The Amish Community Visit offers a unique opportunity to take in the serene landscapes of Amish Country. Participants can enjoy a diverse range of activities, from refreshing swimming and invigorating hiking to a delightful picnic-style lunch featuring seasonal ingredients. The highlight of the tour, however, lies in the captivating wine tasting experience at the renowned Morrison Vineyard, where guests can savor a selection of local wines and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s rich cultural heritage. This tour promises a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration, leaving visitors with a newfound appreciation for the Amish way of life.

This experience made our list of the 3 Best Lunch Experiences In Chattanooga.

Key Points

  • The tour covers approximately 150 miles from Atlanta and includes visits to Mennonite and Amish bakeries and shops.
  • The tour provides a picnic-style lunch featuring turkey meat, flatbread, and seasonal produce.
  • The tour includes a wine tasting at Morrison Vineyard, showcasing local varietals such as Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • The tour requires moderate physical fitness and is not wheelchair accessible.
  • The tour experiences have received mixed reviews, with some participants feeling the level of interaction with the Amish community was lacking.

Tour Overview

The tour offers a full-day journey through Amish Country, Chattanooga, covering an approximate distance of 150 miles from Atlanta.

Participants can explore Mennonite and Amish culture, visiting bakeries and shops selling homemade goods. The experience ends with a wine tasting at Morrison Vineyard and a look at the John Muir Trail.

The tour includes 6 or more wine tastings, a picnic-style lunch, and transportation to and from the attractions. However, it isn’t wheelchair accessible, and moderate physical fitness is required.

The tour is private, with only the group participating, and the meeting point is in Delano, TN, with a start time of 11:30 AM.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes 6 or more wine tastings, allowing participants to sample the offerings at Morrison Vineyard.

A picnic-style lunch is also provided, featuring turkey meat, flatbread, hummus, nuts, berries, and seasonal produce.

For transportation, the tour provides pickup and drop-off at the meeting point in Delano, Tennessee.

Travelers will be accompanied by a local guide trained in first aid and CPR.

However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

Participants must be at least 21 years old to partake in the wine tasting.

The tour is private, with only the booking group in attendance.

Meeting Details

Travelers meet at the specified location in Delano, Tennessee 37325 to begin their full-day exploration of Amish Country.

The tour starts promptly at 11:30 AM and ends back at the meeting point. This private tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so participants must have a moderate level of physical fitness.

The minimum drinking age for the wine tasting is 21 years old.

Throughout the day, a local guide trained in First Aid and CPR will accompany the group, providing transportation to and from the various attractions.

Amish and Mennonite Culture

Exploring the distinct Amish and Mennonite cultures is at the heart of this immersive tour through Tennessee’s Chattanooga region. The Amish, known for their simple living, traditional clothing, and horse-drawn buggies, and the Mennonites, a closely related Anabaptist group, offer visitors a glimpse into their unique ways of life. Guests can browse local Amish and Mennonite bakeries, shops, and farms, witnessing firsthand the craftsmanship and traditions that have been passed down for generations.

Amish Mennonites
Avoid modern technology Use some modern technology
Speak Pennsylvania Dutch Speak English or various other languages
Men wear hats, suspenders, and plain colored shirts Dress plainly but not as strict as Amish
Women wear bonnets and long dresses Women wear modest dresses or skirts
Strongly emphasize community and family Emphasize community, but more individualistic

Picnic Lunch and Locations

A central part of the tour is the picnic-style lunch provided for participants. The lunch includes a variety of local and seasonal ingredients, such as turkey meat, flatbread, hummus, nuts, berries, and hard-boiled eggs. The meal is designed to be a light but satisfying repast.

The tour culminates with a wine tasting at the Morrison Vineyard, offering visitors a chance to sample the local vintages. While some reviewers found the wine tasting underwhelming, others appreciated the opportunity to experience this aspect of the region’s offerings.

Wine Tasting Experience

Concluding the tour, visitors partake in a wine tasting at the Morrison Vineyard. The tasting features 6 or more varietals, providing a well-rounded sampling of the local terroir. While some guests found the selection underwhelming, the opportunity to savor the fruits of the region is a fitting finale to the day’s explorations.

Tasting Notes Aroma Flavor Finish
Chardonnay Citrus, oak Crisp, buttery Lingering
Merlot Blackberry, spice Smooth, medium-bodied Soft tannins
Cabernet Sauvignon Blackcurrant, vanilla Bold, structured Long, dry

Reviews and Feedback

While the wine tasting offered a satisfying conclusion to the day’s explorations, reviews of the overall tour experience were mixed.

Some found the tour lacking in genuine interaction with the Amish community, feeling it was more of a self-guided experience than a guided tour. The picnic lunch and swimming location also failed to meet expectations for some.

The wine tasting was perceived as underwhelming, despite being touted as a highlight. However, others appreciated the unique combination of outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Cancellation and Booking

Confirmation is provided upon booking the Amish Community Visit tour, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts in the local time zone.

This policy offers flexibility, allowing customers to reserve their spot without immediate payment. The "Reserve now and pay later" option further enhances this flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be suitable for children. It’s not wheelchair accessible and requires moderate physical fitness. Plus, the minimum drinking age is 21 years, so the wine tasting component would not be appropriate for children.

What Types of Payment Methods Are Accepted?

The tour company accepts various payment methods, including credit/debit cards and PayPal. They provide a "Reserve now, pay later" option for added flexibility. Specific details on accepted payment types aren’t provided in the tour overview.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour provider does not offer customization of the itinerary. The full-day journey through Amish Country is set and includes specific activities like visiting Amish bakeries, shops, and a wine tasting at Morrison Vineyard.

How Often Do the Tours Run Throughout the Week?

The tours run on a daily basis throughout the week. The schedule may vary, so it’s best to check the availability and book in advance to ensure the desired tour date.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour operator doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or students. The price is fixed at $153.85 per person, with a lowest price guarantee regardless of group size.

Recap

The Amish Community Visit offers a blend of culture and relaxation. Guests can explore serene Amish landscapes, enjoy outdoor activities, savor a picnic-style lunch, and indulge in a wine tasting at the Morrison Vineyard. This tour captures the essence of Amish life, providing memorable experiences for participants. With its diverse inclusions, the Amish Community Visit is an engaging and well-rounded excursion.