Tennessee has a long history of making its famous amber-colored spirit, and touring the places where it happens is a fun way to see the state. From tiny towns to big city warehouses, these stops mix history, hands-on demos, and beautiful scenery that make a road trip feel special.
Some tours are quick and easy, while others include tastings, gift shops, and food nearby that turn a single visit into a whole weekend. If you enjoy learning how things are made and want an excuse to explore small-town Tennessee, this list is a great place to start.
Here are eight distillery tours across the state that are worth building your travel plans around, whether you go for the process, the setting, or the stories behind each brand.
1. Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Lynchburg, Tennessee
Few places carry the name recognition of the operation in tiny Lynchburg. The distillery sits in Moore County and has been producing here since the 1800s, making it one of the oldest registered distilleries in the country.
Tours range from a walking overview to longer experiences that show the charcoal mellowing process the brand is known for. Guides walk visitors past the limestone cave spring that supplies the water and through the working buildings.
The town square nearby is small and walkable, with shops and a hardware store that has been around for generations. Because Lynchburg is a bit out of the way, it pairs well with a longer drive through the countryside.
Booking tour tickets ahead is smart since popular time slots fill up.
2. George Dickel Distillery, Tullahoma, Tennessee
Set in a wooded spot called Cascade Hollow, this distillery has a quieter, more relaxed feel than some of its bigger neighbors. It sits just outside Tullahoma and has roots going back to the 1800s.
The property includes a general store and grounds shaded by trees, which makes it an easy place to slow down. Tours explain the chilled charcoal filtering method that sets this brand apart from others in the state.
Because it is only a short drive from Lynchburg, many travelers pair the two on the same weekend. The rural setting and small crowds make it a good pick if you want something calmer.
Check the schedule before you go, since hours can vary by season.
3. Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, Nashville, Tennessee
A family story sits at the center of this Nashville operation, which was revived by two brothers who traced their ancestor’s old brand. The original business dated to the 1800s before the family stepped away from it for generations.
Located in the Marathon Village district, the distillery is easy to reach if you are staying in the city. The building shares space with shops and other small businesses, so you can make an afternoon of it.
Tours cover the family history and walk guests through the production floor and tasting room. I like this stop for travelers who want a distillery experience without leaving Nashville.
The urban location makes it simple to combine with dinner and other city sights.
4. Ole Smoky Distillery, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Right in the heart of the Smoky Mountain tourist corridor, this spot combines production with live music and a lively atmosphere. It has become one of the most visited distilleries in the region thanks to its Gatlinburg location.
The barn-style buildings host regular music performances, and the tasting areas keep a steady flow of visitors. Sampling here is a big part of the draw, with a wide range of flavored products.
Since it sits near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it fits naturally into a mountain vacation. Families often stop while exploring downtown Gatlinburg.
Parking in the area can be tricky during busy seasons, so arriving early helps.
5. Sugarlands Distilling Company, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Downtown Gatlinburg holds another popular stop that leans into its Appalachian roots. The distillery takes its name from a valley in the nearby national park.
Inside, visitors can watch production, browse a large retail area, and sit in on tastings. The company has connected itself to mountain culture through events and personalities tied to the region.
Its location on the main strip makes it one of the easiest distilleries to fold into a walking day downtown. You can visit without a car if you are already staying nearby.
Between this and other Gatlinburg options, the town has become a real hub for spirit tourism, so it works well as a weekend base.
6. Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Innovation is the theme at this downtown Chattanooga distillery, which built its brand around trying new small-batch recipes. The company helped change local laws to make distilling legal in the city again.
The experimental facility focuses on testing different grain blends and techniques, and tours highlight that hands-on approach. Guests can learn how the team develops new products before scaling them up.
Because it sits in a walkable part of downtown, it pairs easily with restaurants, riverfront attractions, and the city’s other draws. I would save this one for travelers who like the science and creativity behind the process.
Chattanooga makes a strong weekend destination on its own, and this stop adds to it.
7. Old Forge Distillery, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Sitting beside a historic gristmill, this Pigeon Forge distillery uses grains milled right next door. The connection to The Old Mill complex gives it a setting most distilleries cannot match.
Tastings and small-batch products are the focus, and the surrounding area is packed with shops, dining, and attractions. The mill grounds are scenic and worth walking around before or after your visit.
Pigeon Forge is a family vacation staple, so this stop fits neatly into a trip built around the town’s other activities. The nearby creek and historic buildings make good photo spots.
If you are already visiting the Smokies, this rounds out the region nicely alongside the Gatlinburg options.
8. Corsair Distillery, Nashville, Tennessee
Craft experimentation put this Nashville name on the map, with a lineup that goes well beyond the usual offerings. The company has earned recognition for its adventurous approach to small-batch spirits.
Its taproom and production space sit in the Wedgewood-Houston area, a neighborhood known for its artsy, industrial character. Tours give a look at how the team plays with unusual grains and methods.
The surrounding district has galleries and eateries, making it easy to spend a few hours nearby. This stop appeals to people who want something different from the big historic brands.
Combined with other Nashville distilleries, it helps build a full city weekend focused on how these spirits are made.
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