Plan Your Perfect Trip to Georgia’s Wine Country

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Scenic view of vineyard at North Georgia wine country.

Are you looking for a romantic or fun getaway? If you have yet to give much thought to the Georgia Wine Country, it’s worth considering.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or want to enjoy the views, this neck of the woods has something for everybody. Take the time to slow down and learn the secrets of winemaking or revel in Southern hospitality.

Today, we’re raising our glasses and helping you plan the perfect trip to Georgia’s wine country.

Let’s get started!

What Is the Georgia Wine Country?

The Georgia Wine Country sits in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. This provides some stunning views and an ideal climate for grape cultivation. With its rolling hills, fertile soil, and temperate climate, it can produce various grapes.

Some of the most common you’ll see are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc. Many of these wineries are family-owned operations that create various wine styles, including reds, whites, and dessert.

The Dahlonega Plateau has earned the nickname “Georgia’s Napa.” It’s home to several award-winning wineries that have helped attract attention to the region. It’s home to eight wineries and 12 wine-tasting rooms, with wines that are equally as impressive as the landscapes.

Pro Tip: Take the vineyard back to your base with These Camping Wine Glasses!

Is Georgia Famous for Wine?

While Georgia may not be as famous or popular as California, it’s earning a reputation for its wine. However, it’s easily confused with Georgian wine in the South Caucasus region, where Eastern Europe and Western Asia meet.

The state’s growing popularity is due to its ability to produce unique grape varieties. Muscadine grapes grow very well here due to the warm and humid climate of the region. Many wine enthusiasts value the distinct flavor created by these particular grapes. It could be famous for peaches and wine if they continue producing this cherished grape.

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Where Is the Best Wine Town in Georgia?

The town of Dahlonega is by far the best wine town in Georgia. It’s perched in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in far North Georgia. Many think of it as the heart of Georgia’s wine country. It’s easy to feel right at home in this small southern town between the wine tours, tastings, and many events.

Additionally, another popular wine town is Helen. This town has a growing population of wineries and tasting rooms. The town has grown in popularity due to its placement on Georgia’s wine trail. However, while these are two fantastic wine towns, several others exist. Also, consider exploring the towns of Cleveland, Young Harris, Tiger, Blue Ridge, and Ellijay.

A couple stands outside beside a row of grape plants at a vineyard as they hold and look at each other.
Source: Discover Dahlonega

Best Wineries in Georgia’s Wine Country

So, what are the best wineries in Georgia’s Wine Country? Here are some that wine enthusiasts are flocking to. Which one could you be raising your glass at night? Let’s look and see!

Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery

Just 60 miles north of Atlanta is Wolf Mountain Vineyard. The owners began preparing the 30 acres of land to grow some delicious grapes in 1999. They planted their first vines in 2000 and began working on constructing the winery, which finished in 2001. They’re now producing 5,000 cases each year and offer a variety of experiences at the winery.

This growing vineyard and winery is attracting attention. They were featured in the June 2021 issue of Southern Living magazine. Make reservations at the Vineyard Cafe or Sunday Brunch to get the whole experience, or stop by the Tasting Room to try a glass of one of their fine wines.

They offer dry white wines, dry rosé and red wines, semi-sweet and port wines, and Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines. With a 4.5 out of 5 stars and nearly 600 reviews, they’re doing something right. Visitors love the views, food, and drinks.

Barrels stacked upon each other in a room built with metal sheets and wooden beams. A chandeleir hangs down from the center.
Source: Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery

Frogtown Cellars

Frogtown Cellars began in 1998 under the ownership of Craig and Cydney Kritzer. This 57-acre vineyard and winery sit in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It’s halfway between Dahlonega and Cleveland, Georgia. They claim to be the most awarded winery outside of California. They’ve won many awards for their creations and continue to perfect their craft.

The foods served at their Tasting Rooms and Bistro Cafes complement the wine. You may consider joining their club and becoming a Frogtown Citizen. They have 25 varieties of grapes among their 23,000 grape vines. They can produce 180 tons of wine grapes each season, equating to 10,000 cases of wine per year.

Take the time to grab a spot on their porches that overlook the beauty of the North Georgia Mountains. Order a panini or hand-crafted pizza and wash it down with one of their 100% Georgia-grown grapes. 

Yonah Mountain Vineyards

This 200-acre family winery and its 20 acres of planted grapes sit southeast of Yonah Mountain. They grow Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Petit Manseng, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot to create some of the finest wines in the region.

Yonah Mountain Vineyards hosts various events, and its magical landscape is a popular spot for weddings and corporate events. Purchase tickets for the one-hour premium winery tour if you want a behind-the-scenes look at the vineyard. You can take a trip into the barrel-aging wine caves and have the opportunity to sample wines only available during the tour.

Check their event calendar, as they’re always planning something. Live music and trivia nights are just some of what they have planned. You can’t go wrong whether you’re there for entertainment or a delicious glass of wine.

A photo from the Yonah Mountain Vineyards website of their vineyard and the rolling hills beyond.
Source: Yonah Mountain Vineyards

Kaya Vineyard & Winery

Kaya Vineyard & Winery sits at an elevation of 1,600 feet. As a result, it offers some incredible panoramic views of the North Georgia landscape. You’ll be able to easily enjoy them while sipping on a glass of wine through the 12-foot windows in the tasting room.

At 90 acres, Kaya Vineyard & Winery is the largest in Dahlonega. They hand-harvest their grapes and process them locally in their facility. You can enjoy a variety of white and red wines. For whites, they offer Chardonnay, Viognier, Muscat, and Albarino. On the other hand, for reds, they have Touriga, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec.

Château Élan Winery and Resort

This award-winning winery in Braselton is about 40 miles north of Atlanta. It occupies over 3,500 acres, of which 30 are for grape varietals. If you’re looking for a luxurious place to stay for a weekend getaway, Château Élan Winery and Resort is the place to go.

Play a round of golf, take a trip to the spa and wellness center, and please your taste buds with one of their several dining options. They also offer horseback riding, hiking, and tennis on-site if you’re looking for more activity. It can be a romantic or relaxing weekend you’ll remember for years.

Source: Château Élan Winery and Resort

Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery

Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery sits in Dahlonega and Cleveland/Helen. Its claim to fame is that it was the first vineyard in Lumpkin County. They pride themselves on being the first family farm winery in Dahlonega-Lumpkin County.

While they occupy 184 acres, they maintain approximately 20 for their grapes. They encourage visitors to drink locally and enjoy the tastes of Georgia. You won’t need a reservation for their walk-in tasting as they’re first-come, first-served. You’ll find a variety of red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines. If that’s not enough, try one of their two dessert wines. 

Montaluce Winery & Restaurant

The Montaluce Winery & Restaurant offers a variety of experiences, including wine tastings and 100% scratch cooking. They pride themselves on allowing guests to eat and drink locally. In addition, the casual dining experience of Trattoria Di Montaluce offers comfort dishes, hand-crafted wine, and Italian cuisine like brick-oven pizzas.

In addition to being a winery and restaurant, Montaluce Winery & Restaurant offers a variety of unique experiences. One of their most popular experiences is their wine hike. You can hike the 1.8-mile hike along the Etowah River and through their gorgeous vineyard. You finish at Trattoria di Montaluce, where you’ll enjoy a five-pour wine tasting.

They also provide an opportunity to give fly fishing a try. They have more than 400 acres that sit along the Etowah River. These half-day and full-day adventures are an excellent opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. 

The main building at the Montaluce Winery & Restaurant in GA. The architecture is reminiscent of tradtional Spanish homes.
Source: Montaluce Winery & Restaurant

Cheers to an Epic Trip to Georgia’s Wine Country

These small towns in North Georgia are proving that big things can come out of unexpected places. The wineries are continuing to grow their reputations and popularity. We expect to hear many more great things about this region regarding wine in the future. Could Georgia be the next big thing for wine? Do yourself a favor and plan a visit to experience it for yourself.

Last update on 2025-05-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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