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Wine & Dine: Touring The Wineries
by Carrie Miner
Georgia On My Mind
More than 100 years ago, Georgia was one of the leading grape growing states. But by 1907 his classic Southern state adopted full alcohol prohibition, effectively halting advances in winemaking. It wasn't until Chateau Elan and Habersham began producing wines in the 1980s that Georgia's winemaking renaissance took hold.
Today, there are nearly a dozen vineyards and wineries in Georgia's northeastern mountains making this area one of the most prominent wine growing regions in the South.
Start your trip with a smooth landing at the 2,000-foot grass airstrip at High Valley Airpark [GA87] at the High Valley Resort in Suches. This mountain hideaway makes a comfortably-casual base for exploring the vineyards and wineries situated along the Georgia Wine Highway.
On your first day, head south to Frogtown Cellars in Dahlonega. Founded by Craig and Cydney Kritzer in 1998, this wine estate produces several vintages under the Frogtown and Thirteenth Colony labels, all of which are handcrafted from 15 different types of wine grapes grown on 28 acres of planted vines.
The tasting room is open on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. While in Dahlonega, you might also want to stop by Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery - a 25-acre family-owned wine growing estate.
You can sample the estate's seven wines at tastings on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Another option is to relax for a spell at The Vineyard Cafe, where you can sample various wines at your leisure along with a sampling of gourmet appetizers, salads and sandwiches.
Finish your day with a jaunt down to the luxurious Chateau Elan Winery and Resort in Braselton. Situated on 3,500 acres, this 16th centuryinspired winery and resort is the largest producer of varietal vintages in the state and has more than 275 national and international awards for its superb wines.
The winery features two restaurants, an art gallery, wine tasting and public and private tours. You might even decide to extend your stay an extra day to take advantage of the four-star lodging, fine dining, award-winning spa and a round or two of championship golf.
Finish your weekend by heading north to two other outstanding Georgia wineries. Both Crane Creek Vineyards in Young Harris and Habersham Vineyards and Winery in Helen offer complimentary tours and inexpensive wine tastings daily.
Producing wine since 1983, Habersham Vineyards and Winery is one of the oldest and largest wineries in the state. Since those first bottles, Habersham has garnered more than 100 awards for its vintages under the labels Creekstone, Habersham Estate and Southern Harvest.
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