North Georgia is beautiful country. It’s fantastic greenery, the great Blue Ridge Mountains, and temperatures that aren’t quite as burning hot as the rest of the state combine to make this area of Georgia more than worth a trip. The weather in North Georgia is also perfect for wineries. Yep. You read that right. Georgia has its own wine country, and we had the chance to fully experience 7 of the most beautiful North Georgia Wineries on a recent trip thanks to Alpine Helen Convention & Visitors Bureau and local partners.
Enjoy a Wine Tasting Tour
Our wine tasting tour was one of the best tours we’ve been on to date. Of course, VIP Southern Tours made that possible, but the wineries themselves also played just as much a part. I have to tell you, I was NOT expecting to see wineries of that caliber in Georgia. I mean, honestly, when people think of Georgia, they usually thing live oaks, farmland, and cows. They don’t think wine country. But it’s there, tucked away in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains and it’s amazing!
1. The Cottage Vineyard & Winery
Founded in the mountains of North Georgia in 2012, The Cottage is a gorgeous vineyard with an inviting atmosphere and vines everywhere. It’s 29 acres of beautiful views and down-home hospitality.
2. Kaya Vineyard and Winery
Kaya Vineyard and Winery is actually a rebirth and revamping of what was once Blackstock Vineyards, the first and largest vineyard in the Dahlonega area of north Georgia.
At present, the vineyard offers an excellent tour of the winery, wine tasting, and dining options. They also have plans to make the vineyard a total experience with overnight accommodations in the works.
We did not take advantage of their dining option on the tour but from what I can see, their menu selection looks divine.The scenery made for a wonderful backdrop.
3. Yonah Mountain Vineyards
Wow. It doesn’t get more upscale in North Georgia than Yonah Mountain Vineyards. This is the kind of vineyard you’d expect to find in California. I mean, it is high class all the way.
They have live music every Saturday, and two different wine tastings – the Wine Cave Tour and Tasting and the Reserve Wine Tasting. By the time we left, I had already made plans to come back in our finest attire.
4. Serenity Cellars
Located in Cleveland, Georgia at the feet of the Blue Ridge mountains, Serenity Cellars offers fine wines, tasty meats, cheeses, and other gourmet foods in a laid-back atmosphere.
With gorgeous views, excellent wines, and great food, Serenity Cellars is a must-visit winery in North Georgia. In addition to wine tasting and tours and dining options, Serenity Cellars also features live music every weekend.
5. Hardman Farm
Hardman Farm is one of the most beautiful spots in North Georgia. Located just south of Helen in White County, Hardman Farm is both a historical site and home to a first-class wine and art festival – the Spirit of Appalachia Food, Wine & Arts Festival. While not a winery itself, it does offer wine tasting of the wonderful wines in the area.
6. Habersham Vineyards & Winery
Habersham is one of the oldest and largest wineries in North Georgia. Located 1/2 mile south of Helen, Georgia, Habersham has been producing some of the finest wines in North Georgia since 1983.
The winery offers tasting, tours, and a gift shop featuring gourmet foods and wine specialty items. You can also take in some of the most gorgeous scenery in the area while you’re there.
Anytime we visit Helen, we always make a stop here on our way out to pick up a few bottles of wine to carry home.
7. Sylvan Valley Lodge & Cellars
The final stop on our North Georgia winery tour was Sylvan Valley Lodge & Cellars. Wow. It was later in the day, so we enjoyed their wine pairing dinner, where we were able to enjoy both their wonderful wines and their absolutely amazing food. It was an experience I won’t forget and that should not be missed. In fact, I would almost have to say it was one of my most favourites. As they say, save the best for last. The chef was magnificent with his presentation and the owners were absolutely hospitable.
Situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Sylvan Valley is a wine lover’s utopia. It offers wine tasting and tours, fine dining, a wedding venue, and even stylish accommodations to make a full trip of it.
North Georgia IS Wine Country
If you don’t think wine country when you think North Georgia, just take a trip and hit the wineries with VIP Southern Tours. I guarantee you will see North Georgia in an entirely new light. The beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains coupled with the equally stunning beauty of these wineries will have you coming back again and again to experience one of the most unique parts of North Georgia – their amazing vineyards! I have been visiting Helen for as long as I could remember, but I had no idea there were such amazing vineyards a stone throw away.
Wine Tour: A VIP Experience
We had a full day of winery tours, and every minute was wonderful. We took our day-long wine tour experience with VIP Southern Tours. These guys make your tour easy and fun. They picked us up right at the hotel, which was nice. We didn’t have to worry about driving and finding parking. We just stepped out the front of the door, and we were on our way.
The pricing is great, with their highest price at $139 for their busiest day. That price includes pickup, transportation, tour guide, and generous wine tastings. You’re not paying for dinky little tastings, and there are NO hidden fees. I love that because I have been socked with hidden fees, and it’s no fun.
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