In addition to Eagle Springs, four other wineries are located closer to the National Park, all within a 12 mile radius: Hillside, Apple Bar, Mountain Valley and Sugarland Cellars. They have joined forces to create the Rocky Top Wine Trail, where you can download a passport from their website, get it stamped at each location and receive a complimentary wine glass and gift once you’re done with the tour.
Each of these five wineries specializes in a group of particular varietals, together offering a total of more than five dozen. You will certainly find your favorites such as merlot, chardonnay and shiraz, but certainly try the fruit-based wines as well. In fact, Apple Barn has mostly apple wines combined with other flavors.
You’ll begin to see the autumn foliage turn to rich Smoky Mountain Fall colors, especially if you arrive in mid to late October. Crowds will flock to view the spectacle, but they won’t be as large as those in the summertime.
You can now have six bottles of their select wines shipped to your home twice a year, in April and October, and choose one of three clubs to join: sweet, dry or mix. There is also the option to receive quarterly case shipments of wine as well.
For example, Sugarland Cellars will host an upcoming Wine on the Lawn art opening with live music, food and of course wine. Hillside Winery has a Stomp Out Breast Cancer fundraising event in October.