Jake Cain is an entrepreneur and writer from Cincinnati, Ohio. He spends his free time driving around the country in his late 90’s conversion van, affectionately known as the “Monster Van” with his wife and 3 boys.
North Georgia’s wine country offers a unique blend of mountain views, Appalachian charm, and award-winning wines.
With over 30 wineries and vineyards in the region, there’s no shortage of options for wine lovers to explore. From Dahlonega to the Blue Ridge Mountains, visitors can enjoy tours, tastings, and special events at some of the best wineries in the state.
Yonah Mountain Vineyards
Yonah Mountain Vineyards is a family-owned winery located at the base of Yonah Mountain in Cleveland, Georgia.
The vineyard boasts a 200-acre estate with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyard and winery to learn about the winemaking process and enjoy wine tasting.
The winery produces award-winning wines using traditional winemaking techniques. Their wine portfolio includes a variety of red, white, and sparkling wines, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Visitors can also purchase Yonah Mountain Vineyards wines online or in their tasting room.
Aside from wine tastings, Yonah Mountain Vineyards also hosts events such as weddings, corporate events, and private parties. The winery’s picturesque location and elegant event spaces make it a popular choice for couples looking to tie the knot in North Georgia.
Yonah Mountain Vineyards is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The winery’s commitment to producing high-quality wines and providing a unique experience for visitors has earned them a spot as one of the best wineries in North Georgia.
Wolf Mountain Vineyards
Wolf Mountain Vineyards is a premier winery located in the North Georgia Mountains, just five miles from Dahlonega. The vineyard has won over 200 medals in major U.S. wine-tasting competitions and is considered a leader in fine wine production on the East Coast.
The vineyard’s history dates back to the early 1990s when the original owners purchased the land and planted the first vines. The current owners, Karl and Linda Boegner, purchased the property in 2000 and have since expanded the vineyard and winery.
Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours, and a gourmet restaurant that serves lunch and brunch.
Wolf Mountain Vineyards produces a variety of award-winning wines, including Cabernet Franc, Muscadine, and several blends. The vineyard also offers a wine club membership, which provides members with exclusive access to limited-edition wines and discounts on purchases.
The tasting room is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 AM to 5 PM in January and February, and daily from March through December.
Frogtown
Frogtown Cellars is a 57-acre vineyard and winery located on the Dahlonega Plateau in North Georgia.
Founded in 1998 by Craig and Cydney Kritzer, the winery has become well-known for its award-winning wines. Not to mention the beautiful surroundings! Frogtown was recently featured in the Napa Sonoma Magazine as one of the most beautiful vineyards outside California.
Visitors to Frogtown can enjoy a variety of events, including special dinners, brunches, and tastings. The winery’s tasting room is open to the public, where visitors can try over 20 wines, including their popular Cabernet Franc.
The winery is open seven days a week, and visitors can enjoy lunch on Thursdays through Sundays.
Three Sisters Vineyards
Located in Dahlonega, Three Sisters Vineyards is one of the most popular wineries in North Georgia. This winery is dedicated to presenting a small family farm experience for tourists and wine enthusiasts.
Three Sisters Vineyards has won several awards for its wines, including the Los Angeles International Wine Competitions. Their wines are made from estate-grown grapes and muscadine grapes sourced from other local growers.
The winery boasts almost 10,000 premium vines featuring Cabernet Franc, Pinot Blanc, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Cynthiana grapes. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyard and winery, sample some of their best wines, join the wine club, and view some local folk art at their art gallery.
The winery is open Thursday through Sunday for tastings and tours.
Three Sisters Vineyards also hosts events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and weddings.
Cavender Creek Vineyards
Cavender Creek Vineyards is a small farm and winery located just outside of Dahlonega in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
The winery is dedicated to hand-crafted wines made on-site, and producing delicious wines is their top priority. The winery has a simple mission, to create good wines and make good friends.
Visitors can enjoy mountain views while tasting a variety of wines, including their signature Petit Manseng and Rosé. The winery also offers white wines that are perfect for sipping on a hot day.
Cavender Creek Vineyards is a member of a close-knit community that enjoys having fun, learning about wine, and most importantly, drinking it. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and visitors can learn about the winemaking process during their visit.
The winery is open daily from 12:30 PM – 6:30 PM, and visitors are encouraged to stop by and experience the warm hospitality and delicious wines that Cavender Creek Vineyards has to offer.
Montaluce Winery
Montaluce Winery & Restaurant is a Tuscan-inspired winery located in Dahlonega, Georgia.
The winery is known for its Italian bistro, Trattoria di Montaluce, which serves upscale Italian dishes that pair perfectly with its signature wines. The restaurant also has a full cocktail bar with a fabulous view of its vineyards.
The winery is situated in a unique microclimate that provides uncommon cultivation conditions for their wine grapes, resulting in a healthier flavor and aroma. Montaluce wines fully embody their remarkable terroir, and guests can enjoy a tasting of their award-winning wines in their tasting room.
The winery also offers tours of its vineyards and facilities.
Montaluce Winery is committed to sustainable farming practices and uses organic methods to grow its grapes. There is also a wine club, Dolce Ross, which offers exclusive access to their limited-production wines, discounts, and special events.
The Cottage Vineyard & Winery
The Cottage Vineyard & Winery is a family-owned winery located in Cleveland, Georgia, and is known for its stunning 360-degree mountain views.
The winery’s story began with a family who had a passion for vineyards and fine wines for many years. They started with humble beginnings, and now, The Cottage Vineyard & Winery is a popular destination for wine lovers and tourists alike.
Located in the North Georgia Mountains, The Cottage Vineyard & Winery is surrounded by beautiful scenery and is just a short drive from Helen, a popular tourist town known for its Bavarian-style architecture and charm. Visitors can enjoy a day of wine tasting and then explore the town’s many shops and restaurants.
The winery offers a wide variety of wines, including Chambourcin, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings in the brand-new tasting room or take a tour of the vineyard and winery.
The Cottage Vineyard & Winery is also pet-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their furry friends along for the experience. The winery offers indoor and outdoor seating, making it the perfect location for a romantic date or a day out with friends and family.
Overall, The Cottage Vineyard & Winery is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and charm of North Georgia’s vineyards. With its excellent wines, stunning views, and pet-friendly atmosphere, it is sure to be a memorable experience.
Cartecay Vineyards
Cartecay Vineyards is a beautiful winery located just outside of Ellijay, GA in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. The vineyard offers picturesque views of the surrounding area and a relaxing atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.
Cartecay Vineyards is a family-owned and operated business that has been producing wine for over a decade. They specialize in fruit wines made from locally grown Muscadine grapes, which are known for their unique flavor and health benefits.
The winery offers a variety of wine tastings, including a standard tasting and a premium tasting that includes a souvenir glass. Visitors can also enjoy a glass of wine on the outdoor patio or take a tour of the vineyards and winery.
In addition to their wine offerings, Cartecay Vineyards also has a cottage winery where they produce homemade jellies, jams, and other treats. Visitors can purchase these items in the tasting room or online.
Overall, Cartecay Vineyards is a must-visit destination for wine lovers and anyone looking for a relaxing day in the mountains.
Engelheim Vineyards
Engelheim Vineyards is a family-owned winery located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Ellijay, Georgia.
The Engel family planted their first grapes in 2007, and have since won numerous awards in the wine industry, including the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and a gold medal for their 2018 Sauvignon Blanc.
They have a focus on growing outstanding grapes to produce high-quality wines, while also integrating their German heritage. The winery is particularly known for its commitment to sustainability and environmentally-friendly practices, including using solar panels to power its operations.
Engelheim Vineyards offers wine tastings, tours, and events on their picturesque property, which is located near Carters Lake.
Engelheim Vineyards offers a variety of wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and more. They also have a tasting room and gift shop where visitors can purchase wine and other items.
Engelheim Vineyards is open Monday through Sunday from 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm.
Kaya Vineyard & Winery
Kaya Vineyard & Winery is a popular winery located in Dahlonega, Georgia. It is one of the largest vineyards in the area and offers a wide variety of wines for visitors to enjoy.
Kaya Vineyard & Winery offers an outdoor paradise and luxury cottages for visitors to stay in. The estate is situated on 100 acres of land and provides breathtaking views of the North Georgia Mountains, and the tasting room is a great place to sample wines and learn about the wine-making process.
A variety of wines are offered including Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Vidal Blanc. Visitors can also enjoy delicious food and drinks at the winery’s restaurant.
Kaya Vineyard & Winery is a popular venue for weddings and events, and they offer a variety of packages to suit different needs and budgets.
According to reviews, visitors love the beautiful views and peaceful atmosphere at Kaya Vineyard & Winery. They also enjoy the friendly staff and delicious wines. Overall, Kaya Vineyard & Winery is a must-visit destination for wine lovers in North Georgia.
Serenity Cellars
Serenity Cellars is a family-owned boutique winery located in Cleveland, Georgia, in the heart of North Georgia Wine Country.
The winery specializes in Old World-style wines that are carefully crafted to provide a unique and unforgettable tasting experience.
The Tuscan-inspired tasting room features a sensational vibe that celebrates the fusion of wine, music, and art in a setting that exudes Tuscan sensibilities. Serenity Cellars’ offerings include a variety of red and white wines, such as Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Viognier.
The winery also offers a selection of wine-related merchandise, including wine glasses, corkscrews, and wine bottle stoppers.
Guests can visit Serenity Cellars’ tasting room seven days a week for wine tasting or wine and live music on the weekends. Groups of six or more people should call ahead to reserve a space.
Note that Serenity Cellars stays open until 9 pm on Friday nights for the convenience of its guests, which is later than most other area wineries.
The winery was featured in Forbes magazine, which speaks to the quality of its wines and the care that goes into crafting them.
Overall, Serenity Cellars is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates great wine, live music, and a beautiful setting. The winery’s commitment to quality and attention to detail is evident in every aspect of its operations, from the wines it produces to the ambiance of its tasting room.
Bear Claw Vineyards
Bear Claw Vineyards is a beautiful winery located in Blue Ridge, Georgia. It is known for its breathtaking mountain views, pristine bubbling springs, scenic hikes, and amazing fishing and wildlife.
This vineyard offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, making it the perfect place to slow down, relax, and reconnect with yourself and those you love.
Bear Claw Vineyards is a real vineyard with a fully functioning winery on site. They offer a variety of wines, including their popular Petit Manseng and Rosé. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, vineyard tours, and special events throughout the year. The winery also has a tasting room where visitors can sample their wines and purchase bottles to take home.
Bear Claw Vineyards is committed to sustainable farming practices and uses a combination of traditional and modern techniques to grow their grapes. They believe in producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Georgia mountains.
Overall, Bear Claw Vineyards is a must-visit winery for anyone looking for a peaceful and relaxing getaway in the heart of Georgia’s wine country. With its stunning mountain views, delicious wines, and commitment to sustainability, it is a true gem in the region.
Creekstone Winery
Creekstone Winery is located in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia, and is a popular destination for wine lovers in the North Georgia Mountains.
The winery features an extensive selection of white wines, including Chardonnay, Viognier, and Pinot Grigio. Visitors can enjoy tastings in the spacious tasting room or on the outdoor patio overlooking the vineyards.
Creekstone Winery is known for its commitment to producing high-quality wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region. The winery sources grapes from its own vineyards, as well as from other local growers, to create a range of complex and flavorful wines.
In addition to wine tastings, Creekstone Winery also offers a variety of food options, including flatbread pizzas, charcuterie, giant pretzels, dips, and more. The winery hosts regular music events, making it a great spot to relax and unwind with friends and family.
Visitors to Creekstone Winery can also take advantage of its convenient location near other top wineries in the area, such as Habersham Winery and Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery.
Overall, Creekstone Winery is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the best wineries in North Georgia. With its beautiful location, delicious wines, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder why this winery is a local favorite.
Hightower Creek Vineyards
Hightower Creek Vineyards is a family-owned farm winery located in Hiawassee, North Georgia.
The winery has been crafting award-winning wines since 2011 and is known for its sense of home. Visitors can relax with a glass of wine on the covered deck overlooking vineyards and ponds with a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge mountains.
The winery offers a variety of wines to please any palate, including Chambourcin and fruit wines. Wine tastings are available for visitors to sample the different wines and find their favorite. The tasting room is located at 7150 Canaan Dr, Hiawassee, GA 30546.
Hightower Creek Vineyards is a popular destination for wine lovers looking for a taste of North Georgia. The winery is open for visitors to stop by and enjoy a glass of wine or purchase a bottle to take home.
Chateau Elan
Chateau Elan Winery, located in Braselton, Georgia, is one of the East Coast’s largest and most awarded wineries.
The winery produces more than 30 wines with grapes grown in their Braselton and South Georgia vineyards grapes hand-picked and transported from California’s Lake County.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of wine tastings, tours, and events at Chateau Elan, including private tastings, winemaker’s tours, and food and wine pairing experiences.
In addition to the wine offerings, Chateau Elan also offers luxurious accommodations, a spa, and a variety of dining options. Guests can choose from a variety of room types, including deluxe guest rooms, suites, and villas. The resort also features a 35,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, which offers a variety of treatments and services.
Chateau Elan also offers a wine club, which provides members with exclusive access to limited-production wines, discounts on wine purchases, and invitations to members-only events. Members can choose from several different membership levels, including the Classic Club, Reserve Club, and Elite Club.
Paradise Hills Winery Resort & Spa
Paradise Hills Winery Resort & Spa is a laid-back luxury winery located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia.
One of the oldest wineries in North Georgia, the resort is built on the belief of building balance into modern life, taking the time to rest and unplug from the daily hustle.
The winery resort also has a tasting room where visitors can taste and purchase their wines. They use muscadine grapes to create their wines, which are mostly dry with a couple of whites and sweet wines. Visitors can take a wine-making tour with Bob, the owner, and learn about the wine-making process.
The winery resort also has a spa where visitors can relax and rejuvenate as well as offering cabins, lodges, and a destination vineyard wedding venue that is affordable for all.
Habersham Vineyards & Winery
Habersham Vineyards & Winery is one of the oldest and largest wineries in Georgia, producing award-winning Georgia wines since 1983.
Located in the Nacoochee Village, just a half-mile south of Helen, this family-owned winery offers a wide range of wines, including red, white, and fruit wines.
Habersham Vineyards & Winery also boasts a tasting room where visitors can sample their wines and learn about the winemaking process. The tasting room is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and Sunday from 12:30 pm to 5:00 pm.
Visitors can also enjoy a picnic on the winery’s beautiful grounds while sipping on a glass of their favorite wine. In addition to its wine offerings, Habersham Vineyards & Winery also has a shop that stocks globally sourced gourmet foods, making it the perfect stop for foodies and wine lovers alike.
With its rich history and commitment to producing high-quality wines, Habersham Vineyards & Winery is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts visiting North Georgia.
Fainting Goat Vineyards & Winery
Fainting Goat Vineyards & Winery is a family-owned vineyard and winery located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Jasper, Georgia.
The vineyard offers handcrafted wines grown from the finest certified French vines. The Higginbotham family, who owns and operates the winery, takes a minimalist approach to winemaking, producing small lots of high-quality wine.
Visitors to Fainting Goat Vineyards & Winery can enjoy a range of full-bodied reds, crisp, fruity whites, and sweet blends. The winery offers seating in the Garden Lawn, Lower Terrace bar, Upper Deck, and Tasting Room. Guests can also enjoy live music on weekends and special events throughout the year.
In addition to wine, Fainting Goat Vineyards & Winery also features a gift shop where visitors can purchase unique gifts, including wine accessories, home decor, and apparel.
The winery is open Monday through Thursday from 12 pm to 5 pm, Friday and Saturday from 12 pm to 6 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm.
12 Spies Vineyards
12 Spies Vineyards is a local winery/tasting room located in the North Georgia Mountains. The vineyard is planted on a 9-acre property and is surrounded by the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. The sunsets are spectacular, and the views from the vineyard are stunning.
Established in 2008, 12 Spies Vineyard was planted with Cabernet Franc, a grape variety that is well-suited to the North Georgia climate. As a result, the winery has won numerous awards, including gold medals at the Georgia Wine Competition.
The winery offers a variety of wines ranging from dry to sweet and white to red. Guests can enjoy wine tastings in the tasting room, which offers 14 different wines to try. The tastings are 4 for $12.
For those who want to enjoy the view while sipping their wine, they can walk through the vineyards and take in the beauty of the mountains. 12 Spies Vineyards also has a gift shop with unique wine items for purchase.
Overall, 12 Spies Vineyards is the perfect place to escape from the grind and enjoy a relaxing day in the North Georgia Mountains.
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