Hillside Winery, Inc

Why go: Free tastings and daily winery tours make Hillside Winery a low-commitment, high-reward stop for anyone passing through Sevierville, whether you arrived for the best-selling Black and Blue or a guided look inside one of the Smokies’ largest wine cellars.

About Hillside Winery

Hillside Winery sits on Collier Drive near the Governor’s Crossing corridor, part of the Rocky Top Wine Trail and one of the most visited wineries in the Smoky Mountains region. The focus is Italian-style and sparkling wines crafted from Tennessee-grown grapes, with Hillside pressing over 856,000 pounds of local fruit annually through partnerships with regional farmers. That dedication to sourcing has earned multiple awards, including recognition at the Wines of the South competition, and places Hillside at the intersection of Tuscan tradition and Appalachian terroir.

The portfolio spans dry to sweet. Pinot Grigio and Sangiovese anchor the drier end, while the award-winning Muscadine Mist and the best-selling Black and Blue, a sweet blend of blackberry and blueberry, draw the most attention at the tasting counter. Hillside Mist, a sparkling white made in the Asti tradition, rounds out the bubbly lineup alongside seasonal varieties.

The facility divides between a tasting room and an expansive gift shop stocked with wine accessories, Sweetwater Valley Cheese, summer sausages, and homemade wine jellies. Outdoor seating overlooks the mountains, a painted butterfly mural by local artist Pinkie Mistry covers one exterior wall, and a vegan and gluten-free wine selection means most guests find something that works. Dogs are welcome on the property.

Getting to Hillside Winery

Hillside Winery is on Collier Drive in the Governor’s Crossing area of Sevierville, convenient to Tanger Five Oaks Outlet Mall and a short turn off Dolly Parton Parkway. From the Parkway heading toward Sevierville from Pigeon Forge, look for Collier Drive near the Governor’s Crossing development; the winery is set back from the main road with signage visible from the intersection. Free on-site parking accommodates both cars and larger vehicles. Hours vary seasonally, so call ahead at (865) 908-8482 to confirm current times before making the trip.

Why Choose Hillside Winery

Hillside Winery is the kind of stop that works whether you came as a seasoned wine drinker or just followed a tip from someone at the hotel. The no-pressure tasting format, free daily tours, and depth of the lineup make it worth a half-hour even if you walk out with nothing but a glass of Black and Blue and a better understanding of what Tennessee grapes can produce.

• Free tastings every day, no reservation required. Walk-in tastings run seven days a week. A staff member guides you through the lineup, explains the style and origin of each wine, and lets you find your favorites at your own pace.
• One of the Smokies’ largest wine cellars. Hillside presses over 856,000 pounds of Tennessee grapes annually, giving the selection a depth that larger tasting rooms rarely match.
• Italian-style range from dry to sweet. The portfolio covers Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, and other Italian-influenced varieties alongside sweeter fruit wines and sparkling options, making it one of the more versatile lineups on the Rocky Top Wine Trail.
• Free daily winery tours. Knowledgeable guides walk you through the production process and explain why Hillside caps its wines rather than corking them, a detail that consistently surprises first-time visitors.
• Anchor stop on the Rocky Top Wine Trail. Hillside is one of five wineries on Tennessee’s first and most-visited wine trail. A free passport, available at any location, earns stamps and complimentary gifts as you work through all five stops.

Meet the Wines

Guided tastings are the most efficient way to navigate the Hillside lineup, since staff walk you through what you are drinking and why each bottle lands the way it does. These are the bottles that consistently draw the most attention at the counter.

• Black and Blue. The winery’s top seller, made from blackberries and blueberries with a sweet, fruit-forward finish. It is consistently the first bottle visitors reach for during tastings and the one most likely to end up in a bag on the way out.
• Muscadine Mist. An award-winning sparkling wine built on Tennessee Muscadine grapes. Light bubbles, a distinctly Southern flavor, and a profile that sits closer to fresh grapes than anything from Europe.
• Pinot Grigio. The Italian dry white that anchors the traditional side of the lineup, slightly softer than European versions and a reliable choice for guests who want something lighter and less fruit-forward.
• Sangiovese. Made in the Chianti tradition with more structure than most of the portfolio. It pairs well with food and gives the lineup a legitimate dry red that holds up on its own terms.
• Hillside Mist. A sweet white sparkling wine crafted in the Asti style. Aromatic, light, and popular as a gift, it travels well and holds its appeal beyond the tasting room.

What to Expect

Hillside Winery is a relaxed, walk-in experience with staff available to guide tastings or schedule tours. The gift shop gives you enough to browse while you decide which bottles to take home, and the outdoor patio makes an easy place to finish a glass once the tasting wraps up.

• No reservation required. Tastings are available walk-in, seven days a week. Arrive, ask for a tasting, and a staff member will walk you through the selection.
• Outdoor seating with mountain views. The patio area overlooks the Smoky Mountains and makes a comfortable spot to enjoy a glass after the tasting ends.
• Substantial gift shop. The retail section carries wine bottle holders, ceramics, Sweetwater Valley Cheese, summer sausages, homemade wine jellies, and a wide range of wine accessories.
• Pet-friendly grounds and vegan/gluten-free options. Dogs are welcome on the property, and the wine selection includes varieties suited to vegan and gluten-free diets.
• Wine-by-the-glass and online purchase available. Buy by the glass to enjoy on the patio, take bottles home, or order through the Rocky Top Wine Trail shop and have wine shipped directly to your door.

Nearby Restaurants in Sevierville

• Andy’s Frozen Custard. A custard stand with a rotating lineup of seasonal concretes and blended flavors, an easy dessert stop a short drive from Hillside on Dolly Parton Parkway.
• Aubrey’s. A full-service American restaurant with a broad menu of soups, salads, and entrees, a solid lunch or dinner option right on Dolly Parton Parkway.
• Jersey Hustle Pizzeria. A New York-style pizza spot serving whole pies and slices with a range of classic and creative topping combinations on Winfield Dunn Parkway.
• Tennessee Legend Distillery. A craft spirits operation with free tastings of whiskey and Tennessee spirits, a natural companion stop for anyone exploring the Sevierville drinks scene.
• The Gym Bar & Grill. A casual sports bar with American grill food, a full bar, and multiple screens, a good option for a relaxed meal after a day of sightseeing.

Explore More

My Smoky Mountain Guide Sevierville is a great resource for finding things to do and places to eat.

• Sevierville Food and Beverage Guide. Browse restaurants, coffee shops, distilleries, and dessert stops in Sevierville, organized by category.
• Sevierville Attractions. From outlet shopping to attractions and entertainment venues, find out what else is happening along the Parkway and beyond.
• Sevierville Outdoor Adventure. Hiking, paddling, ziplines, and more outdoor options in Sevierville.