Nestled in the heart of Gatlinburg’s Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler, Bootleggers Homemade Wine welcomes visitors with its down-home charm and irresistible Appalachian spirit. On a recent visit, I had the pleasure of experiencing this unique winery, sampling their wines, chatting with their friendly staff, and soaking in a little of that old-time mountain magic.
When you step into Bootleggers, you’re stepping into a piece of Gatlinburg history. This isn’t a high-tech vineyard; it’s the creation of two sisters who mastered the art of winemaking with simple tools, small-batch recipes, and a lot of heart. Their wines are handcrafted, bottled by hand, and steeped in the traditions of Southern kitchens. It’s not California or France; it’s pure Tennessee—and it’s incredible.
We opted for the full wine tasting, which meant getting to sample every variety they offer. While Bootleggers allows you to sample three wines for free, we wanted the whole experience, and let me tell you, it was worth every penny. Guided by a lovely young lady who was as knowledgeable as she was kind, we worked our way through their impressive lineup.
Each wine had its own distinct personality. The Homegrown Muscadine Blush offered a sweet blackberry twang that was downright delightful. The Homegrown Scuppernong was mellow with a crisp apple-pear finish, perfect for fans of traditional Southern wines. Their Homegrown Strawberry Wine was soft, fruity, and bursting with unmistakable berry flavor, while the Homegrown Blackberry Wine’s smooth, velvety finish made it an instant favorite.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, the Redneck Reserve Dessert Wine—a blend of cabernet sauvignon and muscadine—might just be your new best friend. It’s a rich, port-style wine with a warm finish that feels like a sunset in a glass. On the fruitier side, the Homegrown Peach Wine was an aromatic burst of sweet peachy goodness that left us wishing for a porch swing and a summer evening.
Their red and white table wines also held their own. The Bootleggers Red Table Wine offered bold, spicy flavors with black cherry and currant undertones, while the Bootleggers White Table Wine was smooth and refreshing, with hints of melon that made it feel like a cool mountain breeze.
For the holidays, Bootleggers spices things up with seasonal offerings like the Bootleggers Mountain Muscat and Holiday Red Wine. These festive blends bring big flavors perfect for fireside sipping or holiday feasts with family and friends.
The tasting experience itself was relaxed and welcoming, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and learn about the winemaking process. The staff’s enthusiasm for their craft was contagious, and their love for Gatlinburg and its traditions shone through every story and description.
As much as we enjoyed the wine, the atmosphere of Bootleggers was just as memorable. Located at 903 Parkway, Suite 108, it’s a charming spot that invites you to slow down and savor the moment. As we sipped our wines, the sound of a bluegrass band playing lively tunes on the Ole Smoky Moonshine stage added a perfect backdrop to the experience, making it a true Gatlinburg moment. Their hours are generous—open from 10 AM to 10 PM during the week and until 11 PM on weekends and holidays—so there’s plenty of time to stop by and sample their offerings.
Unfortunately, Bootleggers doesn’t ship their wine, so you’ll have to make the trip to East Tennessee to try it. But honestly, that’s part of the charm. There’s something special about knowing these wines are crafted and enjoyed right here in the mountains where their story began.
If you’re visiting Gatlinburg, make sure to carve out some time to stop by Bootleggers Homemade Wine. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just curious to try something new, you’ll leave with a smile on your face and maybe a bottle or two of handcrafted mountain magic in your bag. Trust me—it’s an experience worth toasting to.