Though it may not be as well-known as California’s Napa Valley, the climate and geography of the Blue Ridge Mountains offers great conditions for growing grapes and producing wines.
Wine grapes have been growing in the state of Georgia for hundreds of years, and there are countless respected wineries near mountain towns like Dahlonega, Ellijay, Helen, and Jasper.
Located on a historic farm in the tiny town of Tiger GA (2.6 miles south of Clayton), Tiger Mountain Vineyards is one of the few noteworthy wineries in northeast Georgia.
It’s also one of the oldest wineries in Georgia, with vineyards that were planted nearly 30 years ago.
Read on for our guide to visiting Tiger Mountain Vineyards, including a look at the property’s history, wine tastings, dining options, and other special events.
Tiger Mountain Vineyards Info
ADDRESS: 2592 Old 441 S, Tiger GA, 30576
PHONE NUMBER: 706-782-4777
HOURS: Tasting Room & Wine Shop open Fri & Sat 11:30AM-6PM, and Sun 12:30PM-6PM. Closed Mon-Thu, but Wine Club Members may visit by appointment.
ADMISSION: Free
Driving Directions from Clayton GA
From Downtown Clayton GA, head south on S Main St, which turns into Old 441 S. Follow that for 2.6 miles, and you’ll see the entrance to Tiger Mountain Vineyards on the right.
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Tiger Mountain Vineyards History
The roots of Tiger Mountain Vineyards date back to 1995, when Dr. John Ezzard left his Colorado medical practice behind to return to the farm in Rabun County GA where he grew up.
In an effort to save the 5th generation family farm, he planted what ultimately proved to be the first successfully established European vines in North Georgia.
Tiger Mountain Vineyards went on to produce numerous award-winning North Georgia wines, winning medals in top California wine competitions and “Best Wine in Georgia” in 2017.
Dr. Ezzard passed away in 2017, and Tiger Mountain Vineyards was subsequently sold to Lenny and Tina Vitello, who share a passion for wine, hospitality, and the beauty of nature.
Together they continue to building on TMV’s nearly 30-year legacy, welcoming visitors to their beautiful vineyards and offering an excellent array of special events.
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Things to Do at Tiger Mountain Vineyards
Enjoy Wine Tastings
The Tiger Mountain Vineyards tasting room is open to the public on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during peak Summer and Fall.
Members of their Wine Club may visit for wine tastings at other times by appointment only.
For those seeking a more intimate experience, they also offer Vineyard Estate Seated Tastings, which include samples of 5 small-production wines, a charcuterie board or cheese plate, and a TMV wine glass to keep as a souvenir.
Note that advance reservations are required, and the $312 ticket is good for up to 4 guests.
They also offer Wine Club Barrel Tastings, where guests visit the TMV cellar to taste wines directly from the barrels. Vintners will explain the wine-making process, and limited full barrel buyouts may be available.
This exclusive experience also requires reservations, which can be made via phone, email, or their website.
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Weddings & Private Events
If you’re looking for an idyllic Blue Ridge Mountains setting, TMV is perfectly picturesque, with lush green vineyards surrounded by some of the most dynamic summits North Georgia has to offer.
Tiger Mountain hosts a broad variety of private events on their 50-acre estate, including birthday parties, bridal showers, business meetings, corporate retreats, family reunions, and more. But weddings are easily the most popular.
Their signature wedding venue is The Vineyard Café @ the Red Barn and Pavilions, whose open-air design offers jaw-dropping views of the vineyards and mountains.
The Pavilions are available for rentals from May through October, and can hold up to 40 guests. But they also offer tents for larger weddings and other celebrations, and can accommodate up to 150 guests in total.
For help with planning weddings or other private events, contact the TMV event team via phone (706-782-4777) or email ([email protected]).
Dining at The Vineyard Café
Although it’s only open during the off-season for special events and Sunday Brunch, The Vineyard Café is the epicenter of Tiger Mountain activity once the weather turns warm.
Their dining room inside the 75-year-old Red Barn offers an inviting sense of rustic elegance, while the outdoor patio immerses visitors in the spectacular natural beauty of northeast Georgia.
The Vineyard Café menu offers a gourmet take on traditional Southern cuisine, including everything from Shrimp & Grits and Crab Cakes to Muffulettas and more.
They also host special event dining here, including a Mother’s Day Brunch catered by private chef Brian Legault, featuring Shrimp Creole, Creamy Pepperjack Grits, Chicken Piccata, and Mimosas.
Legault will also be catering a Memorial Day Lunch with Pulled Pork, BBQ Chicken, Potato Salad, Banana Pudding, wine, and more!
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Join the TMV Wine Club
