Old Mountain Wine Company
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
A winery, meadery, and cidery at the far end of the Parkway — the last stop before the national park entrance and the first one coming back out. Everything made on site, with a patio facing the mountains.
A winery, meadery, and cidery at the far end of the Parkway — the last thing before the national park entrance, and the first thing you pass coming back out.
Everything is made on site, which is less common than it sounds on a street full of tasting rooms. Flights, glasses, and bottles, with an outdoor patio that faces the mountains.
Staying nearby? See Gatlinburg cabin rentals, minutes from the Parkway.
The location
It sits at the end of the Parkway where the town stops and the park begins — which makes it the obvious stop coming down from Newfound Gap, off the Roaring Fork loop, or back from a hike.
Inside is rustic and comfortable with room to sit as a group. The patio faces forest and mountains, and on a decent afternoon that's where everyone ends up.
Wine, mead, and cider
All three are made on site, which is the distinguishing thing here. The wine list covers a range of styles, the ciders are crisp and easy, and the mead is the one worth trying if you haven't.
Fermented honey — the oldest alcoholic drink there is, predating both beer and wine. Depending on how it's made it can be dry or sweet, still or sparkling, and it doesn't taste much like any of the things people expect.
Most visitors have never had it. It's the reason to order a flight rather than a glass.
Flights let you taste across the range side by side — the sensible starting point. If something works, order a glass or take a bottle home.
The Gatlinburg Wine Trail
Old Mountain is one of five stops on the Gatlinburg Wine Trail, a self-guided route through locally owned wineries and the cidery. A combined pass covers all five, with a gift for anyone who completes it.
The trail is one of the better afternoon plans in town, and it pairs naturally with Tennessee Cider Company — Gatlinburg's original cidery, and another stop on the same route. Details at gatlinburgwinetrail.com.
The post-hike stop
This is the page's real argument. Coming out of the park after a morning on Alum Cave, Rainbow Falls, or the Roaring Fork loop, you pass this building on the way back to town.
A glass on the patio with the mountains still in view is a better end to a hiking morning than driving straight into Parkway traffic, and the timing works — most people are off the trail by early afternoon.
Visiting
- Tastings are 21+ with valid ID
- Flights first. The range covers three different drink categories — sampling across them is the point
- Ask about the mead even if you think you won't like it
- Take the patio if the weather allows. It's the difference between a drink and an afternoon
- Bottles travel. Better souvenirs than most of what's sold on the strip
Nearby
The end of the Parkway puts you close to the park entrance and a short walk or drive from the rest of downtown. See our things to do guide for more.
- Tennessee Cider Company — Gatlinburg's original cidery, another Wine Trail stop
- Ole Smoky — The Holler and Sugarlands — the distillery side of the same afternoon
- Gatlinburg Brewing Company — locally owned craft beer, open late
- Alibi Speakeasy — the hidden cocktail lounge, and the natural evening close
- Sugarlands Visitor Center — minutes away at the park entrance
- Downtown Gatlinburg — the full guide to the Parkway
Frequently asked questions
What do they make?
Wine, mead, and hard cider, all produced on site. Available as flights, by the glass, and by the bottle.
What is mead?
Fermented honey, and the oldest alcoholic drink known. It can be dry or sweet depending on the style, and it's worth trying since few people have had it.
Where is it?
At the end of the Gatlinburg Parkway, close to the national park entrance — the last stop before the park and the first one coming back.
Is there outdoor seating?
Yes, a patio with mountain and forest views. It's the best seat in the place when the weather cooperates.
What is the Gatlinburg Wine Trail?
A self-guided route through five locally owned wineries and the cidery, with a combined pass and a gift for completing it. Details at gatlinburgwinetrail.com.
Can I bring kids?
Tasting is 21+, though the space itself is relaxed. If you're traveling with children, one adult tasting while the others wait on the patio is how most families handle it.
Can I buy bottles to take home?
Yes — bottles are available on site, and they make a better souvenir than most of what's on the strip.
An afternoon on the Wine Trail is easier from a cabin close to the Parkway. Browse Gatlinburg cabin rentals, or romantic cabins and honeymoon cabins for a couples trip. A fire pit is a good place to open the bottle you took home. Check the current specials, or use the vacation planner.