When it comes to North Georgia, you can expect some mesmerizing views of misted green hills, mountain lakes, and quiet creeks. Besides the breathtaking views, the unique geography and climate of North Georgia make for the ideal environment to grow grapes for producing wine.
About that, North Georgia has been the breeding ground for grapes and vine fruits for centuries. However, the wineries and vineyards of North Georgia have gained significant attention since the 1990s. Their award-winning wines have brought them national recognition in recent years.
Georgia’s wine country can be the perfect combination of enchanting drinks and breathtaking sceneries, making them a must-visit. So if you want to visit the wineries and vineyards of North Georgia this summer, read this guide till the end.
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Are North Georgia Wines Good?
While the country of Georgia is one of the most ancient wine-producing nations with over 8,000 years of history, the state of Georgia in the U.S. has built its own impressive reputation.
The wine you enjoy in North Georgia is unique and rich in local character. Many vintners here draw inspiration from old-world techniques, including the use of traditional clay vessels. You have to pay the tasting rooms of North Georgia wineries a visit and indulge in the rich and unique flavor of native Muscadine grapes along with world-class European varietals.
What Wine is North Georgia Known For?
When at North Georgia wineries, the choices of wine are countless. You might not know which one to taste or where to start. Although Georgia is recognized as the Peach State, its wine industry thrives on Muscadine grapes as well as high-quality fruit wines. Additionally, the region has become a powerhouse for French and Italian varietals like Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Viognier that fill up any wine tasting expedition.
Best Wineries in North Georgia
Many of the wineries in North Georgia wine country exclusively sell their wines at their tasting rooms, allowing tourists to try flavors they might not buy off the shelf. Here we curated a list of the 6 best wineries of North Georgia you should visit.
Wolf Mountain Vineyards
The Wolf Mountain Vineyard was established in 1999 and is one of the most famous wineries in Dahlonega, GA. This winery of North Georgia has raised the standard for East Coast viticulture by winning Georgia’s first Medals at prestigious competitions like the San Francisco Chronicle and Los Angeles International Wine Competitions.
The Boegner family runs this European-style Wolf Mountain Winery, which is fashioned after an elevated Craftsman-style cottage. This winery sits at an altitude of 1,800 feet, with breathtaking views of the southern Appalachian highlands. It boasts 10,000 vines that are planted by hand and yield some exceptional estate wines.
Best Wines
Some of the finest wines at the Wolf vineyards are the Private Reserve Chardonnay and Plentitude, an exclusive blend of Chardonnay and Viognier. Besides these award-winning drinks, they also have dry rosé and red wines like Sunset Rose, Howling Wolf Red, Claret, and Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.
Tours
Guided Wolf Mountain excursions are typically offered seasonally. You can travel across the vineyards with one of the winery experts and discover the blending and brewing process. Check their official site for the latest tour schedules and pricing.
Tastings
The Wolf Mountain vineyard has public tasting rooms that generally follow a first-come, first-served approach. However, if you have a group of over eight guests, you must make an appointment ahead of time.
A stunning four-sided stone and wood bar serves as the center of the tasting area. An open-air balcony and waterfall terrace are located right outside the tasting room, providing a picturesque setting to experience the wines. Lastly, they offer many food options from Artisan Cheese Plates to their famous Sunday Brunches.
Yonah Mountain Vineyards
Yonah Mountain Vineyards is a beautiful 200-acre Georgia winery held by Bob and Jane Miller. It is nestled at the southeast foothills of the picturesque Mount Yonah.
The Millers started to make wines upon purchasing the property in 2005, maintaining the motive to create a boutique vineyard and winery that would yield international quality varietals to compete with any of the world’s finest wines. Besides, they are devoted to sustainability, intending to become energy independent for their wine production.
Best Wines
Their Malbec, Genesis series, and the Totem are among Yonah Mountain Wineries’ top red wines. They also provide several crisp white wines and a variety of dessert and specialty wines.
Tours
Yonah Mountain Vineyards’ most renowned trip takes tourists to their unique wine cave—the only one of its kind in Georgia. At the cave, you can taste a wide range of their finest varietals in an intimate setting. Reservations for cave tours are highly recommended.
Tastings
Yonah Mountain greets walk-in wine tastings at their grand tasting bar. They offer Wine Flight Tastings that allow you to explore their diverse portfolio. Guests can choose from a variety of flight options featuring both their estate reds and whites.
Kaya Vineyard and Winery
Kaya Vineyard and Winery, nestled in Dahlonega, Georgia, is built upon the site of the former Blackstock Vineyards. Kaya’s Vineyards is located on a magnificent hilltop 1,600 feet above sea level. So while your tongue tastes the most refined wine, your eyes will cherish the mesmerizing mountain views.
Best Wines
The Trifecta, Reserve Merlot, and Oak Merlot are their famous red wines. Among their white wines, the Oaked Viognier and SS Chardonnay are exceptional. They also offer refreshing rosé and sweet wines that will satisfy any palate.
Tours
On your visit to Kaya, you can enjoy your time in their newly established Craftsman-style cottages, which provide a luxury outdoor paradise. Furthermore, you can enjoy wine and food on their covered patio while listening to live music during the weekends. While the main dining area does not require a booking, pre-booking is needed for their special event catering and large group picnics.
Moreover, Kaya can make your wedding memorable with their highly creative teams. They take care of everything from outdoor receptions to rehearsal dinners in their Pavilion.
Tastings
You can enjoy walk-in tastings at Kaya with family and friends. They offer curated wine flights from their extensive wine list. The tasting room is typically open Tuesday through Sunday, with Sunday hours starting at 12:30 PM.
The Cottage Vineyard and Winery
The Cottage Vineyard and Winery in Cleveland is a fantastic selection for those seeking stunning views of the North Georgia mountains. This winery is a must-see and has been voted among the top 25 wineries in the USA.
The tasting area features floor-to-ceiling windows, so even if the weather isn’t ideal, you won’t miss out on the incredible vistas.
Best Wines
You can pick from many different reds, whites, and sweet wines. Standout bottles include their Estate Reserve Chardonnay, Syrah (with black pepper and chocolate notes), and the Reserve Meritage. They also have fun, approachable options like their seasonal wine slushies.
Tours
The best part of a visit to The Cottage is the hospitality and the festive atmosphere. You can often enjoy live music on the weekends. The winery also has a dedicated team to organize private events and weddings.
Tastings
Wine tastings are available throughout the week. If your group has fewer than four members, you do not need a reservation. However, groups of five or more should make a reservation at least three days in advance to guarantee a tasting flight experience.
Habersham Winery
Habersham Winery is one of the oldest and largest vineyards in North Georgia, situated in Nacoochee Village just outside Helen. Founded in 1983, it has been committed to producing high-quality wines for decades. Their winemaking team pays close attention to every detail, from the vineyard to the final bottling.
Best Wines
“Scarlet,” a wonderful blend of Chambourcin, Vidal, and Cabernet/Merlot, is a local favorite. Their Habersham Cabernet Sauvignon, Cherokee Rose, and Heritage Red are also outstanding selections. For white wine fans, their Traminette offers beautiful aromas of lime and pineapple.
Tours
Group tours of the Habersham facility are available for larger parties with advanced arrangements. It is best to contact the winery at least two weeks prior to your visit for group bookings.
Tastings
Reservations are not essential for individual tastings in the Habersham tasting room; however, they are suggested for groups of ten or more. You will get the chance to taste five different wines from their current selection for a very affordable price.
Crane Creek Vineyards
This scenic vineyard, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Young Harris, is encircled by breathtaking landscapes and has over twenty acres of vines. Founded by Eric Seifarth, this estate winery focuses on crafting wines that express the unique character of the North Georgia terroir.
Best Wines
The flagship red wine of Crane Creek is “Hellbender,” an award-winning 100% Norton wine. Other top reds include Raven and Mountain Harvest. Their barrel-fermented Enotah and crisp Vidal Blanc are among the most unique white wines in the region.
Events
The “Aperitivo” and Live Music at the Farmhouse Pavilion let you sip wine and dine while enjoying local talent. The vineyard is also a popular choice for private events and weddings.
Tastings
The Tasting Room offers Tasting Flights, Wine by the Glass, and Bottle service. Reservations are generally not required for standard tastings. They are open Tuesday through Saturday, with afternoon hours on Sundays.
Also Read: 10 Best Wineries in Florida
Other Things to Do in North Georgia
Visiting the wineries and vineyards lets you experience natural beauty and rich wine simultaneously. However, there are plenty of other activities to explore:
Waterfall Chasing
From Cloudland Canyon in the northwest to Tallulah Gorge in the northeast, North Georgia is spotted with dozens of majestic waterfalls. Many are easy to reach via well-maintained paths.
Explore the Georgia Mountains
Take a ride on the Georgia Mountain Coaster in Helen or enjoy horseback riding through the Appalachian foothills. Several sites offer guided hiking tours that showcase the mesmerizing views of the mountain range.
Water Sports and Fun
Water excursions are a must in the summer. You can go kayaking, canoeing, boating, or fly fishing on the Toccoa or Chattooga Rivers.
Wineries in North Georgia: FAQs
What is the Best Time to Visit North Georgia Wineries?
There is no wrong time to visit, but we recommend July through September. During this time, the vines are laden with grapes, and you may even catch some of the harvest festivities.
Where is North Georgia’s Wine Country?
It is located primarily in the North Georgia mountains, less than two hours away from Atlanta. The region outstretches from the northeast near Helen and Dahlonega toward the western mountain gaps.
How Many Wineries are in North Georgia?
The North Georgia region now houses more than 40 vineyards and wineries. These establishments feature unique blends and cultivars that represent the region’s best flavors, with several earning top honors in national wine competitions.
Conclusion
Visiting the wineries and vineyards of North Georgia is an unforgettable experience. Between the award-winning wines and the mesmerizing mountain sceneries, it makes for the perfect vacation. While operations have returned to normal, it is always best to visit each winery’s official website before your trip to check their latest hours and event schedules.