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
Are you a lover of wine too? Wine can be enjoyed with friends, at the end of a day to unwind, by the fire, or at a fine dinner—so many ways to savor it! The art of winemaking, with different grape varietals creating unique flavors and aromas, makes each bottle a new adventure. Join me and pour yourself a glass, and let’s discover what Tennessee has bottled up for us!
Sip and Savor: Exploring the Tennessee Wine Trail
From Delta Blue Winery in Memphis to Villa Nove Vineyards near Mountain City, Tennessee has amazing wineries to explore. First of all, our state has over 69 wineries and vineyards, each with its own unique style. The Tennessee Wine Trail is perfect for sampling a variety of wines and enjoying the beauty of the vineyards. With seven trails included in the Tennessee Wine Trail, there’s no doubt you’ll find the perfect one to explore. Altogether, it’s an incredible experience for any wine lover.
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.
Discover The Great Valley Wine Trail: East TN
The Great Valley Wine Trail includes four wineries in East Tennessee. These wineries are located in rural areas and are definitely destinations in themselves. First of all, keep in mind that each of these wineries is super close to Knoxville, Pigeon Forge, and the Smoky Mountains. So, if you’re vacationing in those areas, you can easily take a day to explore the Great Valley Wine Trail. These wineries may be small, but their wines are fantastic. I definitely have a favorite, or two, which I’ll share as we explore each winery. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll love discovering these charming wineries in East Tennessee.
The Winery at Seven Springs – Maynardville, TN
First of all, this is my top pick! The Winery at Seven Springs Farm is definitely my favorite. Their wines were amazing! Located in Maynardville on Highway 61, also known as Historic Thunder Road, this area played a big part in the moonshine industry in the American South during and after Prohibition. Seven Springs Farm has 7 acres of grape varietals, including Concord, Catawba, Traminette, Chambourcin, and two varieties of muscadines, Noble and Magnolia.
The Winery at Seven Springs Farm offers top-notch southern hospitality. Our wine tasting guide was so much fun and shared the history of the farm, the grape varietals, and gave great recommendations. She even got me to try muscadine wines that I normally wouldn’t choose, and I was surprisingly swept away by them! One of my favorites was the Royal Blue, served with a chocolate Hershey’s Kiss—it was delicious! Their bubbly wines were amazing too. They also offer local cheeses and meats, and you can purchase local honey, eggs, ice cream, dairy products, and locally made crafts. There is so much more to love about this winery, but you need to visit for yourself. They have monthly classes, pick-up parties with live music for their wine club members (of course, I joined—how could I resist?), and a picnic area as well. Altogether, it’s a fantastic experience!
Hillside Winery – Sevierville, TN
Hillside Winery, located in Sevierville, TN, offers Italian-style and sparkling wines loved by Smoky Mountains locals. First of all, they work with local grape farmers and process over 856,000 pounds of Tennessee grapes each year. Stop by their tasting room for a FREE tasting, and also, cheese boards are available to purchase to enjoy along with your wine. Try their best-selling Black and Blue or their Muscadine Mist—you’ll definitely find one you love here. Additionally, how about trying their Indian Summer, or their OutBlush, which is a blend of red and white Tennessee Muscadine? Also, with their convenient location in Sevierville, you’re right near many places to stay and visit in the Smoky Mountains. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy some amazing wines.
Spout Springs Winery & Vineyard – Blaine, TN
Spout Springs Estates Winery is nestled in the hills of East Tennessee and offers a truly unique experience. Literally sitting on top of the hills, it has breathtaking mountain views. Since starting in July 2015, their wine selections have been growing. They currently grow Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sangiovese, Steuben, and two varietals of Muscadine. Also, they blend a variety of fruits into their wine selections. You can try these wines out in the tasting room, and afterwards, grab a bottle of your favorite one and enjoy the views with a glass of wine in the covered pavilion. Also, during your visit, check out the gift shop! So, pack a lunch and make a day of hanging out at this beautiful vineyard—one of the amazing wineries in East Tennessee. Altogether, it’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy! It’s especially worth the visit.
Our visit to Spout Springs was nothing short of amazing! We sat on the patio and enjoyed a bottle of Cabernet, with incredible views of the mountains. Altogether, it’s one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon—mountain views, Cabernet, and time with my hubby. Perfect!
Goodwater Vineyards – Mosheim, TN
Goodwater Vineyards has been growing grapes for 20 years, with around 30 acres of native muscadines and several varieties of French hybrid grapes. First of all, Goodwater Vineyards offers the opportunity to be wined and dined with a catered picnic at the Goodwater Pond Venue amidst the vines! With your booked picnic, you’ll also get a short tour of the facility and a meal prepared by a professional chef. Sounds like the perfect way to spend an afternoon, right?
The tasting room is located in Gatlinburg, TN, and is open daily from 10 am to 8 pm. Some of their wines include Blackberry Muscadine, Knotty or Nice—a seasonal favorite red wine sweetened with orange and cranberry juice—Rebecca’s Red, a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, and Everything Peachy, which tastes like biting into a fresh peach. So, stop by for a tasting—these and more are waiting to be enjoyed at Goodwater Vineyards! Enjoy a wine tasting in Gatlinburg, and afterwards, be sure to check out the other fun activities Gatlinburg has to offer too!
Raising a Glass to East Tennessee Adventures
I’ve checked off the Great Valley Wine Trail here in East Tennessee, and I must say it was so much fun! First of all, the wines were amazing, and the scenic drives were beautiful. Stay tuned for my adventures on the entire Tennessee Wine Trail—I’m planning to explore all seven trails. So, which one are you planning to explore? With over 69 wineries and vineyards, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking for a fun weekend adventure, you’ll love what Tennessee has to offer.
Share Your 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!