How long should I spend at Smokin Banjo?

Plan on 30-45 minutes for a proper tasting experience. If you're doing the full Wine Trail, you might spend a bit longer since this is a great starting point.

Is Smokin Banjo good for kids?

This is a 21+ venue since it's primarily a wine and hard cider tasting room. Families with kids should stick to the nearby attractions like Ripley's Aquarium instead.

Is there parking at Smokin Banjo?

Parking is available but can get tight since they're right on the busy Gatlinburg Strip. You might need to circle the block during peak times or park a bit further and walk.

What types of wine does Smokin Banjo make?

They specialize in bold, unconventional wines and hard ciders rather than traditional varieties. Think flavors like Wicked Grape, Elderberry Honey, and their standout Granny Smith Hard Cider.

Can I buy wine to take home from Smokin Banjo?

Absolutely! They have a shop on-site where you can purchase bottles, and they offer a buy-5-get-1-free deal. They also have a wine club if you want regular shipments.

Smokin Banjo

Name: Smokin Banjo
Address: 631 Parkway Gatlinburg TN 37738, Gatlinburg, TN, US
Telephone: (865) 252-5618
Rating: 9.85

Duration

30-60 minutes (longer if doing the full Wine Trail experience)

Best For

Wine Trail enthusiasts • Hard cider lovers • Couples looking for unique tastings

Pro Tip

Start your Gatlinburg Wine Trail here since they're centrally located, then work your way to the other four stops - you'll get a VIP tasting experience at each location.

About Smokin Banjo

Smokin Banjo stands out on Gatlinburg's Wine Trail for its adventurous approach to winemaking and stellar hard cider selection. Unlike traditional wineries, you'll find bold, experimental flavors here - their Wicked Grape and Elderberry Honey wines showcase their willingness to push beyond conventional varietals. The spicy raspberry hard cider has become their signature offering, delivering a perfect balance of fruit and heat that keeps locals and tourists coming back.

The tasting experience here feels relaxed and educational, with staff members who genuinely enjoy sharing their knowledge. They'll walk you through each sample at your own pace, explaining the unique characteristics of their unconventional blends. The popular buy-5-get-1-free deal makes it worthwhile to stock up on your favorites after tasting.

Located on the Strip near the aquarium, Smokin Banjo's central position makes it easily accessible, though parking can require some patience during peak tourist seasons. The wine club offers a great way to stay connected with new releases throughout the year, and many visitors find it worth joining after their first tasting experience.

While traditional wine enthusiasts might miss classic varietals like Chardonnay or Cabernet, Smokin Banjo's creative approach to winemaking delivers something different from the usual wine trail experience. The combination of unique flavors, generous pours during tastings, and knowledgeable staff creates an approachable, entertaining atmosphere that works equally well for wine novices and experienced tasters.

Last updated: February 20, 2026 • Based on 3,023 reviews

Amenities & Features

Staff members who are genuinely knowledgeable and entertaining, with Emily, Sydney, and Ryan frequently mentioned for making tastings memorableThe spicy raspberry hard cider ("Sweet Heat" or "Transfusion") stands out as a visitor favoriteExcellent value with the buy-5-get-1-free bottle promotion that encourages stocking upPart of the official Gatlinburg Wine Trail, making it a worthwhile stop for wine tour participants

Don't Miss

Spicy Raspberry Hard Cider

This is their standout drink that keeps people coming back. It has just the right amount of heat without being overwhelming, and the raspberry flavor really comes through. We've never found anything quite like it elsewhere.

Gatlinburg Wine Trail Experience

Starting here gets you access to all five wineries on the trail with VIP tastings at each stop. It's a fun way to spend an afternoon, and this location makes a great home base since it's centrally located.

Elderberry Honey Wine

One of their more unique offerings that surprises a lot of visitors. The honey adds a natural sweetness that balances really well with the elderberry's tartness. It's definitely not traditional, but that's the whole point.

Buy-5-Get-1-Free Deal

This makes stocking up on your favorites way more affordable than most wineries. We always end up buying more than we planned because the deal is so good, and it's great for trying multiple varieties.

Knowledgeable Staff

The team here really knows their products and takes time to explain the different flavors and production methods. They're not pushy about sales and genuinely want you to find something you'll love.

Wine Club Membership

Their club ships new releases throughout the year, which is perfect for trying their seasonal offerings. It's a nice way to discover new flavors without having to drive back to Gatlinburg every time.

Know Before You Go

Parking fills up quickly on the Strip - arrive early or be prepared to walk a few blocks
Bring your ID - this is a 21+ venue for wine and cider tastings
Cash and cards are accepted, but call ahead to confirm payment options
The Strip location means it can get crowded during peak tourist seasons
Wheelchair accessible since it's a ground-level shop on the main Strip

Opening Hours

Monday10 AM to 11 PM

Tuesday10 AM to 11 PM

Wednesday10 AM to 11 PM

Thursday10 AM to 11 PM

Friday10 AM to 11 PM

Saturday10 AM to 11 PM

Sunday10 AM to 11 PM

Best Times to Visit Smokin Banjo

Visit during weekday mornings for the calmest experience.

🔥Buzzing

Weekend afternoons

☀️Relaxed

Weekday mornings

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours for Smokin Banjo?

We recommend calling (865) 252-5618 for current hours since they can vary seasonally. They're typically open daily during peak tourist season, but hours may be reduced in winter months.

How much does Smokin Banjo cost?

Tasting prices aren't listed online, so you'll want to call ahead or check when you arrive. They do have a buy-5-get-1-free bottle deal that makes purchasing more affordable.

Do I need reservations for Smokin Banjo?

No reservations are required for regular tastings. However, if you're planning to do the full Gatlinburg Wine Trail experience, calling ahead during busy seasons isn't a bad idea.