A Handy Guide to the Best North Georgia Vineyards
Sip Your Way Through the Mountains: Five Must-Visit Vineyards Near Ellijay and Blue Ridge
Sip Your Way Through the Mountains: Five Must-Visit Vineyards Near Ellijay and Blue Ridge
The North Georgia mountains are known for winding roads, peaceful cabins, colorful fall scenery, and charming downtown communities—but the area is also becoming a favorite destination for wine lovers. Ellijay’s wine scene has expanded significantly since Cartecay Vineyards opened as the area’s first vineyard in 2007, while Blue Ridge offers its own relaxing vineyard experience surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery.
Here are five standout vineyards to add to your itinerary during your next stay in Ellijay or Blue Ridge.
1. Cartecay Vineyards — Ellijay
Cartecay Vineyards combines local history, rustic charm, and a peaceful mountain setting. Located on a farm dating to the late 1800s, the property includes 14 acres of vines, a tasting barn, chimney patio, vineyard bridge, hammock area, and picnic tables. Its wines are produced using grapes grown at the vineyard, making this an excellent stop for visitors who want to experience a true Ellijay-grown wine.
2. Engelheim Vineyards — Ellijay
Engelheim Vineyards is a family-owned destination where the wines are grown, produced, and handcrafted on the property. Guests can settle in with a tasting while enjoying the vineyard’s welcoming atmosphere, seasonal events, live music, and food experiences. Engelheim is also family-friendly and welcomes dogs, making it a convenient choice for groups exploring the mountains together.
3. Roo Mountain Vineyards — Ellijay
For elevated views and a more contemporary winery experience, visit Roo Mountain Vineyards. Located only a few minutes from downtown Ellijay, Roo Mountain offers wine and hard cider, two tasting rooms, rooftop dining, a restaurant, mountain views, and special winery tours. It is a great choice for a relaxing date, girls’ getaway, or afternoon spent enjoying food and drinks above the vines.
4. Chateau Meichtry Family Vineyard & Winery — Near Ellijay
Located approximately eight miles outside Ellijay, Chateau Meichtry is a family-owned vineyard and winery nestled in the Appalachian foothills. The rolling property offers a peaceful setting for sipping wine, gathering with friends, and enjoying the North Georgia countryside. Its family heritage and mountain setting give the winery a warm, personal character that keeps visitors returning.
5. Bear Claw Vineyards — Blue Ridge
Bear Claw Vineyards is one of Blue Ridge’s best-known wine destinations. This farm winery and vineyard is surrounded by mountain views, natural springs, and rows of densely planted vines. Visitors can walk through the vineyard, enjoy complimentary live music on weekends, or relax with a glass while taking in the peaceful surroundings. Bear Claw is also welcoming to children and dogs, making it an approachable stop for many vacationing families.
Make It a Mountain Getaway
A vineyard visit is even better when there is no need to rush home. Spend the afternoon sampling local wines, listening to live music, and enjoying the scenery before returning to a comfortable Mountain Oasis cabin in Ellijay or Blue Ridge. Add dinner downtown, a soak in the hot tub, and a quiet evening by the fireplace for the perfect North Georgia escape.
Vineyard hours, entertainment schedules, reservation policies, and age or pet restrictions can change, so check directly with each winery before visiting.