Tennessee Homemade Wines — Restaurant in Sevierville

I don’t write many reviews, but since I do work in retail and consumer goods I feel like it’s necessary. My wife and I visited Tennessee Homemade Wines in Tanger Outlet with a tour we booked alongside our Airbnb. First time ever booking an experience like this before and visiting Sevierville. The location its self was well-organized, pristine and easy to navigate. They provide a selection of flavor profiles for wines and cider’s I wouldn’t have ever thought of. It did take a while for the tasting to begin. I’m assuming due to some unclear communication of our tour arriving and which exact tour we were (they service numerous tours and sometimes simultaneously). However, myself and other patrons did notice on the counter in front of us a FaceTime conversation taking placing between BAM and another young man. Another server came over, introduced himself and began to start getting us set up. A few minutes later BAM began to take over the tour (multitasking on his FaceTime call) and started grabbing a few wines and sample cups to set out. He did eventually end his FaceTime call, but a little too late on the professionalism.

Now I do have a sense of humor and enjoy a little banter amongst strangers. But apparently that’s not how BAM likes to conduct his tours. If I asked a question regarding a cider or wine he would respond “Now I already answered that”. At first I thought it was his humor, but as the tour went on and I asked any other questions he wouldn’t respond. To the point where the couple next to us said “Is he seriously ignoring you or is this part of a joke?”. Towards the end on my last question I actually raised my hand prior and confirmed acknowledgement before asking BAM a question (somewhat humorous and petty of me I know, but my New Yorker side came out). “Oh is it me? It’s my turn? I just want to make sure, I don’t want any problems.” (in a snarky tone, I’ll admit). After that I honestly disengaged, looked to find the restroom as the other guests in my tour shopped around. The Jalapeño Sauvignon Blanc, was truly AMAZING and caught my eye when we walked into the establishment. But at the end of the tasting I was no longer interested in making a purchase, or leaving a generous tip.

Lastly, my wife and I were celebrating our 5 year wedding anniversary together. But also I personally was looking to distract myself—due to today also being the 1 year anniversary of my Father’s death.

So, BAM I’m not exactly sure if that’s just your style on how you like to conduct your tastings/tours. Or if that’s just your sense of humor, and maybe it just wasn’t my taste. But, I was looking forward to a tasting tour with my wife that was a bit more immersive and engaging. And trust me today of all days, I SINCERELY needed...

Long review alert I stumbled upon this wine store during a recent visit to Tennessee. I had never heard of the place before and didn’t even know they offered wine tastings until I walked in out of curiosity. The store itself was clean, nicely presented, and the wine was stocked perfectly. Unfortunately, my interaction with the staff, specifically an employee named Bam, left me with a bad impression.

When I walked in, Bam immediately approached me and seemed friendly at first. He complimented my appearance, which I politely acknowledged, and then asked what kind of wines I liked. I told him I enjoy sweet wines. As he began telling me about the first option, I asked if they offered samples, and he responded, “We will get to that.” Then, without me realizing he was on a personal call (due to his AirPod I hadn’t noticed), he asked if he could tell his friend something. He proceeded to describe me to his friend in a way I felt was unprofessional and unnecessary, referencing my appearance.

I was caught off guard and asked him directly if he was seriously on the phone with a friend while assisting me. He brushed past it and went back to talking about the wines, but the professionalism was already gone. As we continued, he complimented my scent, asked to look at my left hand (ring finger), asked where I was from, and let me know he was “very much single.” These comments made the experience uncomfortable and distracting from the actual wine tasting.

When I asked a question about how sweet vs. dry wines are prepared, he avoided answering and eventually compared it to trying a grape in a grocery store, insisting I had “answered my own question” without actually explaining. His repeated dismissive responses became frustrating. By the fourth or fifth wine, he made an inappropriate comment to his “friend” on the phone, saying, “It’s always the Black women that want to give me a hard time when they come in here.” That statement was unacceptable and offensive.

I became visibly annoyed but decided to finish the tasting. Bam took his time, continued to talk unnecessarily, and even argued with me when I asked a simple question about whether they used a fresh cup for each wine. Eventually, I got to try the last wine on my list, the Great Niagra, which I loved and purchased before leaving quickly.

I am giving two stars only because the store itself is well-presented and the wines I tried (especially the Great Niagra) were delicious. However, Bam’s unprofessional behavior, inappropriate comments, and lack of focus on the actual customer experience cost this store three stars, and, honestly, my...

Wine, I admit, isn’t my favorite adult beverage. I’m a beer drinker first and foremost and I like the occasional whiskey as well. I don’t normally go out of my way for wine, but if it’s easily accessible, then there is a good chance I will give it a go. And easily accessible is exactly what you get at Tennessee Homemade Wines.

I was visiting Gatlinburg a couple of months back and while I waited for my family members to finish their time at one of the places of entertainment, Tennessee Homemade Wines caught my attention. It’s right there, on one of the main streets, and they advertise free tastings. Not one to turn away anything free, I made my way inside.

Tennessee Homemade Wines has a narrow interior space with lots of wood, wine bottles, and friendly people. I walked to the back, stepped up to the bar, and examined the wine menu. I asked for an assortment of tastings and started up a conversation with some of the other tourists. The folks behind the bar were informative and helped educate guests on the different wines. They also help to steer you in the direction of wine best suited to your own tastes. This was immensely helpful for someone like me who doesn’t usually go for wine.

What I found is that the wines served at Tennessee Homemade Wines are mostly sweet and fruity, with an assortment of fruit flavors. I liked the strawberry, blackberry, and peach wines best, but even the more traditional wines were tasty. Your initial tasting is free, but they have other tasting options that you can choose for a small price. It’s worth it to pay a small fee to try more.

If you want to get wine to go, like many people do, you won’t have any trouble finding wine, as the plentiful bottles are stacked neatly along the walls. One cool thing they do is package your wine to go in a box. This is much better than using a bag and with the built- in handle on the top of the box, it’s easy to carry it with you as you head out onto the streets of Gatlinburg to your next stop.

Wine isn’t normally my thing, but I did like the wines at Tennessee Homemade Wines. They are sweeter than average, highly drinkable, and served with a smile. This establishment is a standing- room type of place and it can get crowded, but a visit here is one that needs to be placed on your schedule. You will like what you taste and with free sips, there is no reason not to spend time at Tennessee Homemade Wines, one of the my favorite stops on my spring break visit to this mountain tourist town in...