Looking for a weekend getaway or even just a day trip close to Atlanta? Look no further than the mountains and wineries of North Georgia, renowned for its small yet award-winning vineyards producing a variety of European-style wines. The mountain climate makes the soil ideal for winemaking while providing a picturesque backdrop for sipping and tasting. Here’s a guide to the best wineries, tours, and tastings in North Georgia.

Habersham Winery

One of Georgia’s oldest winemakers, Habersham Winery has been crafting exquisite wines since 1983. Sourced from two vineyards, Habersham produces under three different labels, offering a delightful mix of wines ranging from an oaky, buttery Chardonnay to a Scarlett dry red blend composed of 59% Chambourcin, 27% Syrah, and 14% Vidal.

Tastings are priced at $7.50 per person, which includes five wines and a souvenir glass. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the gift shop featuring gourmet foods, imported cheeses, and perfect picnic treats to indulge in at nearby parks and trails.

Yonah Mountain Vineyards

Founded in 2005, Yonah Mountain Vineyards is one of Georgia’s newer vineyards, offering a 90-minute walking tour and a visit to one of the state’s few wine caves on Saturdays at 12, 1:30, and 3 p.m., and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. The $40 experience must be arranged in advance and includes samples of eight current releases such as Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Rosé.

For a more intimate experience, consider the Reserve Tasting available the second Sunday of each month from February to October. This $100 experience must also be booked ahead and features a guided tasting with owner Bob Miller, along with gourmet cheese and charcuterie pairings. The vineyard also has a wine club, with perks that include pre-release purchases, access to library and reserve wine releases, and invitations to exclusive events.

Tiger Mountain Vineyards

This ten-acre, fifth-generation vineyard in Rabun County, just south of the North Carolina border, produces award-winning traditional dry wines in the European style, including three red blends, an acclaimed semi-dry, a Rosé, and a late-harvest dessert wine. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead for a tour and tasting or can enjoy dining at the on-site restaurant, the Red Barn Café, offering weekend lunches and dinners from May through November with stunning mountain views.

The vineyard also offers a satellite tasting room, Naturally Georgia, in Dahlonega, providing tastings paired with cheese Wednesday through Sunday.

Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery

Achieving Georgia’s first-ever Gold medals at the prestigious San Francisco Chronicle and Los Angeles International Wine Competitions, Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery has set a new standard for East Coast wine production. The antique wine library and cellar showcase a collection of 19th-century French wine artifacts, providing a beautiful setting for wine tastings or dining from an extensive menu. Guided winery tours are available at noon on Saturdays and Sundays from March through November, priced at $40 per person. Wine tastings start at $20 per person for the estate tasting flight and $25 per person for groups of eight or more, which must also be booked in advance. The tasting room features delightful snacks including pizzas, charcuterie plates, and various hors d’oeuvres.

Frogtown Cellars

With over 28 acres of vines, the Dahlonega-based Frogtown Cellars produces wine from more than 15 different grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Viognier. The tasting room welcomes visitors from 12 to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, and 12:30 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Be sure to visit the on-site Italian Bistro, which is open for lunch and dinner on select days, serving pizzas, paninis, and other delicious options that pair perfectly with the vineyard’s wines.

Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery

With breathtaking views of the North Georgia mountains and over 10,000 vines producing grapes such as Cabernet Franc and Pinot Blanc, the family-owned Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery offers walk-in and by-appointment tastings for $17.50. This experience includes tastings from the Vintner’s Tasting menu and a selection of five wines. The property boasts a folk art gallery and a rock wall patio, providing the perfect ambiance to enjoy the refreshing mountain air.

Written by: Jennifer Hill Booker