Attractions Near White County, Georgia

Wineries & Vineyards in and around Helen Ga

Wineries & Vineyards in and around Helen Ga

Blessed with  soil composition much like that of Italy’s Piedmont region, producer of some of the most prestigious wines in the world, the Georgia Winegrowers Association calls White County’s “terroir” or sense of place, the perfect terrain, drainage and elevation necessary to cultivate and produce exceptional vintages. The emerging awareness surrounding viticulture and agri-tourism has further solidified the area’s prominent position on the Georgia Wine Highway.

One of the oldest and largest wineries, Habersham Vineyards and Winery, has been producing Georgia wines since 1983, and its current annual output exceeds 15,000 cases. The winery, located just a half mile south of Helen, features daily tastings as well as unique wine and gourmet food items and houses the tank and barrel rooms and bottling line.  Most of the grapes used in Habersham’s wines come from two company owned vineyards, Mossy Creek and Stonepile, and their labels include both the premium, vintage dated oak cask Creekstone wines and the varietal vinifera and blended Habersham offering. Expect to find generous Cabernets, Merlots, Chardonnays, Rieslings and Seyvals in addition to Viogniers and the nostalgic, Southern Muscadine. The winery is open seven days a week. For more information log onto http://habershamwinery.com/

Situated on the outskirts of White County, but with a local connection, is Blackstock Vineyards owned by California trained wine maker, David Harris. Spectacular views of the Blue Ridge mountains combine with estate grown wines that garnered Blackstock’s designation as the number one up and coming winery in Tom Stevenson’s annual “The Wine Report.” Blackstock caters to the serious wine enthusiast but promises an educational, relaxing and family friendly experience. The Harris family places much emphasis on how the wine grapes are cultivated in the field, and their cellar practices – gentle handling and minimal intervention – are evident in their finished product. Their Sangiovese and Viognier grape varietals are purchased by Habersham Winery. The winery also specializes in private events – from formal weddings to luncheons on the vineyard deck. For operational hours and rental information log onto www.bsvw.com

A relative newcomer to the wine corridor is Yonah Mountain Vineyards with fields nestled on the southeast side of venerable Mt. Yonah and an elegant tasting room in Sautee Nacoochee.  Winemaker Joe Smith strives to create the highest quality wine that will provide a remarkable drinking experience as well as a source of pride for those involved in its making. The vineyard, denoted by the large, red barn and image of a black bear on Highway 255 in Cleveland, is planted with Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon currently but will soon contain Merlot and Cabernet Franc.  The goal of this spirited vineyard is to create classic, world class wines under the Yonah Mountain label and use their creative expertise to craft serendipitous Serenity Cellars wine like the 2010 New Vogh. Wine tastings, Tours de la Cave and Barrel Tastings are scheduled year round.  Contact them at http://www.yonahmountainvineyards.com/

As the most recent family run farm winery in White County, and the first to choose a location in the heart of the scenic and historic Sautee and Nacoochee Valleys, Sautee Nacoochee Vineyards is committed to making great tasting, complex yet uncomplicated wines observing an “Old World” style of winemaking. The vineyard is small and the Cabernet Sauvignon vines, planted in 2009, are tended by hand. The tasting room, located in Nacoochee Crossing at the junction of Highways 17 and 255, is open to the public and available for private wine tastings and events. In addition to their wines the Sautee Nacoochee Vineyard facility boasts wine related gift items, gourmet foods, and custom gift baskets. From March through October visitors can enjoy samples, chats with the winemaker and the monthly “Swinging in the Vines” music series on their large, outdoor deck. The tasting room is generally open on weekends but hours of operation vary throughout the year so call or check the website, www.sauteenacoocheevineyards.com before visiting. Gaining national recognition, and fueling both large and “boutique” vineyards, the award winning wines cultivated in White County are as impressive as the surrounding mountain landscape. Come taste the way we grow!