For over a decade, Mark Rogers has been one of the most recognizable faces of Discovery Channel’s controversial reality series Moonshiners, captivating audiences with his old-school distilling skills and Appalachian survival savvy. But as the hit show barrels toward its 13th season, many fans are asking: Where has Mark Rogers been — and what is he up to now?
Born in the sleepy town of Newport, Tennessee, in the mid-1970s, Rogers learned the art of moonshining from his extended family of 12 uncles. He brewed his first batch at just eight years old — a humble beginning that would grow into a lifelong passion. Under the legendary Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton, Mark honed his craft, building stills and perfecting high-proof recipes passed down through generations.
When Moonshiners premiered in December 2011, Mark was a natural addition. Joining in the show’s third season, he quickly became a fan favorite for his calm demeanor, ingenuity, and deep respect for Appalachian distilling traditions. Alongside his longtime friend and fellow moonshiner Eric “Digger” Manes, Mark’s episodes have showcased everything from clever decoy tricks to backwoods “redneck engineering” — like using homemade wooden troughs to reroute spring water straight into hidden stills.
Beyond the screen, Mark has turned his passion into legitimate ventures. He partnered with Sugarlands Distilling Co. in Gatlinburg to create Mark Rogers’ American Peach Moonshine, the first 70-proof spirit in the company’s Legends series. Fans line up to meet him and get their jars signed when he and Digger tour local shops and festivals.
But TV fame hasn’t changed Mark’s roots. He still lives in Newport and keeps busy when he’s not filming — running the Back Alley Granary, a store selling wine and beer-making supplies. Since distilling moonshine at home remains illegal in Tennessee, Mark instead teaches classes in the craft of legal fermentation. His wife, meanwhile, runs Fruit Jar Alley, a boutique clothing store just down the road.
While Mark’s private life stays largely under wraps, one thing is clear: He’s still very much the mountain man he’s always been — hunting, fishing, and living off the land when he’s not on camera. Despite rumors, Mark remains tight-lipped about his romantic life, with no public relationships known and no wedding ring in sight.
As for his wallet, Moonshiners has paid off handsomely. Reports suggest Mark earns around $5,000 per episode, which — with over 230 episodes to his name — adds up fast. Combined with his distilling deals and side businesses, estimates put his net worth at more than $300,000 and climbing.
From a small boy brewing whiskey with his uncles to a TV icon carrying on Appalachia’s moonshining legacy, Mark Rogers’ journey is proof that some old traditions never die — they just get a TV contract.
