You don’t have to head all the way across the country to Napa Valley to find some incredible wine-producing regions in the U.S. It may surprise some people to learn that there are thriving vineyards in Georgia that are making delicious and award-winning wines. Most of the wineries here are located in North Georgia and near the Blue Ridge Mountains because this is where the conditions are most favorable for growing grapes. This makes it easy to plan a wine-centric trip in the South to visit a few vineyards and learn about the people who run them. Georgia wineries are also very popular venues for weddings, and you’ll often catch glimpses of happy brides and grooms when you stop by tasting rooms on weekends.
So, next time you plan to be in Georgia, add these wineries to your itinerary to visit!
Montaluce Winery & Restaurant, Dahlonega
You’ll only need to travel about 40 miles north of Atlanta to reach the Montaluce Winery & Restaurant, which offers tours and tastings. The most unique way to experience Montaluce is to join a guided 1.8-mile wine hike to explore the property and learn about winemaking. There’s a gourmet restaurant on site that makes you feel like you’re in Tuscany, with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.
Tiger Mountain Vineyards, Tiger
Owned and operated by two local couples, Tiger Mountain Vineyards produces red and white wines in Rabun County from 100 percent Georgia-grown grapes. Make sure to try the TMV Sweet Petit, which has been voted the best dessert wine in Georgia. The vineyard’s Malbec and cabernet franc have also won awards. The on-site winemaker is best known for introducing petit manseng to Georgia, which has since been referred to as a new southern classic because the grapes are so well-suited to grow here. Come to dine on fresh and local foods here at the Red Barn Café, such as cashew cream-filled Belgian Endive with Shiitake bacon and eggs benedict.
Wolf Mountain Vineyards, Dahlonega
Wolf Mountain Vineyards is located about five miles from Dahlonega in the mountains of North Georgia, and it has won over 200 medals in national wine tasting competitions. It is a popular place for tours, tastings, weddings, brunch, lunch, and dinner. To learn more about the vineyard, take a winemaker’s tour. Award-winning wines to try here include dry white wines, dry rosé and red wines, semi-sweet and port wines, and sparkling wines.
Yonah Mountain Vineyards, Cleveland
Another excellent vineyard to visit is Yonah Mountain, which has a wine cave for tours and tastings and live music. It’s located at 1717 Highway 255 South in Cleveland and offers lovely mountain views. Check their calendar for fun events that include traditional barefoot grape stomping, live music, an artisan market, tastings.
Habersham Winery, Helen
Habersham is one of the oldest and largest wineries in the state and has been producing local wines since 1983. There are many different types of wines that you can try here, and bottles for purchase are available. The main location is in the Nacoochee Village about a half-mile south of Helen, Georgia on Highway 75. There are also Habersham tasting rooms on the public square in Dahlonega and in in the town of Juliette. Habersham has its original vineyard in Clarkesville, and the smaller Mossy Creek Vineyard is south of Cleveland on the slopes of Skitt’s Mountain.
Three Sisters Vineyards and Winery, Dahlonega
Three Sisters was the first family farm winery in Dahlonega and is located at 439 Vineyard Way. The tasting room here is open weekly, and there are also tasting options that include wine and chocolate. Three Sisters is also a popular wedding venue, and food trucks come onsite for special events. Unlike many of the vineyards in this area, dogs are welcome at the winery throughout the year as long as they are under control and on a leash. They even have a special weekend to celebrate pets and dog treats behind the bar in the main tasting room!
Cavender Creek Vineyards, Dahlonega
Cavender Creek offers a welcoming and friendly environment to enjoy wine and simply relax. The vineyard was founded in 2006 by two retired school teachers and has been under new management since 2015. What makes this vineyard even more interesting is that it has an authentic 1820s log cabin with modern amenities that you can reserve for an overnight stay. It’s located at 3610 Cavender Creek Road in Dahlonega, and live entertainment is provided Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Cottage Vineyard and Winery, Cleveland
Just five miles north of Cleveland Square, you’ll find the lovely Cottage Vineyard and Winery. They have an array of white and reds to choose from, as well as multiple sweet wines. A short drive from Helen, you can come here for a wine tasting and enjoy picturesque mountain scenery in the distance. Most of all, this winery is known for its welcoming staff and warm hospitality.
Crane Creek Vineyards, Young Harris
Crane Creek is also located in the Blue Ridge Mountains near the college town of Young Harris. Take a vintner’s tour of the vineyard to learn about how wine is made and enjoy a full wine tasting, cheese platter, and souvenir glass. Check the vineyard’s event calendar to join a vineyard 5K race, harvest festival, or other fun events. Two guest houses are located onsite for lodging.
