Tennessee wineries crushed more than 1.5 million pounds of grapes in 2011, and Rocky Top Wineries crushed 850,000 pounds of that total. The Rocky Top Wineries use several grape varieties purchased from 38 different local farmers.
There are five wineries in the Rocky Top Wineries family. Mountain Valley Winery, Pigeon Forge, started producing wine in 1991 and now produces many popular award-winning varieties. They focus on making French and German style wines along with a great selection of sweet- fruit wines.
Hillside Winery is located in Sevierville, TN and produces Italian style and Bubbly wines. They offer educational and family friendly tours to help you learn about the wine making process.
The Apple Barn Winery is located next to the world-famous Apple Barn General Store & Cider Mill in Sevierville, and they offer a unique twist on wine. Their wine is hand crafted in small lots on the farm to provide each customer the best possible wine from local fruit. Open daily for tasting and sales.
And the newest winery in the Rocky Top Wineries family is Eagle Springs Winery, located just off of Exit 407 on I-40, the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains! Eagle Springs Winery is proud to offer honey wines along with its limited selection of dry and semi-sweet wines.
Rocky Top Wineries also have two wine clubs that send out six bottles of wine, carefully selected by their Master Winemaker, twice a year. Members get to try the new wines first and get discounts on most purchases.
There is free tasting at all wineries and a free gift when you visit. Visit 3 Wineries and get a wine glass, visit all 5 and get a T-Shirt. For more information visit www.rockytopwineries.com.
For more information on the area visit www.bestreadguidesmokymountains.com.