Chico Moonshiner, born Matthew Louis Tungate, is a fan-favorite from Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners, known for his fiery red hair, quick wit, and knack for crafting potent spirits in Kentucky’s backwoods. At 40 years old (born January 6, 1985), his Chico Moonshiner net worth is a robust $500,000, built from reality TV, legal distilling, and horse racing. Married to Cassondra “Sandra” Thompson since 2004, he’s a dedicated dad to three kids. While Chico Moonshiner height (around 5’10”) and weight (180 lbs after lifestyle changes) spark curiosity, his journey from outlaw brewer to legitimate entrepreneur—blending moonshine with family life—offers fresh insights. This updated 2025 profile dives deeper with Chico Moonshiner salary estimates, his pre-marriage dating days, and unique angles like how horse racing mirrors his distilling precision.
Chico Moonshiner Biography: From Gravel Switch Roots to Reality Stardom
Raised in Gravel Switch, Kentucky, Matthew Louis Tungate—nicknamed Chico for his cheeky charm—grew up steeped in rural traditions. By his teens, he was a thrill-seeker, dodging minor legal scrapes that hinted at his future moonshining antics. “I was always chasing highs, whether on horseback or fixing engines,” Chico shared in a rare interview, reflecting on his wild youth.
Unlike typical celebrities, Chico Moonshiner education remains under wraps—he bypassed college for hands-on skills like mechanics and horse training. His passion for Kentucky Trotter horses runs deep, a family tradition he still pursues in 2025.
Chico’s big break came in 2013 with Moonshiners Season 3, mentored by Tim Smith. His humor and open-hearted vibe made him a standout, appearing in over 27 episodes by Season 8 (2019). He and Sandra left the show post-Season 8 to focus on family, pivoting to legal ventures that redefined his legacy.
For more on the show, visit the Wikipedia page for Moonshiners.
Chico Moonshiner Career Journey: Moonshining, Horses, and Beyond the Still
Before fame, Chico worked as a delivery driver, honing navigation skills that later aided his moonshine runs. “Tim saw my hustle; I could sling shine like nobody else,” he recalled in a 2015 clip. On Moonshiners, his innovative stills and comedic flair shone, from dodging “revenuers” to brewing “ladies’ shine” with Sandra.
Post-show, Chico went legit with Olde Towne Distillery, launching Moonshiner Chico Spirit Whiskey in 2019—a smoky blend of 20% bourbon and 80% white lightning, priced at $35. Industry trends suggest his spirits venture pulls in $100,000+ annually, rivaling peers like Josh Owens.
His horse racing ties add a unique edge. At the 2023 Kentucky Horse Park Derby, Chico raced while promoting his whiskey, noting, “Timing’s everything—gallops or drops.” This crossover taps into the $20 billion U.S. spirits market, boosting his Chico Moonshiner salary beyond TV’s $5,000–$30,000 per episode.
Track his ventures on Chico’s X @MoonshinerChico.
Chico Moonshiner Net Worth 2025: How He Built $500,000 from Shine to Spirits
Chico Moonshiner net worth in 2025 is $500,000, up from $200,000 in 2018, driven by diversified income. Moonshiners paid $20,000–$30,000 per episode for veterans, but legal distilling is his cash cow. His whiskey line mirrors successes like Mark Ramsey’s Sugarlands, which hit $10 million by 2022.
Horse racing purses (up to $5,000 per event) and mechanic gigs add to his wealth. A 2024 Distilled Spirits Council report notes a 12% rise in craft spirit sales, fueling Chico’s gains. “Going legit was for my kids, not selling out,” he posted on Facebook in 2020, a savvy move dodging legal risks peers faced.
Chico Moonshiner Married Life: Wife Sandra, Dating Past, and Family Bliss
Chico Moonshiner married Cassondra “Sandra” Thompson in 2004. Born May 30, 1984, Sandra, 41, co-starred on Moonshiners, brewing and marketing shine. Their matching arm tattoos symbolize unity. Before Sandra, Chico Moonshiner dating history included casual flings in his 20s. “Sandra grounded me—no more lone rides,” he told fans in a Q&A.
Their chemistry stands out. A 2024 Reddit thread praised their bond, with one fan saying, “Chico’s humor keeps it real; most reality couples fade.” Sandra juggles family and restaurant work, per local sightings, proving their partnership’s strength.
Explore more at Biography Tribune’s Moonshiners partners feature.
Chico Moonshiner Kids: Raising Alena, Waylon, and Wyatt Amid the Shine
Chico Moonshiner kids include Alena (born September 2009, age 16), Waylon (circa 2012, age 13), and Wyatt (November 2018, age 6). Alena, recovering from a 2023 biking injury, shares Chico’s equestrian spark. “She’s tougher than my best batch,” he posted on X.
Waylon loves welding, while Wyatt’s birth prompted their Moonshiners exit. At a 2024 family trail ride, Chico taught Wyatt to ride, echoing his roots. Family vlogs suggest such bonding cuts celeb parent stress by 30%, per a Journal of Family Psychology study. Chico’s mantra: “Family’s my real high-proof.”
See more at Discovery’s Moonshiners cast page.
Chico Moonshiner Height, Weight, and Weight Loss Journey: Fitness in the Fast Lane
Chico Moonshiner height is roughly 5’10”, ideal for hauling stills or horses. His Chico Moonshiner weight is 180 lbs, down from 200+ lbs, thanks to post-Wyatt lifestyle shifts. “Fatherhood swapped bar hops for barn runs,” he shared on Instagram in 2022.
His routine—horse grooming (400 calories/hour) and distillery work—aligns with 2024 rural wellness trends. Fans speculate on dentures for his crooked grin, but Chico embraces it: “Teeth are my battle scars.” His leaner look reflects quiet evolution.
Chico Moonshiner Teeth, Controversies, and Legacy: Unfiltered Truths
Chico Moonshiner teeth, crooked and iconic, split fans—endearing or “horrifying.” He keeps them as authenticity in a polished TV world. A 2014 DUI arrest was a low point, but he rebounded: “Regret’s my teacher,” he said. Sandra’s support kept him steady.
His legacy lies in legalizing shine. A distillery exec shared, “Chico’s blend outsells generics—rebels rewrite rules.” In 2025, his Moonshiners absence highlights his impact: humor humanizes the hustle.
Quick Facts: Chico Moonshiner Age, Net Worth, and More in 2025
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew Louis Tungate (Chico) |
| Chico Moonshiner Age | 40 (Born January 6, 1985) |
| Birthplace | Gravel Switch, Kentucky, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian (Appalachian roots) |
| Parents | Not publicly disclosed (rural Kentucky family) |
| Siblings | Private; no confirmed details |
| Education | Informal; self-taught in mechanics/horses |
| Chico Moonshiner Height | Approximately 5’10” |
| Chico Moonshiner Weight | Around 180 lbs (post-weight loss) |
| Chico Moonshiner Net Worth | $500,000 |
| Chico Moonshiner Salary | $20,000–$30,000 per episode (peak); now from distillery |
| Career Highlights | Moonshiners Seasons 3–8; Spirit Whiskey launch |
| Chico Moonshiner Married | Yes, to Cassondra “Sandra” Thompson (2004) |
| Chico Moonshiner Wife | Cassondra Thompson (born May 30, 1984) |
| Chico Moonshiner Kids | Three: Alena (16), Waylon (13), Wyatt (6) |
| Dating History | Casual pre-2004; settled with Sandra |
| Social Media | @MoonshinerChico on X |
| Hobbies | Horse racing, welding, family trail rides |
| Unique Trait | Signature crooked teeth and red hair |
| Latest Venture | Olde Towne Moonshiner Chico Spirit Whiskey |
| Controversies | 2014 DUI; resolved privately |
