About Tennessee Shine Company Wears Valley
Wears Valley is the quiet side of the Smokies, and this store is the calmest place to taste Tennessee Shine Company moonshine. The company says it was its first-ever brick and mortar location, and the page mentions a mountain view.
What the store offers
The Wears Valley store offers a moonshine and wine tasting, and you can add a bourbon tasting for just 5 bucks. The page does not state the base tasting price, so ask when you arrive. It is not listed as free.
Hours and location
The store is at 3303 Wears Valley Road. Posted hours are Monday through Thursday 10am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday 10am to 9pm, and Sunday 11am to 7pm. These are shorter than the Parkway stores, so do not plan on a late visit. The phone is 865-286-4262.
The lineup
Tennessee Shine Company makes Tennessee moonshine in many flavors, from Straight Off the Still to fruit, dessert and spiced varieties, along with flavored whiskeys and bourbon. The product page lists the full range, and the staff can steer you toward what you like if you describe your usual drink.
How tastings work
The company's pages promise moonshine tastings at each store. They do not publish a tasting price, and the age rule is not spelled out, so expect to show ID and be 21 or older. Ask when you arrive what is included.
Why come out here
If your cabin is in Wears Valley, this is a short drive and a lot less stressful than the traffic in Pigeon Forge. The road is winding and has no streetlights in places, which is one more reason to name a designated driver before you start tasting. The Sevierville store is the better pick if you want the biggest selection.
Making the stop count
A smaller store usually means more time with the person behind the counter. Use it to ask how the flavors differ and which ones are best sipped or mixed. The bourbon add-on is cheap enough to try if you are curious, but if you are driving the winding valley roads afterward, keep your total small and let the designated driver handle the keys.
Before you taste
You need to be 21 or older to sample, and you should plan for a designated driver or a rideshare afterward. Samples are small, but the proof is not.