The 25 Best Wineries in the North Georgia Mountains

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[Updated April 23, 2023]

It’s common knowledge that the Georgia mountains are filled with stunning natural beauty, from rolling hills and mountain lakes covered in morning mist to dense forests and tranquil creeks.

But it may surprise some visitors to learn that the unique climate and geography of these Blue Ridge Mountains also provides the perfect conditions for growing grapes and producing wine.

In fact, wine grapes have been growing in the state of Georgia for hundreds of years.

But the wineries in Georgia didn’t gain much popularity until the late 1990s, and in recent years many of these places have garnered national recognition for their award-winning wines.

The winning combination of delicious drinks, breathtaking mountain views, and southern hospitality make North Georgia wineries a tourist attraction for all sorts of travelers, ranging from wine connoisseurs to novices.

To that end, we’ve created this list of our picks for the 25 best wineries in North Georgia, including wineries in Dahlonega, Blue Ridge, Helen, Tiger, Cleveland, Young Harris, Jasper, and Ellijay.

Each write-up contains information about Georgia winery tours, tastings, and some of the best varietals at these North Georgia wineries.

READ MORE: 15 Award-Winning North Georgia Wines Worth Tasting

Best Wineries in North Georgia Guide

(listed by area in alphabetical order)

  1. Cavender Creek Vineyards & Winery (Dahlonega GA)
  2. Frogtown Cellars (Dahlonega GA)
  3. Kaya Vineyard and Winery (Dahlonega GA)
  4. Montaluce Winery & Restaurant (Dahlonega GA)
  5. Three Sisters Vineyards (Dahlonega GA)
  6. Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery (Dahlonega GA)
  7. Bear Claw Vineyards (Blue Ridge GA)
  8. Paradise Hills Winery Resort & Spa (Blairsville GA)
  9. Serenberry Vineyards & Winery (Morganton GA)
  10. Creekstone Winery (Sautee Nacoochee GA)
  11. Habersham Vineyards & Winery (Helen GA)
  12. CeNita Vineyards, Winery & Tasting Room (Cleveland GA)
  13. The Cottage Vineyard & Winery (Cleveland GA)
  14. Yonah Mountain Vineyards (Cleveland GA)
  15. Crane Creek Vineyards (Young Harris GA)
  16. Cartecay Vineyards (Ellijay GA)
  17. Engelheim Vineyards (Ellijay GA)
  18. Chateau Meichtry (Talking Rock GA)
  19. Fainting Goat Vineyards & Winery (Jasper GA)
  20. Grapes and Ladders Vineyards & Winery (Ellijay GA)
  21. Hightower Creek Vineyards (Hiawassee GA)
  22. Tiger Mountain Vineyards (Tiger GA)
  23. 12 Spies Vineyards (Rabun Gap GA)
  24. Currahee Vineyards and Winery (Toccoa GA)
  25. Chateau Elan (Braselton GA)

Looking for Hotel & Cabin Rentals in North Georgia? Check out these Great Guides!

The 40 Best North Georgia Cabins to Rent

The 20 Best Cabin Rentals in Dahlonega GA

The 20 Best Blue Ridge Georgia Cabins to Rent

The 10 Best Blue Ridge GA Hotels (Including Pet Friendly Options)

The 15 Best Rental Cabins in Helen GA

The 15 Best Cabin Rentals in Ellijay GA

The Top 10 Treehouse Rentals in the Georgia Mountains

The 10 Best Romantic Getaways in the North Georgia Mountains

 

Dahlonega GA Wineries

Cavender Creek Vineyards & Winery - Wineries in the North Georgia Mountains
Photo courtesy of Cavender Creek Vineyards & Winery

1. Cavender Creek Vineyards & Winery

3610 Cavender Creek Road, Dahlonega GA • 706-451-9084 • Official Website

Located just outside of Dahlonega in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Cavender Creek Vineyards is a small farm and North Georgia winery that produces delicious wines.

The winery is known for its drinks, Southern hospitality and, surprisingly enough, donkeys! In 2008, original owners Raymond & Donna Castleberry bought a Sicilian donkey and named him Hotie. 

Sadly, Hotie has since passed away. But in 2018 a baby donkey named Elliot was brought to the North Georgia vineyards. So if you make a visit, be sure to say hello!

Best Wines

Some of the vineyard’s most popular wines include Petit Manseng, Cabernet Fran, Cabernet Sauvignon, and several Norton blends (including Blackjack and fan favorite Donkey Hotie). 

They also keep varietals like Viognier, Sauvignon Blan, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc on the menu.

Tastings

The tasting room is open seven days a week. Wine tastings are offered as well as wine by the glass and bottle.

They’ve also got all sorts of other drinks, including wine slushies, sangrias, cocktails, mocktails, craft beer, and soft drinks.

Reservations are required for groups of six or more, so that everyone is guaranteed a seat when you arrive.

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Dahlonega GA & Lumpkin County

Frogtown Cellars - Wineries in the North Georgia Mountains
Photo courtesy of Frogtown Cellars

2. Frogtown Cellars

700 Ridge Point Dr, Dahlonega GA • 706-865-0687 • Official Website

Founded in 1998 by Craig and Cydney Kritzer, Frogtown Cellars is a 57-acre vineyard and winery located on the beautiful “Dahlonega Plateau.”

The Frogtown winery is specifically designed to take advantage of the unique terrain and is constructed as a tri-level gravity flow GA winery.

The estate’s 44 acres of North Georgia vineyards boast more than 20,000 individual grape vines, including 25 different wine grape varieties.

The Frogtown wines are highly acclaimed, having won four consecutive Double-Gold Medals at the 2016 San Francisco International Wine Competition and countless other awards.

Best Wines

Frogtown has a variety of red and white wines, as well as Frogtown California Blends like the 2012 Convergence.

Favorites of white wine drinkers include the 2015 Inclination (a complex Chardonnay blend), 2015 Chardonnay (a classic Burgundian style barrel-fermented Chardonnay), and the 2015 MRV (a blend of their three Rhone Valley white wine grapes).

Popular reds include the 2013 Sangiovese (a classic Tuscan style Chianti) and the Oglethorpe Red (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet franc, and Merlot.)

Tastings

Inside their unique architectural building, the Dahlonega Tasting room has both indoor and outdoor seating where you can enjoy delicious wines while overlooking the picturesque mountains and Frogtown vineyards in North Georgia.

You can also try the paninis, hand-crafted pizzas, and cheese and charcuterie trays at their Italian Bistro, which serves lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch.

READ MORE: The 7 Best Restaurants in Dahlonega GA for Foodies

Kaya Vineyard & Winery - Wineries in the North Georgia Mountains
Photo courtesy of Kaya Vineyard & Winery

3. Kaya Vineyard and Winery

5400 Town Creek Road, Dahlonega GA • 706-219-3514 • Official Website

Built on a ridge at an elevation of 1,600 feet, Kaya’s Vineyard and Winery in Dahlonega boasts some of the area’s most captivating panoramic mountain views.

The vineyards themselves are planted with classic European, Italian, and American varietals.

All of their grapes are hand-harvested and processed in their on-site facility, which the Werkheiser family calls “the art of wine.”

Best Wines

The most popular new release at Kaya Vineyard and Winery is the SS Viognier, a medium-bodied wine with hints of green apple and banana. 

Other popular wines include their Chardonnay (Kaya grows the largest crop of Chardonnay in Georgia), Trifecta Red Blend, and Rosé.

They also have sweet wines such as Blue Truck Blush and Touriga Dulce, which are great to complement your dessert of choice.

Tastings

Kaya’s tasting room is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 5pm, and Sunday from 12:30pm to 5pm.

During the tasting, you can choose five North Georgia wines from the wine list for $25. Each pour is 1.5 ounces, so you’re tasting a total of 7.5 ounces of wine.

Walk-ins are welcome, as no reservations are required.

READ MORE:  The 10 Best Christmas Towns in Georgia to Visit

Montaluce Winery & Restaurant - Wineries in the North Georgia Mountains
Photo courtesy of Montaluce Winery & Restaurant

4. Montaluce Winery & Restaurant

501 Hightower Church Road, Dahlonega GA • 706-867-4060 • Official Website

Combining wine, food, events, and spectacular scenery, the Montaluce Winery & Restaurant is undoubtedly one of the best wineries in Dahlonega GA.

Operating with the belief that winemaking doesn’t need extravagance, but rather hard-working people dedicated to the craft, the Georgia winery produces some truly unique artisan wines.

Best Wines

Some favorite Montaluce reds include the 2018 Sangiovese, 2018 Malbec, NV Centurio, and the beloved NV Dolce Ross, a sweet red with hints of cherry and anise.

Popular whites include the 2019 Chardonnay, 2019 Tramoto, and 2019 Dolce.

For those special occasions, you can also enjoy some delicious sparkling Montaluce wines, like the Bottega Oro Prosecco and Franciacorta.

Tastings

Indoor tastings are offered, where you’ll be guided through a flight of Montaluce’s hand-crafted wines. They are currently on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited availability.

To enjoy the breathtaking views, the outdoor tasting bar is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (weather permitting).

Plus, each wine tasting comes with a free collectible tasting glass!

READ MORE: The 25 Best Day Trips From Atlanta GA

Three Sisters Vineyards
Photo courtesy of Three Sisters Vineyards

5. Three Sisters Vineyards

439 Vineyard Way, Dahlonega GA • 706-865-9463 • Official Website

After purchasing 184 acres of Dahlonega property in 1995, Sharon and Doug Paul began planning out Three Sisters Vineyards, which is the Blue Ridge Mountain Town’s first family winery in Georgia.

It is also the oldest continuously operated vineyard and winery on the Dahlonega Plateau.

The farm’s name is inspired by the breathtaking view of Three Sisters Mountain to the West, and offers incredible vistas of the surrounding region.

Best Wines

Some of their best red wines include the Three Sisters Vineyards Cynthiana, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cab Franc-Merlot (a 53% Cabernet Franc and 47% Merlot blend).

For white wine lovers, the Vidal Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, and Chestatee White are all popular. For something truly different, try the unique Hula Hala-Kahiki, a fruity pineapple-infused Chardonnay.

They also have a nice selection of sparkling and dessert wine. Try the Dahlonega Gold, an “Ice Style” dessert wine, and the Georgia Cuveé Rosé, which is great paired with white cheeses.

Tastings

Walk-in tastings for groups of four or less are offered on the outside patio, where you can enjoy four wines of your choice.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Places for Ziplining in North Georgia

Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery
Wolf Mountain Vineyards by alans1948, licensed under CC BY 2.0

6. Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery

180 Wolf Mountain Trail, Dahlonega GA • 706-867-9862 • Official Website

Established in 1999, Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery is an incredibly popular attraction in Dahlonega GA that’s often compared to the wineries in Napa.

The European-style Wolf Mountain Winery is run by the Boegner family, and was modeled after a raised Craftsman-style cottage.

Their Dahlonega vineyard is located at an 1,800-foot elevation, offering stunning panoramas of the southern Appalachian mountains in Georgia. It has 10,000 hand-planted vines that produce some truly exquisite wines.

Best Wines

Their award-winning estate wines include dry whites like their Private Reserve Chardonnay and Plentitude (a unique blend of Chardonnay and Viognier).

They also offer dry rosé and red wines like Sunset Rose, Coupage, and Claret, as well as semi-sweet and port wines like WMV Demi-Sec and Deliciex.

Wolf Mountain’s selection of Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines includes their Syrah Brut and Brut Natural Cuvée René.

Tastings

Walk-in tastings are available on a first come, first served basis. But if you have more than eight guests, advance reservations are required.

The wine tasting area includes a beautiful, four-sided stone and cedar bar.

And just off of the tasting room is an open-air veranda and waterfall terrace, which makes for a truly scenic spot to enjoy Wolf Mountain’s wines.

READ MORE: The 20 Best Easy Hiking Trails to Waterfalls in Georgia

Blue Ridge GA Wineries

Bear Claw Vineyards and Winery
Photo courtesy of Bear Claw Vineyards & Winery

7. Bear Claw Vineyards

2281 Tennis Court Road, Blue Ridge GA • 706-223-3750 • Official Website

While there are lots of things to do in Blue Ridge GA, Bear Claw is the only vineyard actually in the town.

Bear Claw Vineyards is a rare 100% female-owned North GA winery built on the foundation of delicious wine and a soothing aesthetic.

Owner Michelle Swim extensively researched the area’s land before deciding the rich and unique soils at this spot, some 2,832 feet above sea level, was perfect for producing high quality wine.

Best Wines

Some of the best Bear Claw wines include their Cabernet Sauvignon, Vidal Blanc, White Riesling, Cayuga, Chardonnay (which has a southern twist of white peach, tangerine, and crushed pineapple).

Don’t miss the Treehouse Chardonnay, which gets its name from the Blue Ridge Treehouse, which was built by the Treehouse Guys from the DIY Network.

Tastings

Bear Claw Vineyards offers a variety of different tastings of their delicious wines.

These include the Black Bear Tasting (2 flights), Polar Bear Tasting (4 flights), and Grizzly Bear Tasting (6 flights).

Each of these North Georgia wine tastings also includes a wristband that’s recognized by local businesses, allowing you discounts on their products!

READ MORE: The 13 Best Restaurants in Blue Ridge GA

Wineries in Georgia - Paradise Hills Sunset Rose
Paradise Hills Sunset Rose via Facebook

8. Paradise Hills Winery Resort & Spa

366 Paradise Rd, Blairsville GA • 706-745-7483 • Official Website

One of our favorite romantic getaways in North Georgia, Paradise Hills Winery Resort & Spa is a unique vacation spot.  

Located about 5 miles south of downtown Blairsville GA, the 40-acre property includes multiple vineyards and 1- to 4-bedroom rental cabins with amenities such as fully equipped kitchenettes, wood-burning fireplaces, and jetted tubs.

The relaxing Paradise Hills Spa includes an aromatherapy lounge, steaming rock sauna, and various treatment rooms where they provides services such as massages, facials, and other therapies.

Their main vineyard, planted in 2012, stretches along (and beyond) the centrally located Lodge, with the North Georgia winery production facility right next to it.

Best Wines 

Paradise Hills Winery creates wines from an array of different grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Reisling, Chardonnel, Traminette, and Sangiovese.

They practice what they call “Grape to Glass” winemaking, closely managing and cultivating the vines with seasonal techniques to enhance the quality of the grapes. 

Their award-winning wines include an off dry red blend called Eclipse (Silver 2019, Gold 2016), a lightly sweet medium dry rosé called Sunset (Silver 2019), and off dry white called Starry Night (Silver 2019), and Jacked Up Red (Gold 2019), a dry red aged in French oak and finished in Jack Daniels Old #7 whiskey barrels. 

Tastings

Paradise Hill’s Wine Tasting Room is open 7 days a week, with the last tastings offered at 4:30PM Sunday to Wednesday and at 5:30OPM Thursday to Saturday. 

They offer 3 different types of wine flights. The Classic Flight is $15, the Sweet Flight is $20, and the Winemaker’s Flight is $30, which includes a souvenir glass.

They also offer various craft beers and hard ciders, as well as assorted cheeses, charcuterie platters, and warm tapas. 

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Blairsville GA & Union County

Georgia Winery - Serenberry Vineyards
Serenberry Vineyards via Facebook

9. Serenberry Vineyards

450 Tipton Trail, Morganton GA • 706-623-8463 • Official Website

Located in the small town of Morganton, just 10 miles east of Downtown Blue Ridge, Serenberry Vineyards is a historic farm whose house and barn date back to the 1920s.

The property was purchased in the late 1950s by Henry and Ethelyn Jernigan, who were initially drawn to the North Georgia mountains by word of the area’s excellent trout fishing. 

Two generations later, the barn (which was known as “the Little House”) was completely renovated to its original glory and transformed into The Tasting Barn in 2012.

Friendly, well-trained dogs are welcomed in their outdoor areas, but only service dogs are allowed inside.

Best Wines 

Small-batch Serenberry wines are available for purchase in-person and online. 

Popular white wines include their apple-infused Swan White and Little House White, a buttery Chardonnay. Red wines at Serenberry include Blue Ridge Red (Cab Sauv), Skeenah Red (Merlot-Cab blend), and Hemptown Red (Cab Franc blend).

If sweet wines are more your speed, try their Tipton’s Treasure (Vidal Blanc blend), Cooper’s Creek Peach, or Swinging Bridge Harvest, which is made from juicy strawberries

Tastings

The open-air patio at Serenberry is a great place to savor their delicious wines, and they offer Guided Wine Tastings and Wine Flights on a first come, first served basis.

Wine Tastings allow visitors to experience anywhere from 4 to 7 Serenberry wines, while learning more about them and the stories behind their names.

There are 3 different self-guided Wine Flights offered– Whites & Rosés, Reds, or the Sweet Delight flight. Each includes a trio of wines in a highly portable carrier. They also have Georgia-made snacks available for purchase.

READ MORE: The 15 Coolest Covered Bridges in Georgia

Helen GA Wineries

Winery in Georgia - Creekstone Winery
Creekstone Winery via Facebook

10. Creekstone Winery

295 Hardman Farm Rd, Sautee Nacoochee GA • 706-878-0004 • Official Website

Creekstone Winery is located 2.7 miles from downtown Helen in Sautee Nacoochee, just around the corner from the Hardman Farm Historic Site and Nacoochee Indian Mounds.

Owned by the same folks who run Habersham Winery, Creekstone centers around a posh French-style mansion atop a mountain that offers spectacular views of Mount Yonah. 

Opened in 2020, this is one of the newer North Georgia wineries, with an upscale interior and an expansive outdoor patio. Note that leashed dogs are allowed outside, but not in the tasting room.

They have a restaurant on site serving charcuterie, flatbread pizzas, giant pretzels, and more. Their “Creekstone After Hours” series features live music on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 9PM.

Best Wines 

Beloved Creekstone Wines include whites such as an oak-aged Chardonnay, the zesty Pinot Gris (with notes of cantaloupe and citrus), and a dry Viognier (with notes of honeysuckle and peaches). 

Popular reds include a Cabernet Sauvignon (with notes of black cherry and black currants), Merlot (with notes of blackberry and plum), Cardinall (a Bordeaux-style blend), and Chambourcin (a bold and jammy Port-style wine). 

Tastings

The Creekstone Winery Tasting Room is open Monday to Thursday 11AM-5PM, Friday and Saturday 11AM to 9PM, and 
Sunday 12:30PM to 5PM. 

They offer wine tastings for $14 (plus tax) per person, which includes samples of 5 different Creekstone wines.

Note that reservations are not required for Wine Tastings, but groups of 10 or more should make reservations at least 2 weeks in advance.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Sautee Nacoochee GA (Near Helen)

Habersham Vineyards & Winery
Photo courtesy of Habersham Vineyards & Winery

11. Habersham Vineyards & Winery

7025 South Main Street, Helen GA • 706-878-9463 • Official Website

Habersham Vineyards & Winery is one of the oldest and largest wineries in North Georgia, and has been producing award-winning wines since 1983.

The Stonepile Vineyard, the company’s original vineyard, was planted in the late 1970s in Clarkesville, GA. Then Mossy Creek Vineyard was added to the Habersham group in the late 1980s. 

The Habersham Winery in Helen GA is committed to producing high-quality wines, with a winemaking team dedicated to each detail of the process.

Best Wines

The Habersham Winery’s best-selling wine is Scarlet, which is a unique blend of Chambourcin, Vidal, Lomanto, and a Cab/Merlot blend. 

Other popular wines include the NV Habersham Chardonnay, Vidal, Cherokee Rose, Creekstone Merlot, and the Heritage Red. 

Their newest wine is the 2020 Traminette, which has hints of citrus and pineapple with a crisp finish.

Tastings

Reservations for Habersham wine tastings (which include five different varietals) are not required, but are recommended for groups of 10 or more. 

The main tasting room in Helen features a gift shop with gourmet food and wine specialty items from around the world, including imported cheeses.

Habersham also has wine tasting rooms in Dahlonega and Sautee Nachoochee.

Be sure to check out Christmas in Helen GA, which was rated the “Top Christmas Town in America” by MSN.com and one of Southern Living‘s Best Christmas Towns in the USA.

READ MORE:  The 20 Best Things to Do in Helen GA

Cleveland GA Wineries

CeNita Winery and Tasting Room
Photo courtesy of CeNita Winery and Tasting Room

12. CeNita Vineyards, Winery & Tasting Room

591 Dock Dorsey Road, Cleveland GA • 706-865-7478 • Official Website

Founded by Greg and Carol Crumly, CeNita is a family-owned winery and tasting room located on the family farm in Cleveland GA.

The winery is dedicated to the founders’ parents, Lanier and Barbara Chambers, Junita Crumley, and the late Cecil Crumley. In fact, the name CeNita came from a combination of Cecil and Junita’s names.

Grapes have been grown on the Georgia farm since 2009, with around 180 additional vines planted in each subsequent year. Today, there are 3.5 acres of European varietals and French-American hybrids. 

Best Wines

Some of CeNita’s best wines include their 2019 Chardonnay, 2018 Chambourcin Reserve, 2018 Cabernet Franc, 2018 Chambourcin, and 2019 Rouge, a lightly sweet blush with a blend of dark cherry and citrus flavors.

They have also recently introduced their brand new Merlot.

Tastings

Tastings are open Monday through Saturday from 11:30am to 6pm, and on Sunday from 12:30pm to 6pm.

You can enjoy a variety of white and red wines while relaxing and soaking in the beautiful view of the vineyard. There’s even a game of cornhole just waiting for you to play!

If you’re planning on visiting with a group of five or more people, reservations are required.

READ MORE: Fall in the Mountains of North Georgia: 25 Places to See Fall Colors

The Cottage winery
Photo courtesy of The Vineyard & Cottage winery

13. The Cottage Vineyard & Winery

5050 Hwy 129N, Cleveland GA • 706-865-0053 • Official Website

Listed as one of the top vineyards in the US by Travel + Leisure, The Cottage Vineyard and Winery offers great North Georgia wine, beautiful mountain views, and incredible hospitality.

Along with wine tastings, the Cottage can host private events offering your choice of caterers, entertainment, and wine for serving. 

They also have their own wine club you can join to earn exclusive perks and discounts.

Best Wines

Some of the best wines at The Cottage include their Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meritage (a Bordeaux blend).

If you enjoy semi-sweet/sweet wines, they also have the Baby Doll Legs Rose, Razzberry, and Southern Sass, which is a blend of peaches and muscadine.

Tastings

The tasting room is open seven days a week, and on Saturdays and Sundays they have an outdoor bar set up (weather permitting).

During your visit, you can enjoy a tasting flight of three, four, or six wines.

Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are required for groups of four or more. They should be made three days prior to the desired tasting date.

READ MORE: The 15 Best Waterfalls Near Helen GA

Yonah Mountain Vineyards - North Georgia wine | north georgia wineries
Photo courtesy of Yonah Mountain Vineyards

14. Yonah Mountain Vineyards

1717 Highway 225 South, Cleveland GA • 706-878-5522 • Official Website

Located at the southeastern base of the magnificent Mount Yonah, Yonah Mountain Vineyards is a gorgeous 200-acre North Georgia winery owned by Bob and Jane Miller.

After buying the property in 2005, the Millers began their winemaking journey. Their vision was to be a boutique vineyard and winery producing world-class vintages that measure up to any of the best wine around the world.

They’re also committed to being a leader in the Georgia wine industry through their sustainability initiatives, with the ultimate goal of being completely energy independent for their farm and facilities.

Best Wines

Some of Yonah Mountain Winery’s best red wines include their 2015 Malbec, Genesis X, 2016 Estate Meritage, and the 2013 Totem (which won a Gold Medal in the 2017 Francisco Wine Competition).

Popular whites include the 2018 Viognier, 2019 Riesling, 2019 Petite Manseng, and 2019 Estate Cuvee Rosé, which is essentially the Estate Meritage as a Rosé.

They also offer a selection of dessert and specialty wines, including the 2016 Steamboat, a port-style wine that pairs perfectly with anything chocolate.

Tastings

Walk-in tastings are welcome at Yonah Mountain, and they’ve recently announced new Wine Flight Tastings with Covid-safe protocols in place. 

It includes four samples from their reds, whites, or mixed flights, and comes with your very own collectible glass!

READ MORE: The 15 Best Fall Fairs in Georgia

Hiawassee & Young Harris GA Wineries

Outdoor Patio at Crane Creek Winery in Hiawassee GA
Outdoor Patio at Crane Creek Winery by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

15. Crane Creek Vineyards

916 Crane Creek Road, Young Harris GA • 706-379-1236 • Official Website

Sitting high up in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this picturesque North Georgia winery is surrounded by spectacular scenery, with over 20 acres of vines producing a variety of grapes.

Owner Eric Seifarth cultivated his love for wine while he was stationed in Northern Italy as a young Army officer.  

There, he learned to embrace a different, more casual attitude towards wine.

Acknowledging the wide range of wine styles and drinkers, Crane Creek Vineyards finds every style legitimate.

They believe that the most important element is that wine is best enjoyed with food, family, and friends.

Best Wines

Some of the top red Crane Creek wines include their Hellbender (which is 100% Norton), Raven (which is 100% Cabernet Franc(, and Mountain Harvest (which is Crane Creek’s signature Chambourcin-dominant red blend).

Their most popular white wines include Enotah, a 100% barrel-fermented Chardonal (a sustainable hybrid grape of Chardonnay), and Vidal Blanc.

For a dessert-style wine, try their award-winning Sweet Sally, a delicious picnic wine that’s crafted from the native Catawba grape.

Tastings

Walk-in tastings are available during the winery’s standard hours.

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Hiawassee GA & Young Harris GA 

Ellijay GA Wineries

Photo via @cartecayvineyards

16. Cartecay Vineyards

5704 Clear Creek Road, Ellijay GA • 706-698-9463 • Official Website

Cartecay Vineyards was founded in 2007 and encompasses 14 acres of land in Ellijay GA.

This North Georgia winery has been expanding ever since their first growing season in 2008, and now offers live music every weekend and for select holiday events.

They also host an annual Crush Festival every September where you can tour the vineyards, taste their wines, and stomp grapes. Tickets for this event are $25 each day.

Best Wines

Cartecay Vineyards currently makes seven different wines, including Vidal Blanc, Chardonel, Catawba, and Cabernet Sauvignon. They’re planning to expand their selection in the future as well.

Tastings

There’s a refurbished barn (which has been on the property since 1890) that is dedicated for wine tastings and special events. They’re open for tastings seven days a week.

READ MORE: The 16 Best Things to Do in Ellijay GA & Gilmer County

Engelheim Vineyards - Georgia winery
Photo courtesy of Engelheim Vineyards

17. Engelheim Vineyards

127 Lakeview Road, Ellijay GA • 706-635-9463 • Official Website

Engelheim Vineyards (German for “Angel Home”) was launched in 2009, when the Engel family planted their first wines in Ellijay GA.

They harvested their first vintage in 2011, and the Alpine-style Engelheim tasting room was opened in 2014.

Since then, the winery has gone on to win accolades such as “2018 Georgia Winery of the Year” and the “Best Georgia Wine” in 2020 and 2021.

Integrating their German heritage into pretty much everything they do, Enghelheim Vineyards continues to focus on growing outstanding grapes to produce high-quality wines.

Best Wines

Some of their best white wines include their Vidal Blanc, Chardonnay, Engel Weiss, and Sweet Molly.

For red wines, try the Merlot, Trillium, Doxology, or Hummingbird.

They also have two popular dessert wines, the Franconia and Coco Wein, which is a rich chocolate port-style wine made from their Chambourcin grapes.

Tastings

Tastings are available 7 days a week from 12:30 pm to 6 pm, with live music on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

They offer a 4-wine flight board for $12 (excluding port-style dessert wines). You can also purchase upgrades, including a tasting of each of their port-style dessert wines for an additional $3.

You can also purchase assorted charcuterie plates, hummingbird bites, and chocolate-covered pretzels to complement with your tasting. 

READ MORE: The Best Restaurants in Ellijay GA for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Photo courtesy of Chateau Meichtry

18. Chateau Meichtry 

1862 Orchard Lane, Talking Rock GA • 706-502-1608 • Official Website

Chateau Meichtry is a family-owned and operated vineyard in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains just 20 minutes from Ellijay, Georgia.

The idea for the vineyard came about when Stephan Meichtry immigrated to the USA from Switzerland in 1921, bringing with him a root stock that is now planted on the vineyard.

It has since become one of the most beloved Ellijay wineries, with spectacular scenery and lots of special events that attract locals and visitors alike. 

Best Wines

Chateau Meichtry has a variety of red and white wines available, including Sweet Cerise, Pinot Grigio, George’s Cuvee, and Old Vine Zinfandel. They also have Shooter Ray, which is a red blend named after the vineyard’s beloved hound dog.

Tastings

The vineyard is open 7 days a week for wine tastings and does not require reservations. They also offer live music and food trucks on the weekends, as well as indoor and outdoor seating. 

READ MORE: The 10 Best Apple Orchards in Ellijay, Georgia

Fainting Goat Vineyards - GA winery
Photo courtesy of Fainting Goat Vineyards & Winery

19. Fainting Goat Vineyards & Winery

201 Vineyard Way, Jasper GA • 702-692-4963 • Official Website

Located about 20 miles southeast of Ellijay, this uniquely named GA winery gets its moniker from a funny true story.

The owners once climbed to the top of Burnt Mountain after a hard day of work in the field. After reaching the summit, they were so tired they felt like fainting, and thus Fainting Goat Vineyards was born! 

In case you were wondering, they do have fainting goats on the property that you can pet and play with. 

The boutique Georgia vineyard is family-owned and offers handcrafted wines grown from certified French vines.

The Fainting Goat Winery is beautiful, with 30-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a 50-foot veranda perfect for soaking in the scenic mountain views.

Best Wines

Fainting Goat’s Gold Medal wines include their 1812 Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Malbec, Old Glory (a Sauvignon Blanc), Revere ( a Blanc du Bois), Jackie O (Muscato), and Republic (Barbera).

Other Fainting Goat wines include Noble (their dessert wine), Impeachment (a peach wine), and Something Blue (a blueberry wine).

Tastings

Wine tastings are available throughout the day, and end 30 minutes before closing at 6 pm. The tastings include four wines for $10. 

READ MORE: The 20 Best Fall Festivals in Georgia

Wineries in North Georgia - Grapes and Ladders
Mountain Jazz and Pop band at Grapes and Ladders Winery via Facebook

20. Grapes and Ladders Vineyards & Winery 

2317 GA-382 W, Ellijay GA • 678-492-9861 • Official Website
 
Located about 8 miles south of Downtown Ellijay, Grapes & Ladders is a family-owned, family-friendly vineyard, winery, and tasting room. 
 
Established in 2013, their vineyards are currently home to more than 1,000 vines, including Chambourcin, Merlot, and Zinfandel grapes. 
 
Grapes & Ladders is smaller than some of the other Georgia vineyards and wineries on this list, yet their wines show an impressive depth and diversity.
 
There’s a nice covered patio where guests can sit back and savor the scenery. There are also tables set up around a small stage, where live music is offered 2-3 nights a week. 
 

Best Wines 

Red wines available from G&L include 2019 Big Red (a Chambourcin with notes of cherry, plum, and strawberry), 2021 Whole Lotta Red (a Syrah and Cabernet blend), and 2021 Some Like It Red (a Cab Franc and Cabernet blend)/ m

White Grapes & Ladders wines include a dry 2021 Viognier (with apricot, honey, and peach notes) and 2022 Sauvignon Blanc (with citrus and floral notes). 

If you like sweet wines, we recommend the 2022 Southern Treasure (a Port-style dessert wine fortified with brandy) and the off-dry 2020 Coosa Rosé (which has notes of raspberries and strawberries).  

Tastings

Grapes & Ladders wine tastings are available Wednesdays to Saturdays from noon to 6PM, and Sundays from 12:30PM to 6PM.

They offer White Wine Tastings and Red Wine Tastings, each of which costs $7 to sample 3 wines. 

The winery also hosts food trucks regularly, offering everything from charcuterie boards and lobster rolls to skewered meats and more.

READ MORE: Hiking & Camping at Fort Mountain State Park Near Ellijay GA

North GA wineries - Hightower Creek Vineyards
Hightower Creek Vineyards via Facebook

21. Hightower Creek Vineyards

7150 Canaan Dr, Hiawassee GA • 706-896-8963 • Official Website

The story of this Hiawassee winery dates back to 2009, when co-founders Liz and Sanford Green planted their first vines on 7 acres about 9 miles east of the mountain town

Their vines are a mix of old-world vinifera (including Cabernet Franc, Pinot Gris, and Merlot), along with Native American and French-American hybrids (such as Norton, Traminette and Vignoles).

They opened the Hightower Creek tasting room and winery in 2012, with a spacious deck that offers fantastic views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountain landscapes.

New owners Fred and Carol Myers bought the property Hightower Creek Vineyards in July 2018, and continue to improve upon the Greens legacy of making award-winning wines using only local fruits.

Best Wines 

Popular Hightower Creek Wines include the crisp Chatuga White (with notes of green apple and tropical fruit), Trillium 2021 (their signature blend of Pinot Gris, Seyval, and Vignoles), Deliverance 2020 (a bold blend of Merlot, Norton, and Cab Sauv), and Blushing Fox (a blush made from estate-grown Catawba grapes). 

They also offer an impressive assortment of Meads (a.k.a. honey wines), as well as wines produced in collaboration with Moonrise Distillery (out of Clayton GA) and Horse Creek Winery in Nashville GA.

Tastings

The Hightower Creek Vineyard tasting room is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from noon to 6PM, and on Sunday from 12:30 to 5PM. They’re closed on Tuesdays.  

Their tasting room also offers special events ranging from live music and casino nights to themed “Strolling Wine Dinners” with food and wine pairing stations dotted across the picturesque property. 

READ MORE: The 10 Best Restaurants in Hiawassee GA & Young Harris GA

Wineries near Clayton GA

Tiger Mountain Vineyards
Photo Courtesy of Tiger Mountain Vineyards

22. Tiger Mountain Vineyards

2592 Old Highway 441 South, Tiger GA • 706-782-4777 • Official Website

After planting European vinifera grapes at the farm where he was born, John Ezzards and his wife Martha carefully selected the variety of grapes best suited to the Blue Ridge Mountains climate.

Thus the couple created the first vinifera vineyard in the state, Tiger Mountain Vineyards, in the small town of Tiger GA, 3.3 miles south of Clayton.

Along with partners John and Marilyn McMullan, this vineyard in North Georgia has grown to win numerous awards, including a recent Gold Medal for their Cabernet Franc Reserve from the International Eastern Wine Competition.

Best Wines

Other award-winning Tiger Mountain wines include their Norton Reserve, Petit Manseng, 2016 Cabernet Franc, 2015 Malbec, and Mountain Cyn (which is 50% Norton or Cynthiana and 50% Cabernet Franc).

White Tiger is their most popular white wine, which is a blend of Viognier and Petit Manseng.

If you’re looking for a dessert wine, you really have to try their Sweet Petit. It was named the Best Dessert Wine in Georgia by the Georgia Wine Producers Wine Challenge.

Tastings

Located in Clarksville, the Flyhawk Farm Tasting Room offers pours of some of Tiger Mountain’s best wines in an inviting atmosphere, with a large stone fireplace and wine bar surrounded by sensational scenery. 

READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Clayton, GA (the Gem of Northeast Georgia)

Wineries in North Georgia - 12 Spies Vineyards and Farms
Photo via @12spiesvineyardsandfarms

23. 12 Spies Vineyards 

550 Black Branch Road, Rabun Gap GA • 706-490-0890 • Official Website

12 Spies Vineyards was founded back in 2012, when Mike Brown decided to take a break from the corporate world.

In the 10 years since, the Rabin Gap winery has been able to craft 14 different kinds of Georgia wines.

They now offer live music from local musicians every Saturday.

Best Wines

The Rabun County vineyard currently offers 14 different wines made from grapes that they grow and process themselves. They include Front Porch Peach wine, Bless Your Heart Muscadine wine, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio.

     Tastings

12 Spies Vineyards offers wine tastings in their tasting room. The hours that they’re open varies depending on the month, but you can check their website for availability.

They also have a nice selection of charcuterie boards available to enjoy with your wine. 

READ MORE: 25 Fun Activities Where You Can Experience Fall in Georgia

Wineries in North GA - Currahee Vineyards and Winery
Photo via @currahee.vineyards

24. Currahee Vineyards and Winery

3301 West Currahee Street, Toccoa GA • 706-768-5383 • Official Website

Located in Toccoa GA, near some of our favorite North Georgia waterfalls, Currahee Vineyards and Winery was launched by Marvin Dunson in 2009.

In the 13 years since he decided to use the family farm to produce wines, Currahee has created some award-winning blends and expanded their portfolio to include more than 12 different wines.

Best Wines

The Toccoa winery offers an array of different varietals, including apple wines, muscadine wines, and wine slushies.

Currahee Apple Slim is one of their award-winning blends, as is 3 Mile White. They also have a Currahee Red/Lenoir, Golden Harvest, and Sweet Cheryl.

Tastings

Currahee offers wine tastings every Thursday through Sunday, or you can schedule a private tasting. They also host private events on their 24-acre estate.

READ MORE: Apple Picking in Georgia: The 10 Best North GA Apple Orchards to Visit

Atlanta Wineries

Atlanta Wineries - Chateau Elan
Photo courtesy of Chateau Elan

25. Chateau Elan

100 Rue Charlemagne Drive, Braselton GA • 678-425-0900 • Official Website

Opened in Braselton GA in 1981, Chateau Elan is the closest Atlanta winery to the metro area.

So perhaps it’s no surprise that the resort has become one of the most popular places for romantic getaways in the North Georgia Mountains.

Chateau Elan is located on 3,500 acres of hills and forested land and has eight different restaurants to choose from, which offer all different kinds of cuisine.

Best Wines

The Chateau Elan winery has grown into one of the largest and most awarded Georgia wineries on the East Coast.

They offer more than 30 wines made from grapes grown in Georgia or hand-picked from California,  including American Port, the award-winning Bianco Riserva, and Bioterra Petite Sirah.

They also have a large selection of muscadine wines, including Duncan Creek, Cherokee Rosé, and Cherokee White. 

Tastings

The Chateau Elan tasting room is open 7 days a week, but times vary depending on the day. Guests can choose 7 wines from their collection to taste. –by Christina Maggitas, with additional reporting by Samantha Dickens & Bret Love; featured image via Canva

Leave No Trace logo

We encourage anyone who loves the Blue Ridge region to learn about the Leave No Trace principles of responsible environmental stewardship. 

Stay on marked trails, take only pictures, pack out your trash, and be considerate of others who share the trails and parks you explore. 

Remember that waterfalls and rocky summits can be dangerous. Never try to climb waterfalls or get close to a ledge to get a selfie.

When you're exploring the wilderness, it's better to be safe than to be a statistic!

Growing up in rural south Georgia, Christina Maggitas developed a love for nature at a young age and spent the majority of her formative years outdoors. Since visiting the Great Smoky Mountains with her family as a child, she has always admired the beauty of the Blue Ridge region and spends as much time as she can hiking in North Georgia. She has a passion for writing and storytelling, with the hopes of inspiring others to enjoy the great outdoors. Christina studied Journalism and Emerging Media at Kennesaw State University, and now works as the Travel Editor for US News & World Report.