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 attention until recently in the 1990s. Their award-winning wines have brought them national attention in recent times.
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?
Georgia is one of the most ancient wine-producing countries that has been cultivating top-notch wine for over 8000 years.
The wine you enjoy in North Georgia is beyond compare, rich in unique flavors. Simply put, the North Georgian wines can only be found here and not anywhere else. So you have to pay the tasting rooms of North Georgia wineries a visit and indulge in the rich and unique flavor of muscadine grapes.
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. Given that Georgia is recognized as the Peach State, the most popular wine here is their Muscadet as well as fruit wines. There are a variety of other wine cultivars that will fill up your 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 is famous as it has raised the standard for East Coast viticulture by winning Georgia’s first Medal at the prestigious 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 alcohol.
Best Wines
Some of the finest wines at the wolf vineyards are private reserve Chardonnay and Plentitude, an exclusive blend of Chardonnay and Viognier. Besides these award-winning drinks, they also have a dry rose and red wine like Sunset Rose, Howling Wolf Red, Coupage, Claret, Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, and Instinct.
Tours
Guided Wolf Mountain excursions are usually offered. You can travel across the vineyards with one of the winery brewers and discover the blending and brewing process for $50 per person. However, because of COVID-19, all trips have now been halted until further announcement.
Tastings
The wolf mountain vineyard has public tasting rooms that do not need pre-booking as they follow a first-come, first-served approach. However, if you have over eight guests, you must make an appointment ahead of time.
A stunning four-sided stone and wood bar may be seen in the tastings area. An open-air balcony and waterfall terrace are located right outside the tasting room, providing a picturesque setting to experience Wolf Mountain’s wines.
Lastly, they offer many food options from delicious starters such as Artisan Cheese Plate to Margherita pizzas, you’re in for a treat.
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 while 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 mainly devoted to becoming a sustainability champion in the Georgia wine business, intending to become entirely energy independent for their wine production.
Best Wines
The 2016 Malbec, Genesis X, 2016 Estate Meritage, and the 2015 Totem are among Yonah Mountain Wineries’ top red wines. They also provide several white wines and a variety of dessert and specialty wines.
Tours
Yonah Mountain Vineyards’ most renowned trip took tourists to their particular wine cave for $40 per person, which is not available anywhere else in Georgia. At the cave, you can taste a wide range of their finest varietals. Currently, because of COVID-19, all visits are presently on pause.
Tastings
Yonah Mountain greets walk-in wine tastings, and for that, they recently introduced new Wine Flight Tastings that follow guidelines as per COVID safety. It asks you for your collector glass and provides four tastings from the reds and whites for $35 including a commemorative glass.
Kaya’s Winery
Kaya Vineyard and Winery, nestled in Dahlonega, Georgia, is a reincarnation of Blackstock Vineyards. In the Dahlonega area, Blackstock was among the earliest and most outstanding wineries. The untimely closure of Blackstock Vineyards in 2012 laid the groundwork for the property’s total reconstruction and redevelopment.
Kaya’s Vineyards is located on a magnificent hilltop 1,600 feet above the elevation. So while your tongue tastes the most refined wine, your eyes will cherish the mesmerizing mountain view.
Best Wines
The Trifecta, Reserve Merlot, and Oak Merlot are their famous red wines. Among their white wines, the Oaked Viognier, Grace, and SS Chardonnay are the finest. Besides, they also offer rose blush and sweet wines that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Tours
On your tour to kava vineyards, you can enjoy your time in their newly established Craftsman-style cottages. These cottages are an outdoor paradise.
Furthermore, you can also enjoy wine and food at the kaya vineyard on their covered patio while listening to live music. The dining in kava does not require any booking; however, you need pre-booking for their special picnic lunches.
Moreover, Kaya vineyards can make your wedding memorable with their highly creative teams. They take care of everything from providing outdoor receptions to rehearsal dinners in Pavilion and professional catering services.
Tastings
You can enjoy the Kaya vineyards’ walk-in tastings with family and friends. They offer to select five wines from the wine list for only $25, with 1.5 ounces each pour and a total of 7.5 ounces. The wine tastings at kaya vineyard are most affordable as they only charge $5 for each pour.
However, on Mondays, the wine tastings are closed, and for the rest of the week, you can walk in between 11 AM to 5 PM and 12:30 PM to 5 PM on Sundays.
The Cottage Vineyard and Winery
The Cottage Vineyard and Winery in Cleveland is a fantastic selection of wineries and vineyards with even better scenery of the North Georgia mountains. This Cottage Winery is a must-see for anybody looking for stunning views and was voted the top 25 wineries in the USA.
You may easily catch the swinging chair that overlooks the gorgeous mountainside when it isn’t too busy. The tasting area features entire wall windows all around and, so even if the climate isn’t ideal, you won’t lose out on the sights.
Best Wines
You can pick from many different reds, whites, dry, semi-sweet, and sweet wines at the cottage vineyards. Every wine has something unique to offer that you will not want to miss any. These famous brews are estate Reserve Chardonnay (limited edition), Syrah (black pepper and chocolate hints), and the 2017 Reserve Meritage. They also have many affordable options like Golden Harvest, Sunset, and Slushy wine.
Tours
The cottage vineyard is filled with a mesmerizing view. The best part of the tour to the cottage vineyard is the hospitality of the staff. Moreover, you can enjoy the live music, fantastic views, and delicious food all simultaneously.
The cottage vineyards can also cater to your private events and wedding since they have a dedicated team to organize events.
Tastings
The wine tastings are available all around the week. Moreover, they also offer outdoor bar services on weekends if the weather condition allows. If your group has less than four members, then you do not need pre-booking. You should make a reservation at least three days before visiting; otherwise, you will be limited to glass and bottle purchases.
A flight of 4 for 4 people will cost you $12, a flight of 6, $15, and a Reserve flight of 3 will cost you $20. These prices do not include the tax.
Habersham Winery
Habersham Winery is among the earliest vineyards in North Georgia, situated in Nacoochee Village outside Helen. Their award-winning wines are as delectable as the scenery. This winery was founded in 1983, and since then, it has been committed to providing only the best brews. The winemaking team of the Habersham winery is devoted to producing quality wine, and for that, they pay close attention to every detail, from cultivating grapes to brewing wine.
Best Wines
Scarlet, a wonderful mix of Chambourcin, Vidal, Lomanto, and a Cab/Merlot combination is the Habersham Winery’s most delicate beverage.
The NV Habersham Cabernet Sauvignon, Signet, Cherokee Rose, GA White Muscadine, and Heritage Red are outstanding bottles.
The 2020 Traminette is their latest bottle, with aromas of lime and pineapple and a clean aftertaste.
Tours
Excursions of the Habersham Vineyard and Winery are accessible for group tours and buses with advanced arrangements. You have to pre-book the tour to Habersham at least two weeks before visiting.
Tastings
Bookings are not essential for Habersham tasting rooms; however, they are suggested for ten or more people groups. You will get the chance to taste five different bottles for only $12 + tax.
Crane Creek Vineyards
This scenic North Georgia vineyard, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is encircled by breathtaking landscape and has over Twenty acres of vineyards cultivating many grapes. Eric Siefarth’s affection for wine leads him to found this huge vineyard and winery.
Best Wines
The famous red wine of the crane creek is Hellbender which is an award-winning 100% Norton wine. Besides, Raven and Mountain Harvest are some other top red wines. The Enotah, which is barrel fermented, and Vidal Blanc are the most unique white wines. Villard Noir and Sweet Sally are some other dessert-style Award-winning wines.
Events
Visitors who wish to observe what happens beyond the curtains in the production of Crane Creek Vineyards’ exquisite wines can often take a tour. You can also visit the vineyards to see the fruits ripping. Moreover, the Aperitivo and Live Music at the Farmhouse Pavilion let you sip wine, dine and enjoy music simultaneously.
Moreover, the crane creek yard is also available for private events and weddings, so that this place can be a good choice for your next private event.
Tastings
The Tasting Room offers Tasting Flights, Wine by the Glass, and by the Bottle services. You do not need pre-booking for tasting rooms. You can visit them from Tuesday-Saturday at 11 AM -6 PM, and 1 PM-5 PM on Sunday.
Also Read: 10 Best Wineries in Florida
Other Things to Do in North Georgia
Visiting the wineries and vineyards of North Georgia lets you experience the natural beauty and rich wine both at the same time. However, you will miss a lot if you do not delve into other activities in North Georgia. Check out these fun activities to do there as well:
Waterfalls Chasing
From Cloudland Canyon in the northwest to Tallulah Gorge in the northeast, North Georgia is spotted with waterfalls. Some are easy to reach by taking concrete roads, while others need more complex navigating skills.
Explore the Georgia Mountain
Taking a ride on the Georgia Mountain Coaster or riding on horseback to view the breathtaking scenery can be your choice to explore the North Georgia mountains. Several sites offer guided tours to explore the area as well. You can take a hike to see the mesmerizing view of the North Georgia mountains.
Delve into Some Water Fun
When in North Georgia, water excursions are a must besides wine excursions. You can go kayaking, canoeing, boating, or fly fishing in the rivers around. The Chattooga River, the first Wild, and the Picturesque River can be the best place to indulge in water fun.
Wineries in North Georgia: FAQs
What is the Best Time to Visit North Georgia Wineries?
When it comes to visiting the wineries of North Georgia, there is no wrong time to visit. However, we recommend visiting them between July to September. At that time, the vines are still laden with bunches of grapes, and vineyards are lively with harvesting activities.
Where is North Georgia’s Wine Country?
The wine country of Georgia is located in the North Georgia mountains. This scenic place is less than two hours away from Atlanta. Known for its picturesque beauty, the North Georgia mountains is the region that starts from the northeast side of Georgia that outstretches in westerly directions.
How Many Wineries are in North Georgia?
The mountain region of North Georgia houses more than 20 vineyards and wineries. These wineries feature unique and modern blends and cultivars every year that represent the region’s best flavors. Among these, several wineries have award-winning varietals and trademarks that go hand in hand with the world’s best blends.
Conclusion
Visiting wineries and Vineyards is one of the best things you can do in North Georgia. Tasting wine that hits, and watching sceneries that mesmerize sets you to unforgettable excursions. In the above list, we catered to provide all the important information about the wineries in North Georgia. However, with the current COVID-19 situation things are uncertain. So it is best to visit their website to know about their opening times and entrance requirements.