Local wineries are one of North Georgia’s best-kept secrets. The wine smells (aromas and bouquets) are all unique because they come from different growing conditions and varieties of grapes! Not to mention each local professional winery/brewery often has something unique and charming to attract visitors.
Helen, Georgia has six wineries that all offer something special. Each brings its own local charm and flavors. In this article, I’ll talk a little more about each winery so you can choose the one(s) that is right for you!
1. Habersham Winery
Habersham Winery provides excellent examples of high-quality Georgia wines. Habersham has been producing award-winning wines since 1983!
This family-owned winery has an extensive selection of different wines made with vinifera, French-American, and Southern Muscadine grapes.
- CHARDONNAY
- SCARLETT
- CHALET WHITE
- SIGNET (COMING SOON)
- CHEROKEE ROSE
- TRAMINETTE
- MERLOT
- And so much more!
They even have winemaker experiments for sale for the bold.
For visitors, the wine-tasting room that is open daily is a delightful hangout area with live entertainment, gourmet foods, imported cheese, and wine specialty items. Try to visit during their annual winefest!
Interesting Fact: Before the American Revolutionary War, the English government had sought to establish Georgia as a wine-making country. But that vision wouldn’t be realized until centuries later.
2. Creekstone Winery
Creekstone Winery is the cousin of Habersham Winery. The Creekstone label formed its own winery in 2019 after nearly 40 years of producing wines as part of Habersham.
Just like its predecessor, Creekstone is a master of combining fruits, spices, and flowers in matches made in heaven! Creekstone has no shortage of wine selection.
You have your choice of
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cardinall
- Chambourcin
- Chardonnay
- Merlot
- Pinot Gris
- Sauvignon blanc
- Syrah
- Viognier
You can taste 5 of these wines in the wine tasting room for $14 + tax per person, without the need for reservations! During this experience, there is live entertainment, such as the Creekstone After Hours Music Series which is every Friday and Saturday.
And if you really like their wine, it can be shipped to select states.
3. Fox Winery
The Fox Winery takes pride in its unique flavor profiles and attention to detail. Though Fox is a smaller operation than others, they have earned several awards for their wines.
Their wines are packed with Georgia charm, and their potency pairs them perfectly with traditional Southern-comfort cooking.
They also have a delightful gift shop so that you can take samples of Fox Winery home with you. And if you’re needing wine glasses, check these out from Amazon.
Their hours of operation for tours and wine tastings are:
- Wednesday – Saturday: 10am – 6pm
- Sunday: 1pm – 6pm.
- Monday & Tuesday: Open by appointment only.
4. Frogtown Cellars
Frogtown Cellars has wine creation process down to a science. At 57 acres, Frogtown is a massive winery and wine club at the base of the beautiful Appalachian mountains.
It’s a tri-level gravity flow winery. Each level serves a separate function in the wine-making process. Outside of California, it may be the most awarded winery in the U.S. with 2 Platinum awards, 36 gold, 82 silver, and 92 bronze!
It would take too long to list all of the wines they offer, but here are their many categories:
- Premiums reds
- Premium whites & roses
- Off-dry reds
- Off-dry whites & roses
- Sweet wines
Visitors can enjoy various events throughout the year, such as the Lobster Feast event. Also, enjoy the wine club citizenship which, includes a 3-bottle wine selection and 18 bottles yearly.
Their wine tasting room is open daily.
5. Sweet Acre Farms Winery
Sweet Acre Farms Winery is based in the foothills of the northeast Georgia mountains and is all about comfort.
Their rustic winery in Alto has plenty of little spaces for you to find solitude and have your own personal getaway. Or you can find a setting to be with your friends.
You can make the winery your second home by renting the upper loft and bar that overlooks their pastures and lounge in a rocking chair to your heart’s content.
Not only do they sell unique wines such as “2017 R.E.D Remember Everyone Deployed,†or “2021 Quittin’ Time Lemon Blackberry,†but they also sell mead!
Their wine tasting room is open Thursday through Sunday. The tasting offers 3 small pours for free and then includes five 1oz samples.
It’s $13 per person and you get a souvenir glass to keep. While you’re there, don’t forget to try their wine slushies!
6. The Cottage Vineyard & Winery
A few decades after being stationed in Europe, the founder Jim and his wife Sandra established their 29-acre dream vineyard in Georgia. These owners take excellent care of their winery and share the lovely experience with all their visitors.
The atmosphere is beautiful as you take in mountain views, while the sunset washes the Georgia pines in bold oranges and pinks. It’s just the spot for any private event, which the Cottage Vineyard & Winery caters to.
The Cottage has 15 different wines to choose from between various dry, semi-sweet, and sweet options. They include Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Meunier, Muscat, Syrah, and Viognier.
Reservations are required for parties of 4 or more people for wine tasting. You don’t want to be late either! After 15 minutes, you’ll lose your table.
You’ll want to read the other rules regarding their tasting room here.
In Short,
Georgia has no shortage of fun spots for you to visit. There are even more wineries to check out in North Georgia: Yonah Mountain Vineyards, CeNita Vineyards, Serenity Cellars, and Sylvan Valley Lodge & Cellars are just a few!
For other ideas, check out these breweries near Blue Ridge or try your hand at fly fishing!
| Location | Google Reviews | |
| Habersham Winery | Helen, GA |  / 413 Reviews |
| Creekstone Winery | Sautee Nacoochee, GA | / 67 Reviews |
| Fox Winery | Helen, GA |  /27 Reviews |
| Frogtown Cellars | Dahlonega, GA |  / 374 reviews |
| Sweet Acre Farms Winery Tasting Room | Alto, GA |  / 173 reviews |
| The Cottage Vineyard & Winery | Cleveland, GA | / 394 Reviews |
Resources:
Tips on Tasting: Wine Bouquet vs Aroma | Wine Folly
