Best 7 Wineries in Ellijay GA: A Guide to Tasting and Touring
Ellijay, located in the North Georgia Mountains, is a charming town known for its picturesque scenery and delicious wines. With its rich history of winemaking, Ellijay has become a popular destination for wine enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. The town is home to several wineries and vineyards that offer tastings, tours, and events throughout the year.
One of the most popular wineries in Ellijay is Engelheim Vineyards. Situated in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, Engelheim has won numerous awards for its high-quality wines. The winery offers tastings, tours, and events throughout the year, and visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains while sipping on their favorite varietals.
Another must-visit winery in Ellijay is the Chateau Meichtry Family Vineyard and Winery. This family-owned and operated winery has won several awards at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and offers tastings, tours, and events throughout the year. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic lunch on the winery’s beautiful grounds or take a stroll through the vineyards.
Popular Wineries
Chateau Meichtry
Chateau Meichtry is a family-owned and operated winery located at 1862 Orchard Lane, Talking Rock, GA 30175. It is a popular winery that is known for its excellent wines, beautiful scenery, and friendly staff. Visitors can enjoy a tasting of their award-winning wines while taking in the breathtaking views of the vineyards.
Website: https://www.chateaumeichtry.co/
Address: 1862 Orchard Ln, Talking Rock, GA 30175, United States
Engelheim Vineyards
Engelheim Vineyards is a dog-friendly winery located at 127 Lakeview Road, Ellijay, GA 30540. It is a popular winery that offers a variety of wines, including red, white, and rosé. Visitors can enjoy a tasting of their wines, take a tour of the vineyards, or attend one of their events.
Website: https://www.engelheim.com/
Address: 120 Lakeview Rd, Ellijay, GA 30540, United States
Cartecay Vineyards
Cartecay Vineyards is located at 5704 Clear Creek Road, Ellijay, GA 30536. It is a popular winery that offers a variety of wines, including red, white, and fruit wines. Visitors can enjoy a tasting of their wines, take a tour of the vineyards, or attend one of their events.
Website: https://cartecayvineyards.com/
Address: 5704 Clear Creek Rd, Ellijay, GA 30536, United States
Fainting Goat Vineyards
Fainting Goat Vineyards is located at 201 Vineyard Way, Jasper, GA 30143. It is a popular winery that offers a variety of wines, including red, white, and rosé. Visitors can enjoy a tasting of their wines, take a tour of the vineyards, or attend one of their events.
Website: https://www.faintinggoatvineyardsandwinery.com/
Address: 201 Vineyard Wy, Jasper, GA 30143, United States
Ott Farms and Vineyard
Ott Farms and Vineyard is located at 230 Henry Evans Road, Ellijay, GA 30540. It is a popular winery that offers a variety of wines, including red, white, and fruit wines. Visitors can enjoy a tasting of their wines, take a tour of the vineyards, or attend one of their events.
Website: https://www.ottvineyards.com/
Address: 230 Henry Evans Rd, Ellijay, GA 30536, United States
Creekstone Winery
Creekstone Winery is located at 295 Vineyard Way, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571. It is a popular winery that offers a variety of wines, including red, white, and fruit wines. Visitors can enjoy a tasting of their wines, take a tour of the vineyards, or attend one of their events.
Website: https://creekstonewinery.com/
Address: 295 Hardman Farm Rd, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571, United States
Bear Claw Vineyards
Bear Claw Vineyards is located at 2281 Tennis Court Road, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. It is a popular winery that offers a variety of wines, including red, white, and fruit wines. Visitors can enjoy a tasting of their wines, take a tour of the vineyards, or attend one of their events.
Website: https://bearclawvineyards.com/
Address: 2281 Tennis Court Rd, Blue Ridge, GA 30513, United States
Tasting Experience
Ellijay GA is home to some of the best wineries in the region. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of tasting experiences that cater to different preferences and budgets.
Most wineries have tasting rooms where visitors can sample different wines before making a purchase. Some wineries offer complimentary tastings while others charge a fee. Visitors can taste a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and blends.
In addition to tastings, many wineries in Ellijay GA offer live music events. Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine while listening to local musicians perform. Some wineries also offer wine by the glass, allowing visitors to enjoy their favorite wines while taking in the scenic views.
For those who want a more immersive experience, many wineries offer tours of their vineyards and production facilities. Visitors can learn about the winemaking process and the history of the winery. Some wineries also offer wine-pairing dinners or dinners in the vineyard, where visitors can enjoy a multi-course meal paired with different wines.
To commemorate their visit, visitors can purchase a souvenir glass to take home. Some wineries also offer wine club memberships, which provide discounts on purchases and exclusive access to events.
Events and Festivals
Ellijay, GA is known for its vibrant wine and craft events, wine festivals, music events, special events, and Christmas arrangements. Visitors can enjoy these events throughout the year, making Ellijay a perfect destination for wine lovers and craft enthusiasts.
One of the most popular events in Ellijay is the annual Apple Festival, which takes place in the fall. This festival celebrates the apple harvest season and features live music, arts and crafts vendors, and plenty of delicious food and drinks. Visitors can also pick their own apples at local orchards during this time.
In addition to the Apple Festival, Ellijay hosts a variety of events celebrating the arts, food, music, and more year-round. Visitors can enjoy wine festivals such as the Blue Ridge Mountains Wine and Jazz Festival, which brings together great music, great wines, fine art, and delicious cuisine. The Georgia Apple Blossom Festival is another popular event that takes place in the spring and features arts and crafts vendors, live music, and a car show.
For those who enjoy craft events, the Georgia Mountain Needle Arts Festival is a must-visit. This festival showcases the work of local artisans and features demonstrations, workshops, and plenty of opportunities to purchase unique handmade items.
Visitors can also enjoy music events such as the Georgia Mountain Moonshine Cruiz-In, which features classic cars, live music, and plenty of delicious moonshine. The Georgia Mountain Fair is another popular event that takes place in the summer and features live music, arts and crafts vendors, and plenty of delicious food.
Finally, visitors can enjoy special events such as the Mountain Laurel Festival, which celebrates the beauty of the mountain laurel flower. This festival features arts and crafts vendors, live music, and plenty of delicious food and drinks.
Amenities and Atmosphere
Ellijay wineries offer a variety of amenities and atmospheres to enhance the wine-tasting experience. Many wineries in Ellijay have outdoor spaces that allow visitors to enjoy the beautiful mountain views while sipping on their favorite wine. Some wineries, such as Engelheim Vineyards, are pet-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their furry friends along for the adventure.
Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are a common feature in Ellijay wineries, providing a cozy ambiance during the colder months. Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine while sitting by the fire and taking in the stunning views.
In addition to the outdoor spaces, some wineries in Ellijay offer food trucks on-site, providing delicious snacks and meals to complement the wine. This is a great option for visitors who want to make a day of their wine-tasting experience.
Local Products
Ellijay, GA is known for its wineries, but there are also many other local products worth trying. The area is home to several farms that produce a variety of fruits and vegetables, including grapes. Many of the wineries in the area use locally grown grapes in their wines, making them truly unique to the region.
In addition to traditional wine grapes, many wineries in Ellijay also grow French-American hybrids and vinifera grapes. These varieties can produce wines with distinct flavors and aromas that are not found in other regions. Visitors to the area can sample these wines and learn about the different grape varieties and growing techniques used in the region.
For those who prefer other beverages, there are also several craft beer and cider producers in the area. These local breweries and cideries offer a variety of unique and flavorful options that are worth trying. Visitors can also tour these facilities and learn about the brewing and fermentation processes used to create these beverages.
Weather Considerations
When planning a visit to the wineries in Ellijay, GA, it is important to consider the weather conditions. The region experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Visitors should plan their trip accordingly to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Late summer and early fall are the peak seasons for wine tasting in Ellijay. The temperatures during this time of year are mild, with average highs in the mid-80s°F (29°C) and lows in the mid-60s°F (18°C). The weather is generally pleasant, making it an ideal time to explore the vineyards and enjoy the scenic views.
However, visitors should be prepared for the occasional heavy rain shower during the summer months. It is recommended to check the weather forecast before heading out to the wineries and to bring appropriate rain gear if necessary.
During the warmer months, visitors may also encounter flies and other insects. It is advisable to bring insect repellent to avoid any discomfort.
Overall, visitors to the wineries in Ellijay can expect pleasant weather conditions throughout most of the year. By keeping an eye on the forecast and bringing appropriate gear, visitors can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.