destinations. First of all, they’re all conveniently located near popular spots like Knoxville, Pigeon Forge, and the Smoky Mountains, making it easy to explore while vacationing nearby. While these wineries may be on the smaller side, their wine selections are absolutely impressive. So, personally, I have a favorite—or maybe two—which I’ll reveal as we go along. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, you’ll love uncovering these hidden gems along the Great Valley Wine Trail!
The Winery at Seven Springs – Maynardville, TN
First of all, this is my top pick! The Winery at Seven Springs Farm is hands down my favorite. Their wines are absolutely amazing! Located in Maynardville on Highway 61, also known as Historic Thunder Road, this area has a rich history tied to the moonshine industry during and after Prohibition. Seven Springs Farm has 7 acres of grape varietals, including Concord, Catawba, Traminette, Chambourcin, and muscadines: Noble and Magnolia.
So, what really stood out was their southern hospitality. Our wine tasting guide was a blast, sharing stories about the farm, grape varietals, and giving excellent recommendations. She even got me to try muscadine wines, which I don’t usually choose, and I was pleasantly surprised! My favorite was the Royal Blue, paired with a Hershey’s Kiss—delicious! They also offer bubbly wines, local cheeses, meats, honey, eggs, ice cream, and crafts. With monthly classes, wine club pick-up parties (I joined!), and a picnic area, there’s so much to enjoy!
Here’s a little more info:
- Website: Winery at Seven Springs
- Location: Maynardville, TN on Historic Thunder Road (Highway 61)
- Find directions HERE!
- Wine Selection: From Concord to muscadines, try a variety of unique local wines.
- Events: Monthly classes and also a fun wine club member pick-up parties with live music.
- Extras: Local cheeses, meats, honey, eggs, and also handcrafted goods available for purchase.
Altogether, it’s a fantastic experience you need to try!
Hillside Winery – Sevierville, TN
Hillside Winery in Sevierville, TN, offers delicious Italian-style and sparkling wines that are certainly a favorite among Smoky Mountains locals. First of all, they proudly work with local grape farmers, processing over 856,000 pounds of Tennessee grapes each year. Stop by their tasting room for a FREE wine tasting, and while you’re there, you can purchase a cheese board to pair with your wine. Their best-sellers, like Black and Blue or Muscadine Mist, are must-tries—you’re sure to find one you love!
Additionally, be sure to try their Indian Summer or the OutBlush, which is a delightful blend of red and white Tennessee Muscadine. With Hillside Winery’s convenient location in Sevierville, you’re also just minutes away from great places to stay and explore in the Smoky Mountains. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy some incredible local wines!
Here’s a little more info:
- Website: Hillside Winery
- Location: 229 Collier Drive, Sevierville, TN 37862
- Find directions to Hillside Winery HERE!
- Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM
- Wine Selection: Italian-style, sparkling wines, and also local Tennessee favorites like Muscadine Mist.
- Extras: Free tastings, cheese boards available for purchase, and a great spot near the Smokies.
Altogether, Hillside Winery is a fantastic stop for wine lovers visiting Sevierville!
Spout Springs Winery & Vineyard – Blaine, TN
Spout Springs Estates Winery is tucked in the hills of East Tennessee and offers amazing views. Sitting right on top of the hills, it’s been around since July 2015, and since then, their wine selection has continued to grow. They currently grow grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sangiovese, Steuben, and also Muscadine. Plus, they blend a variety of fruits into their wines, giving you plenty of flavors to try. You can grab a bottle of your favorite wine or enjoy a tasting in the cozy tasting room, then head to the covered pavilion to soak in the breathtaking mountain views. Be sure to also check out the gift shop while you’re there! When we visited Spout Springs, we sat on the patio and shared a bottle of Cabernet, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and incredible views—it’s one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon with my hubby.
Here’s a little more info:
- Website: Spout Spring Estates Winery and Vineyard
- Address: 430 Riddle Lane, Blaine, TN 37709
- Find directions to Spout Springs Estates HERE!
- Great for picnics: Bring your own lunch and make a day of it!
- Beautiful views: Enjoy the mountain scenery from the pavilion.
- Tasting Room: Sample a variety of wines or enjoy a tasting before choosing your favorite.
- Venue Available: Looking for a beautiful spot for your next event? Spout Springs Estates is also available as a venue!
Altogether, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy!
Goodwater Vineyards – Mosheim, TN
Goodwater Vineyards has been growing grapes for over 20 years, cultivating around 30 acres of native muscadines and several French hybrid grape varieties in Bybee, Tennessee. First of all, they offer a unique experience to be wined and dined with a catered picnic at the Goodwater Pond Venue, right among the vines! With your booked picnic, you’ll also enjoy a short tour of the facility and a delicious meal prepared by a professional chef. Sounds like a perfect afternoon, right?
Their tasting room is conveniently located in Gatlinburg, TN, and is open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM. Some of their signature wines include Blackberry Muscadine, Knotty or Nice—a seasonal red wine sweetened with orange and cranberry juice—Rebecca’s Red, a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, and Everything Peachy, which tastes just like biting into a fresh peach. So, stop by for a tasting and experience these and many more flavors! Afterwards, don’t forget to check out the other fun activities Gatlinburg has to offer.
Here’s a little more info:
- Website: Goodwater Vineyards
- Vineyard Location: Bybee, TN
- Tasting Room Location: 651 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM
- Wine Selection: From Blackberry Muscadine to Everything Peachy, they offer a variety of sweet and bold wines.
- Extras: Catered picnics with a tour, plus a professional chef-prepared meal, are available at the Goodwater Pond Venue.
Altogether, it’s a memorable experience you won’t want to miss!
Raising a Glass to East Tennessee Adventures
I’ve officially checked off the Great Valley Wine Trail here in East Tennessee, and I must say, it was an absolute blast! First of all, the wines were incredible, and the scenic drives along the way made the experience even better. Stay tuned because I’m planning to explore the entire Tennessee Wine Trail next—there are seven amazing trails to discover! So, which one are you excited to explore? With over 69 wineries and vineyards across the state, there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you’re a passionate wine enthusiast or just looking for a fun weekend adventure, you’ll love what Tennessee has in store for you.
Need More? Explore the Tennessee Wine Trail
If you’re looking for even more wine adventures, the Tennessee Wine Trail is calling your name! With seven different trails across the state and over 69 wineries and vineyards to explore, there’s something new and exciting around every corner. From bold reds to refreshing whites, Tennessee’s wineries offer a wide variety of flavors for every wine lover. Whether you’re visiting Middle, East, or West Tennessee, you’re sure to find the perfect trail to match your tastes. So, why not plan your next trip and sip your way through the Tennessee Wine Trail?
So, grab your Tennessee Wine Trail passport HERE—I have mine and have had so much fun checking in! Whether you’re looking for a fun weekend or planning a week-long road trip, you’ll love exploring the wineries in East Tennessee.
Need a Place to Stay? Find Your Perfect Spot
Whether you’re visiting Knoxville, Pigeon Forge, or the Smoky Mountains, there are plenty of great places to rest after a day of wine tasting. From cozy cabins to luxurious resorts, there’s something for every style. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try camping under the stars for an unforgettable experience?
Share Your Great Valley Wine Trail Adventures
We’d love to hear about your wine tales in Tennessee! Which winery did you visit? Share your stories with #TennesseeTrekkn and check out our Facebook page for the latest happenings. Chime in—we can’t wait to hear about your Tennessee adventures!
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Super helpful!! Thanks for the info!