Appalachia tastes better when the drive matters. I like how this tour turns your afternoon into a four-stop tasting route that moves fast enough to stay fun, but long enough for real conversation. I also like the small-group feel (a max of 7), and from the driver names people mention most—Dallas and Gavin—you can expect friendly, patient hosting and local context.

One thing to consider: timing and coordination can be uneven. A few guests flagged that the schedule started late and that check-in or stop introductions weren’t always handled smoothly, including one moment where a tasting got charged because staff didn’t realize the group was already covered.

Key Highlights Before You Go

• Four tasting stops in about three hours, mixing moonshine, distilling, beer, and wine
• Small group size (up to 7), which makes it easier for your driver to talk and answer questions
• Family-run businesses at multiple stops, so the stories feel personal instead of scripted
• 21+ with ID required, so plan a relaxed start if you’re driving separately
• Optional add-ons like fried pie (extra cost) and full pours for purchase at the beer stop

The $99 Price: What You’re Really Paying For

At $99 per person for roughly three hours, this tour isn’t about “all tastings included.” What you’re buying is the experience wrapper: transportation, a guided route, and time at several specialty stops where you can sample the local favorites. Each stop lists admission tickets as not included, which is a big clue that you should budget extra if you want to try a lot (or if you want full pours or meals).

That said, the value makes sense for the right kind of traveler. If you’re in Sevierville/Gatlinburg area for only a day or two and you don’t want to drive between distilleries and wineries on your own, paying for a driver can be the difference between doing four places—or doing one. The tour is also built for short windows at each stop (about 30 minutes), so you’re not stuck waiting around while other groups take their time.

The other value piece is social. With a max of 7 travelers, the vibe tends to be less like a big party bus and more like a hangout with a host who knows the area. People who mentioned drivers by name (Dallas and Gavin) describe them as friendly and patient, which matters when you’re doing tastings and trying to keep everyone aligned.

The Schedule: 3 Hours from 3:00 PM to the Finish

This tour starts at 3:00 pm and ends back at the meeting point at 2005 Wears Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862. In practice, that late-afternoon timing can be great. You’ll catch daylight at least for part of the day, and you’ll end with a winery stop when your brain is ready to slow down a bit after alcohol-focused sampling.

Your key planning move: treat the 30-minute windows as real-time. You’ll be juggling drive time, getting everyone settled, and then doing tastings/purchases at each location. If you’re the type who wants to linger over one flight until you’ve memorized every note, you may feel a little rushed. If you like a sampler style day—try a little, ask a question, move on—you’ll probably enjoy the pace.

Also, keep your expectations aligned about organization. Some guests reported late departures, missing check-in steps, and stop introductions happening in a less structured way than they hoped. None of that means the places aren’t good—it means the “hosted” part can sometimes be light on logistics. If you’re the kind of traveler who values a tight running script, arrive ready to be flexible.

Stop 1: Moonshine Depot and the First Hit of Appalacha Culture

Your afternoon kicks off at Moonshine Depot, described as family-owned and operated, with knowledge passed down through generations. That family feel matters because it usually translates into better stories—less “marketing voice,” more “this is how we do it.”

What you should expect in your 30 minutes: a tasting opportunity, and some cultural context on why moonshine became part of Appalachian identity. The tour format here is a classic pairing: history and spirit, delivered early so you’ll understand what you’re tasting later and why certain flavors feel like “real Tennessee” rather than just a novelty.

This stop can be a strong start for two reasons. First, the first tasting sets your baseline for the sweetness and burn you’re likely to encounter next. Second, if your driver is willing to talk, getting that context at the first stop makes the rest of the route feel connected rather than random stops on a checklist.

Budget note: this stop lists admission tickets not included, so you may pay for tastings separately. If you like to taste widely, consider going in with a “small budget per stop” mindset rather than assuming the $99 covers the alcohol.

Stop 2: Old Tennessee Distilling Company in Kodak

Next you head to Old Tennessee Distilling Company in Kodak, where the focus is moonshine made from local corn with bold flavor. This is the kind of stop that rewards you for paying attention to the details you can actually taste: smoothness, sweetness level, and how the finish feels after a second sip.

The tour gives you about 30 minutes here. That’s enough to try multiple flavors if you want, but it’s also short enough that you don’t want to start negotiating or planning a lunch within the time window. The best approach is simple: choose a tasting flight (or whatever format they offer), ask one or two questions you genuinely care about, and then decide quickly if you want to buy.

A practical thing to keep in mind: if your group run is a bit behind schedule, this is where people can feel pressure—because you’ll want to taste before moving on. If you’re worried about that, keep your purchases small at Stop 2 and save bigger buying decisions for your last stop when you have a steadier moment.

Stop 3: Mountain Brothers Brewing Company (Plus the Fried Pie Option)

Then comes Mountain Brothers Brewing Company for local craft beer. This stop works well if you’re trying to balance the day. Moonshine can be intense, and beer can reset your palate while still keeping everything “local” and casual.

You should know what’s offered: you’ll get samples, and if you want a full pour, it’s available for purchase. There’s also a fried pie next door, but that’s additional cost, so don’t expect it included.

One consideration here: not everyone loves every category. If you came for pure moonshine/wine and you’re not a beer person, you might feel the beer stop is less aligned with your mood. A couple guests mentioned that the beer stop didn’t feel exactly as expected, and that more clarity would have helped. Even if that’s not your exact concern, it’s smart to mentally label this as the “reset stop,” not the main event.

Your best move is to treat the beer stop like a palate cleaner:

• Taste what they’re best at
• Decide if you want a fuller pour based on that
• If you like savory snacks, consider the fried pie as a comfort add-on (extra cost)

Stop 4: Tennessee Mountain View Winery and the Scenic Finish

The tour ends at Tennessee Mountain Winery, a family-owned winery set at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. This is where the vibe usually changes from “intense tasting sprint” to “slow down and enjoy the view.”

You’ll get about 30 minutes here, which is enough to do a tasting and enjoy the outdoors if the weather cooperates. The winery setting is also a nice way to transition mentally. After distillery and brewing samples, wine often feels smoother and more conversational—like you can finally sit, breathe, and compare what you liked across the stops.

If you care about scenery, this last stop is your best bet. Some guests highlighted a scenic roadside moment with water and small falls as a standout part of the day, which suggests your driver may sometimes add small route flavor when timing allows. You shouldn’t assume it’s guaranteed, but it’s a reminder that the driving and route choices can matter as much as the buildings.

Bottom line: aim to keep a little energy left for this stop. If you rush too hard earlier, you’ll end up tasting wine while thinking about your next sip instead of actually enjoying what you’re drinking.

The Driver Experience: Dallas, Gavin, and the Host Factor

The tour’s success often comes down to your driver/host. In the feedback shared with this tour, Dallas and Gavin show up repeatedly in a positive way—credited for doing an attentive job, sharing area history, and being patient with the group.

That host factor is more important than it sounds. When tastings are happening, people are walking at different speeds, and schedules can slip, the driver who communicates clearly can prevent half the chaos. A few guests did report the opposite—less structured introductions and missed time allocation—so if your priority is tight organization, go in with flexibility.

Also, one small detail that came up: music. When the music is good, it turns the car time into part of the fun instead of just a waiting room between alcohol stops. The bus/vehicle itself was described as clean, but not in perfect condition by at least one guest, so you might want to dress as if you’ll spend some time in a vehicle that isn’t brand-new.

Group Size, Comfort, and Timing Reality

With a maximum of 7 travelers, you’re unlikely to feel like cattle. That small size helps, especially when you’re doing tastings and purchases at multiple stops. It also makes it easier for your driver to address everyone as they move through the day—though, as noted earlier, not every run seems equally organized.

You may ride in a mini van, and your vehicle can matter if you’re sensitive to cramped space or want to be able to hear your host. If you’re bringing friends, keep the group together during transitions. The tour is short, and it’s easy to lose time if people wander off to check a shop window or a photo spot.

Finally, remember the tour is about three 30-minute stops plus a final 30-minute winery. That’s a lot of “in and out.” If you like breathing room at each place, you may prefer a self-guided half-day where you can linger. If you like sampling and moving, you’ll probably find the pacing fun.

Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Might Skip It)

This tour is a good fit if you’re:

• Visiting the Sevierville/Gatlinburg area and want multiple tasting stops without driving
• The kind of traveler who enjoys a variety day: moonshine, distilling, beer, then wine
• Comfortable making a few quick decisions about tastings and possibly paying extra for purchases
• Traveling with a small group mindset (even if you join solo, the max group size helps)

You might want to skip or choose something else if you:

• Need highly structured stop-by-stop guidance and strict timing
• Don’t drink or don’t want to deal with 21+ ID rules (this tour requires ID and is for 21+)
• Are strongly against the beer stop portion and only want moonshine or wine

The reality: this is a “tasting route” built for fun and variety, not a slow sit-down tour. If you want one primary focus, you’ll enjoy it more when the stops match your preferences.

Should You Book Hillbilly Booze Cruise Tasting Tour?

If you’re aiming for a short, fun afternoon that strings together four local-style tasting stops without you planning driving routes, I think this is book-worthy—especially at $99 when you weigh it against the cost and stress of doing the same day solo.

Just book it with eyes open. The places themselves sound like they’re genuinely enjoyable, and drivers like Dallas and Gavin are praised for keeping things friendly and informative. But organization isn’t flawless, and tastings appear to be not included at the stops, which means you should budget for alcohol choices on site.

If you want a “low-drama but flexible” experience with plenty of sampling chances, this tour fits. If you require impeccable check-in, perfect timing, and fully included tastings, look for a different option.

FAQ

What’s the price of the Hillbilly Booze Cruise Tasting Tour?

It costs $99.00 per person.

How long does the tour last?

The tour is about 3 hours.

When does the tour start?

The start time is 3:00 pm.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The meeting point is 2005 Wears Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862, USA, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 7 travelers.

Do I need to bring ID?

Yes. You must be 21+ to participate and you should bring ID.

Are admissions or tastings included at the stops?

Admission tickets are listed as not included for the stops.

Is there a beer option on the tour?

Yes. You’ll visit Mountain Brothers Brewing Company for craft beer samples, and full pours are available for purchase.

Is fried pie available?

There’s fried pie next door to the beer stop, but it’s listed as additional cost.

Can I cancel if my plans change?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

—

If you tell me your group’s vibe (all-in on moonshine, more wine/beer, or “just want a fun afternoon”), I can help you decide how to budget for tastings so the $99 feels like a win instead of a surprise.

You Might Also Enjoy

Half-Day Private Boat Experience – Appetizers & Drinks IncludedDinghy Drinking Tour through Key West WatersRockstar Boat Party Cancun – Booze Cruise Cancun (18+)NYC: Drag Highlights – Bar Crawl & Show – Drinks Included!