Whether you consider yourself to be a wine expert or you just want to try a few new flavors, the Rocky Top Wine Trail should be at the top of your vacation bucket list! The best part about it is that it’s completely free to do! The only time you have to spend any money is if you want to purchase some of your new favorite wines to take home with you. To help you make the most of your trip, here is what to expect as you make your way along this wine trail.
1. Open Year Round
No matter what time of the year you are planning on visiting the Smokies, the Rocky Top Wine Trail will always be waiting! All of the wineries that make up the trail are open every day of the year except for Christmas Day. The wineries that are included in the trail are as follows:
- Hillside Winery, Sevierville
- Apple Barn Winery, Sevierville
- Mountain Valley Winery, Pigeon Forge
- Mill Bridge Winery, Pigeon Forge
- Sugarland Cellars, Gatlinburg
2. Tours of Local Wineries
If you’ve ever wondered about what it takes to make the perfect wine, now you can find out! Several of the wineries along the trail offer tours of their facilities that are given from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. You’ll be able to see the wine making process up close with a free tour of the wine cellars and tank rooms.
3. Try the Wine for Free
Over 70 unique wines are available for you to try when you do the Rocky Top Wine Trail! Free wine tastings are offered at every location, which is great if you’re new to the world of wine and are trying to find out which types you enjoy. You might even find a new favorite along the way!
4. Gifts for Stopping By
When you begin your adventure at one of the 5 designated wineries, you’ll receive a passport. At every location, you visit, you’ll receive a stamp to prove that you’ve stopped by. Once you have visited 3 locations, you’ll be given a free logoed wine glass. If you finish the trail by visiting all 5 wineries, you’ll receive another free gift!
5. Complete it When You Want
If you aren’t able to complete the Rocky Top Wine Trail in one day, don’t worry! Since the wineries are open every day of the week, you can complete the trail whenever it’s convenient for you, and oftentimes that means doing it in multiple days. So, you can take your time at each location and really get to learn more about the wines there.
Where to Stay
Spend less time driving to the wineries along the trail, and more time enjoying them when you stay at Old Creek Lodge! When you’re done exploring all that the Rocky Top Wine Trail has to offer, you can come back to one of our comfortable hotel rooms for a relaxing evening. Each of our rooms also comes with a private balcony overlooking a mountain stream, as well as a mini refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker.
Now that you know a little more about the Rocky Top Wine Trail, it’s time to start planning your trip! Be sure to take a look at all of our Gatlinburg hotel rooms to find the perfect place to stay while you’re in town.
