Relax in North Georgia while exploring a different side of the State’s “Apple Capital”
With outdoor fireplaces, locally-sourced grapes and easy accessibility to Atlanta, Ellijay’s six wineries make it easy to wine down for the weekend. 80 miles north of Atlanta and just 65 miles from Chattanooga, Tennessee, the area’s mountains beckon with sweeping views while Carter’s Lake and three rivers set the scene for relaxation in Georgia’s “Apple Capital.”
Cartecay Vineyards
Situated on 13 stunning acres, Cartecay–the Cherokee word for “bread valley”–Vineyards produces six wines. Sip in the Nealey Barn Tasting Room, an 1890s refurbished barn, or listen to live music on the Chimney Patio, featuring an 1890s chimney, while relaxing to the sounds of live music. Open seven days a week, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday to Saturday; 12:30-5:30 p.m., Sunday. (5704 Clear Creek Rd., Ellijay, 706.698.9463)
Engelheim Vineyards
Integrating their German heritage while paying homage to the Cherokee Nation, the original residents of the land occupied by Engelheim Vineyards, the owners, Gary and Jan Engel, produce high-quality wines such as Trillium, a Bordeaux blend, Roundtop Red, a Muscadine and Cabernet Franc blend and a 100% estate grown Petit Manseng. Sample a five wine tasting for $10 at this pet-friendly winery. Open seven days a week, 12:30-6 p.m.(127 Lakeview Rd., Ellijay, 770.714.5277)
Chateau Meichtry
Family-owned and -operated, Chateau Meichtry recently released five new wines. Sip on the Georgia Merlot, a complete representation of Georgia’s terrain, aged in French oak barrels with hints of plum, boxwood and vanilla. Try the Zinfandel, which is aged 14 months in French and Hungarian Oak and exhibits dark fruit and cedar scents, while subtle tannins and acidity lead to a big finish. Savor the sweetness of the dessert style Vidal Blanc, exuding notes of pineapple and dried apricot on the nose and a citrus fruit on the palate. For a fun blend, venture down to Mountain Treasures, a downtown Ellijay boutique. That’s where you will find their new label, Ellijay Red, produced by Chateau Meichtry, ripe for the tasting. Enjoy the sounds of live music, 1:30-5:30 p.m., Saturdays. Open seven days a week, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 12:30-5:30 p.m., Sunday. (1862 Orchard Lane, Talking Rock, 706.502.1608)
Fainting Goat Vineyards
This boutique vineyard features handcrafted wines grown from the finest certified French vines and features a list of full-bodied reds, fruity white and sweet blends. Take a glass of wine and enjoy the scenic mountain-view from the 50-foot veranda. Or stay inside and enjoy the spacious 30-foot ceilings while listening to live music (on the weekends). Floor-to-ceiling windows allow all guests to appreciate the panoramic views regardless if seated in the Loft or tasting at the bar. The pet-friendly winery offers indoor and outdoor fireplaces that welcome visitors to linger. Open noon to 6 p.m., Monday, Thursday-Saturday; 12:30-6 p.m., Sunday. (201 Vineyard Way, Jasper, 706.692.9463)
Ott Farms and Vineyard
The newest vineyard to North Georgia’s winery scene, Ott Farms and Vineyard offers breathtaking views of the North Georgia Mountains. Check their Facebook page for tasting hours. (230 Henry Evans Road, Ellijay, 706.502.8700)
Ellijay River Vineyards
Established in 2010, Ellijay River Vineyards span almost 20 acres of former crop land, bordering the Ellijay River. In April of 2011, three white grape varieties were planted on just over 3.5 acres to form the East Vineyard. In spring 2012, a small plot of Merlot was added. Additional plantings are anticipated in the near future. Visitors are welcome by appointment. (111 River Birch Ln, Ellijay, 770.315.9121)
Wine Highway Week
Plan to visit wineries during events like Wine Highway Week, March 16-25, sponsored by the Wine Growers Association of Georgia. The event is a great way to see and experience the views and wonderful wines of Northeast Georgia. There is a $50 fee for each participant. The fee is collected at the first winery visited. Travelers will receive a “Wine Highway Week” collectors’ glass and Passport which will give them admission to all participating wineries at no additional charge. Member wineries and Affiliate Members will each provide their own unique open-house format, with many offering food and wine pairings, music, barrel and library wine tastings, discounts and more.
If You Go…
Embark on a treasure hunt through Ellijay’s myriad antiques shops and come away with the perfect souvenir. Catch a play at the new George Link, Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse. Satisfy hunger pangs with fried green tomatoes and a perfectly cooked filet at a fine restaurant; then, top off the culinary experience with sweet treats at everybody’s favorite ice cream and hot dog shop. Make memories beneath the stars with a celebratory stay at Elatse’yi, a mountain retreat and alpaca farm with unique accommodations including vintage Airstreams and a geodosic dome; or choose from a variety of other equally welcoming options for R&R like riverfront cabins, including many that are pet-friendly. Wherever you go in Ellijay, adventure awaits. www.ExploreTheEllijays.com