Wineries of North Georgia
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One of our favorite places to visit is Crane Creek Vineyards in Young Harris. Owner, Eric Seifarth, and his staff create a warm family atmosphere. The last time we stopped by there was a great jazz band and a bar-b-q dinner. They offered hayrides through the vineyards and around the lake. What a beautiful setting! Deanne, Eric’s wife, is a full-time veterinarian and mother of two boys. Somehow she finds time to help out at the winery and run the two quaint Guest Houses on the property. The Tasting Room & Gift Shop is open Tues-Sat. 11-6 and on Sunday from 1-5. There’s a $3.00 charge for wine tasting. Stop by for Soup Kitchen Saturdays to enjoy homemade soup & sandwiches and a glass of wine. Their annual Spring Festival is Saturday, May 29th. Bring the whole family for lots of fun. You can call (706) 379-1236 for information on all their special events.
Habersham Winery is just half a mile from the Alpine village of Helen. It relocated to its new facility at Nacoochee Village in 1998. Habersham wines have won over 150 medals. For a great day trip, take in the winery, the shopping, putt-putt golf and Ruby Falls at Unicoi State Park
Dahlonega has four wineries in the area. Frogtown Cellars is open for wine tasting every weekend in their outdoor tasting room. They have a stunning timber frame winery overlooking the mountains. There’s a Panini Sandwich Bar every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Check out their website at www.frogtownwine.com for specific dates of special events and Sunday brunches.
Three Sisters Winery got its name from its spectacular view of Three Sisters Mountain. It’s a small family farm located 8 miles NE of Dahlonega, the site of the first major US gold rush. Public wine tastings are available Thursday-Sunday. The 9th Annual GA Wine Country Festival is the first weekend of June. My favorite event is the Wine & Chocolate Tastings offered the first 3 weekends of February. Always call Sharon or Doug at (706) 865-9463 to get current information on all their events.
Black Stock Vineyards & Winery is open year round and is owned by the Harris family. You can enjoy a glass of wine on the covered deck or in the Appalachian-style lodge. Check their calendar at www.bsvw.com or call (706) 219-2789 for special events, including the annual Spring Wine Highway weekend.
Wolf Mountain Vineyards is a very special place to visit and should be included in your plans. The stone European-styled winery and hospitality facilities are set in the hills. Executive Chef Tommy prepares six course dinners paired with award winning wines for an intimate gourmet dining experience. Sunday brunches are offered with different themes each month. If all you want is lunch, the Vineyard Café offers a wonderful selection on the front porch of the winery. Reservations are required, so call ahead to (706) 867-9862. You’ll want to check out their activity calendar for the Seafood Festival, Father’s Day Bar-B-Q, Tribute to Tuscany, Jazz Festival, Bluegrass Brunch & Holiday Open House. Go to www.wolfmountainvineyards.com.