East Tennessee Winery & Distillery Guide
If we know one thing, it’s that Tennessee is a bonafide booze-loving state and here in Knoxville, we are no exception. Whether you’re looking to swig down some good ole Tennessee whiskey or savor an aromatic glass of Muscadine, Knoxville’s wineries and distilleries are ready to serve. From botanical gins and fiery moonshine to dry Chardonnays and rich red blends, Knoxville offers an abundance of libations to fit any preference. To help you decide where to imbibe, we’ve sipped and scouted a few favorites.
WINERIES
TSALI NOTCH VINEYARD
162 Harrison Road, Madisonville | @tsalinotch | The unique, robust flavors of Tsali Notch’s muscadine wines are best experienced right from their vineyard. Discover nuances in each of their varietals through a guided tasting, or purchase a few bottles to sip on while you picnic on the gorgeous grounds.
BLUE SLIP WINERY
300 West Depot Avenue, Knoxville | @blueslipwinery | Situated inside the 1903 Historical Southern Railway Station in Old City, Blue Slip is Knoxville’s first urban winery. Each of their wines is made using fruit grown by local farmers, and can all be tasted in their on-site tasting room.
THE WINERY AT SEVEN SPRINGS FARM
1474 TN-61 East, Maynardville | @wineryatsevenspringsfarm | From ciders to crisp whites, bubbly to vivicious reds, Seven Springs offers a comprehensive lineup of wines and boozy beverages. Sample all of Seven Springs offerings during a wine-tasting or enjoy a glass (or two) patio-side.
GOODWATER VINEYARDS
1865 Goodwater Road, Mosheim | @goodwatervineyards | Experienced oenophiles and novice wine drinkers alike will find a wine from Goodwater to please their palettes. Enjoy generous pours of their diverse wines from their charming Mosheim tasting room.
DISTILLERIES
COMPANY DISTILLING
8351 TN-73, Townsend | @company_distilling | In 2009, Tennessee was home to only three distilleries. In a state famous for its whiskey, that number seems like an injustice. One of Company Distilling founders felt the same way and took it upon himself to do something about it. He wrote and championed Senate Bill 1955 – which allowed for Tennesseans to distill spirits. And Company Distilling is at the head of the pack with its award winning gin, bourbon, and flavored spirits.
KNOX WHISKEY WORKS
516 West Jackson Avenue | @knoxwhiskey | The city’s first (legal) distillery, Knox Whiskey Works is an essential stop for trying Tennessee’s signature sips. Sidle up to the bar in their cozy tasting room to sample their diverse lineup of whiskeys and delightful selection of hand-crafted spirits, including vodka, gin, and liqueur.
OLE SMOKY DISTILLERY
903 Parkway, Unit 128, Gatlinburg & 131 The Island Drive, Pigeon Forge | @olesmoky | While the moonshine business hasn’t always been on the right side of the law, Ole Smoky Distillery has made their moonshine just right for over a century. Visit their distillery to taste their beloved, kick-in-the-mouth moonshines and enjoy local live bands. Family and dog friendly.
POSTMODERN SPIRITS
205 West Jackson Avenue, Knoxville | @postmodernspirits | If you’re in the mood for creative cocktails and funky spirits, the PostModern Spirits tasting room won’t steer you wrong. Enjoy a tasting flight or let their bartenders shake up something unique to sip barside.
Don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you!