Many enjoyable, socially oriented wine clubs exist in Tellico Village. The American Wine Society, Smoky Mountain Chapter (SMC), is different. Our primary purpose is to educate members about wine. To become a member of the Smoky Mountain Chapter, you must join the American Wine Society (AWS).  After you join, your information will be sent to our local chapter. We will contact you and email instructions on how to join our chapter’s private circle on TellicoLife.  AWS has many informative videos available.

While many members live in Tellico Village, anyone in the area is welcome to join. Guests are allowed to attend three tastings before joining. The Smoky Mountain Chapter (SMC), right here in Tellico Village has over 100 members interested in learning more about wine. Our Chapter collects $2.50 per taster, per tasting towards a wine-focused educational scholarship.

We have member-hosted tastings at least monthly. The focus of our tastings varies.  For example, grape(s) used to make the wine, where the grapes are grown, and styles of winemaking.

Hosts choose the venue, wines, and any food, setting the price per taster (costs reimbursed by the club after tasting). Hosts have offered tastings from $20 to $70 per person. These member-hosts provide information on geography, vintage, and grape variety. Tasters use AWS rating sheets to guide their score on color, smell, taste, and overall impression. The maximum number of attendees varies and is determined by the host. Some tastings offer an optional dinner afterward.

AWS National has about 7,000 members ranging from wine consumers to amateur and professional winemakers, from chefs to wine educators and wineries. The Smoky Mountain Chapter (SMC) has several members who belonged to other American Wine Society chapters before moving to this area.

Tastings are published on the Tellico Life Calendar. All of our tastings on the calendar start with “AWS”.  To reserve space for a tasting, please fill out this form: "Reservation Request".