12 Beautiful Wineries near Blue Ridge, Georgia
The beautiful wineries near Blue Ridge, Georgia, are idyllic places to grab a glass of wine and take in breathtaking mountain views! While there is only one winery in Blue Ridge (Bear Claw Vineyards), the remaining options are only a short distance from this mountain town.
Winemaking is newer to the Blue Ridge Mountain area, only beginning in the late 90s. Previously, many thought wine grapes would not grow in the mountains. However, wine grapes are flourishing in the area, and the wines produced feature a unique flavor due to the soil and climate.
Wineries near Blue Ridge
Now, people flock to the stunning wineries to taste the exceptional North Georgia wines these mountain grapes produce. Let’s dive into 12 of the best vineyards and wineries in the North Georgia wine country!
1. Bear Claw Vineyards & Winery
Address: 2281 Tennis Court Rd, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
As mentioned, this is the only vineyard located inside the charming town of Blue Ridge. Every bottle of wine is expertly crafted and bottled on the premises before it’s set out for purchase or wine tastings. Bear Claw Vineyards & Winery is also 100% woman owned!
The location for this vineyard and winery was specifically chosen for its geography and rich soil, making it the perfect location for growing grapes. It was also picked for the picturesque views it offers.
You’ll be wowed by the mountain and vineyard views when you visit this winery. If you sit outside, you can relax by the fire or listen to live music as you taste the available red and white wines. Many board games are available, so it’s a fun spot for the whole family. It’s even dog-friendly!
There’s also a treehouse on the property which offers a unique overnight stay, though you’ll want to book it in advance to ensure it’s available. You can even add a s’mores package to your stay for a more memorable experience.
2. Wolf Mountain Vineyards
Address: 180 Wolf Mountain Trail, Dahlonega, GA 30533
This vineyard sits high on a hilltop in the North Georgia Mountains, offering stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It has been producing award-winning wines for years. When you arrive, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere with cozy vibes.
Many wine offerings are on the menu, including dry white, red, and rosé options. The cabernet sauvignon is a must-try here. You can also check out the tasting menu if you’re unsure what to order, so you can try a few different options before ordering a full glass.
The wine-tasting menu also includes small bites, cheese plates, and pizzas to enjoy alongside a glass of wine. There’s also a café on site which has more offerings, including sandwiches and desserts that you can order.
3. Serenberry Vineyards
Address: 450 Tipton Trail, Morganton, GA 30560
Serenberry Vineyards sits about 10 miles away from downtown Blue Ridge. You can reach the vineyard via a scenic route. You won’t have to worry about finding a parking spot here, as ample parking spaces are available.
While at Serenberry Vineyards, you can select a guided wine tasting or pick a flight of wines and enjoy a self-guided wine tour. They also allow you to purchase a glass to sip on while strolling through the vineyards. The menu includes dry and sweet reds and whites, like Swan White, a green apple-forward white wine.
This vineyard is great for a casual date or a small get-together with friends, as it offers a more intimate environment in the tasting room and outside near the firepit.
4. Odom Springs Vineyards
Address: 637 Odom Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512
If you want to help support a family-owned business, you’ll want to check out Odom Springs Vineyards. This estate vineyard and winery is tucked away on Odom Road in Blairsville, about two hours away from Atlanta. You’ll get a warm greeting from the owners and some information on the vineyard and wine offerings when you arrive.
On the menu, you’ll find an array of wines ranging from dry reds and whites to red blends, blush wines, semi-sweet, and sweet options. Many of their wines have won awards in the Georgia Trustees Wine Challenge, offering a great starting point if you’re unsure what to order.
Odom Springs Vineyards also hosts various events during the year, like a chili cook-off and a Valentine’s Day chocolate and wine pairing.
5. Cartecay Vineyards
Address: 5704 Clear Creek Rd, Ellijay, GA 30536
Cartecay Vineyards is nestled in the southern Appalachian Mountains, right outside Ellijay. It was founded in 2007 after the vineyard owners purchased a barren farm from the late 1800s. It only took about a year for the first crop of wine grapes to grow, though the first harvest wasn’t until 2010. From there, the vineyard continued to expand its grape varietals, producing additional types of wine. Now, Cartecay Vineyards is one of the top wineries near Blue Ridge, Georgia.
This vineyard has eight delicious wine offerings, which range from a dry white to a bold, complex red. Depending on the weather and your preference, you can sit in plush chairs in the tasting room or hang out on the back patio area and play with the vineyard dogs. A band typically plays music most weekends, providing a relaxing environment for wine tasting.
6. Engelheim Vineyards
Address: 120 Lakeview Rd, Ellijay, GA 30540
You can find the Engelheim Vineyards near a few other North Georgia vineyards situated in Ellijay. This vineyard focuses on crafting high-quality wines that offer a nod to the owners’ German heritage. Many of their available wines have won gold and silver medals from larger wine competitions, with 20+ awards received.
The first thing you’ll appreciate about Engelheim Vineyards is that they’re open seven days a week. So, a trip to this vineyard is easy to squeeze into any itinerary. There’s also live music every Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 – 5:30 pm. From spring to fall, there’s live music on Friday evenings too.
The best way to try the offerings here is via a flight, which includes any four red or white wines from the menu. There are also a few food pairings on the menu, including meat and cheese plates and hummingbird bites (dessert balls).
7. Grapes and Ladders Vineyards and Winery
Address: 2317 GA-382 W, Ellijay, GA 30540
Grapes and Ladders Vineyards and Winery is also located in Ellijay.
There’s plenty of seating at this vineyard, with multiple areas to explore. You can elect between enjoying a glass of wine in the cozy tasting room, relaxing in the garden room, sitting on the patio, finding a seat at one of the picnic tables, or hanging out in the fields.
The wine selection includes a short but sweet offering of estate, red, and white wines. You can order wine by the glass or bottle while here. Or, you can purchase a trio of red or white wines for a tasting.
8. Buckley Vineyards
Address: 708 Henry Evans Rd, Ellijay, GA 30536
If you prefer North Georgia wineries with chic, rustic décor, try Buckley Vineyards. This Blue Ridge winery has a great indoor seating area with comfortable sofas and chairs to sit in while tasting wines. Outside, you’ll find plenty of shaded seating with mountain and vineyard views. The outdoor patio is covered with twinkly lights at night, making it an excellent spot for date night.
Basic and VIP wine tours are available, though an appointment is required to attend either. The VIP tour includes fun extras, such as a souvenir glass and barrel tasting. If you prefer to skip the tour, you can also select a regular or premium wine tasting, including five 1 oz samples of your choice.
The available wines are mainly inspired by and named after family members (including furry friends). So, expect wine names like Sassy Georgia and Sweet Mickey to appear on the menu.
9. Fainting Goat Vineyards
Address: 201 Vineyard Way, Jasper, GA 30143
This vineyard is just as exciting as its name! Plus, they have four real fainting goats on site that you can pet while visiting. Fainting Goat Vineyards gained its name after a grueling day of vine work, where the owners (a husband-and-wife duo) climbed a mountain and “felt like fainting.” Two dogs live on the property who enjoy hanging out with the visitors.
There are multiple ways to experience the vineyard, like listening to the live music that happens every weekend at Fainting Goat Vineyards, which is free to the public. You can also buy a “Picnic in the Vines,” which allows you to spend an afternoon in the vineyard. Or, you can try a few wines in the tasting room. Additional seating is available on the terrace, lawn, and upper deck.
The wine menu offers crisp, refreshing white wines, complex reds, and sweet blends.
10. Ott Farms and Vineyard
Address: 230 Henry Evans Rd, Ellijay, GA 30536
This farm and vineyard stretches across 20 acres in northern Georgia. About 12 acres of this land is covered in vineyards, with various grapes, including French-American hybrids and Vinifera varietals growing. This vineyard is owned by a husband-and-wife duo (Mike and Lee), who built the vineyard and cultivated the grapes themselves. Mike also helped build the Cartecay, Engelheim, and Ellijay River Vineyards.
At Ott Farms and Vineyard, you’ll find some of the most picturesque mountain and vineyard views from the patio area. There is also additional seating at picnic tables and a fire pit, which is great for groups or families visiting the vineyard.
Their wine options include red, white, rosé, and sweet wines, which can be paired with their light appetizer offerings, like spinach and artichoke dip. On the weekends, there are food trucks on the premises.
11. Chateau Meichtry Family Vineyard and Winery
Address: 1862 Orchard Ln, Talking Rock, GA 30175
You can travel to France via a visit to the Chateau Meichtry Family Vineyard and Winery. This location includes a beautiful chateau that serves wines made on the property. This winery is family-owned and nestled at the Appalachian Mountains’ base.
It’s open daily until 5:30 or 6 pm (depending on the day of the week), with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. There’s much to do at this vineyard and winery, including group and private tours. On Saturdays and Sundays, Georgian artists perform live music. There are also usually food trucks on the weekends, regardless of the season.
Chateau Meichtry has an excellent selection of local wines, which include reds, whites, and blends on the menu that you can select from. This vineyard and winery has an elegant feel, so it’s an excellent location for a girls’ day out or date night.
12. Crane Creek Vineyards
Address: 1040 Crane Creek Rd, Young Harris, GA 30582
Last but not least is Crane Creek Vineyards, hidden in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The unique mountain setting creates an idyllic view that almost seems too good to be true! The entire vineyard and winery is run by a small eight-person team, which helps make the environment even more welcoming.
Visiting the Stone House Tasting Room is a must while at the vineyards, as the outdoor seating area offers the best views from any previously mentioned tasting rooms. While here, you can try wine via tastings, by the glass, or by the bottle. Vintners tours can also be taken to learn more about the winemaking process.
Live music occurs every Friday throughout the year, inside the Stone Tasting House or on the vineyard decks depending on the season. There’s also a restaurant on site that serves a la carte menu items using fresh ingredients. Before leaving, stop by the Farmhouse Market for some goodies!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a wine lover or simply want to enjoy beautiful views of the North Georgia Mountains, the wineries near Blue Ridge should be on everyone’s itinerary. We’re positive you’ll love spending time at these vineyards during your next trip to northern Georgia!
