Top Four Wineries to Tour This Summer in Atlanta, GA

April 19, 2018 · 3 min read

Georgia's wine country is up along the northern part of the state, not too far from Atlanta. There are also a few further south, but either way, you won't have to travel very far if you want to go on a winery tour in Atlanta. If that sounds appealing and you want to spend a weekend or a whole week's vacation touring the vineyards of the South, you should do yourself a favor and make some time to visit at least one of the wineries on the following list.

Chateau Elan Winery and Resort

Chateau Elan has the advantage of being a resort hotel on top of being a winery, and since it's halfway between downtown Atlanta and Georgia's wine country over on I-85 it's the perfect place to sleep between trips. On most afternoons you can go on a free guided tour of the Elan Winery whether or not you've booked a room, although you will have to pay if you want to taste what they create. They also regularly host special events that teach you things like the basics of winemaking and wine tasting.

Wolf Mountain Vineyards

Wolf Mountain Vineyards is up along US-19 north of Dahlonega. It's nestled along the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains, and the vineyards sit on the hillsides and use a clever gravity-based irrigation system that keeps the vines hydrated. Wolf Mountain planted its first crop in 2000, but they make a point of doing everything by hand and so their production is always limited compared to some of their neighbors. The winery offers guided tours with tastings at noon on weekends, but you can stop by the cafe on Thursdays and Fridays for lunch and a tasting.

Georgia Winery

Georgia Winery is right near Chattanooga on I-75. This winery dates back to 1983, making it one of the oldest vineyards of Georgia's modern wine country. Tours of the winery take place on Saturday, The tasting room is open throughout the week and offers flights of Georgia Winery's 20 wine varieties, and while they don't have a cafe they do have a gift shop where you can buy branded products, wines, and several desserts and pastries made on location using Georgia Winery wines.

Frogtown

It's an unusual name for a winery, but Frogtown is an award-winning winery deep in Georgia's wine country and east of Wolf Mountain. The main vineyard estate is near Dahlonega, but they also have tasting rooms up in Helen and all the way down south near Valdosta. The tasting room at the vineyard is open every day of the week, but come on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday afternoon and you'll get to enjoy a panini or cheese plate with your wine. Georgia's wine country is young and growing, with new brands and new flavors popping up every year. If you live in Atlanta you don't have to cross the country to get a Napa Valley experience, you just have to drive north less than 100 miles and tour some of the best wineries on the East Coast. Photo: "Cheers!" by Marlon E licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 | Cropped from original

Posted in:

Aug 04, 2023 in Community

Drive on Down: 3 Free Things to Do Near Dahlonega, GA

Dahlonega, GA may be a small city, but it is rich in history and features plenty of attractions. Some fun things to do around the city, including the underground gold mine tours and Dahlonega Gold Museum, cost money to enjoy. However, there are several free things to do in the area, including the following three. 1. Check Out Lake Zwerner Trail and Pulloff If you need a little more serenity in your life, we strongly recommend checking out Lake Zwerner Trail and Pulloff at 1680 Morrison Moore Parkway East. The view of the Lake Zwerner Dam alone is worth driving to check out, and you may feel more peaceful afterward. If you need to walk off some pent-up frustration, lace up your hiking boots or running shoes, and walk the 3.2-mile trail around the lake. more Once you're done taking in the view, getting in a good workout, or sketching the landscape, you can enjoy a homemade lunch at a picnic table with a stunning view of the lake. Additionally, Lake Zwerner Trail and Pulloff features a boat ramp and dock and fishing access. 2. Paddle Down the Yahoola Creek Reservoir Another free way to have fun in Dahlonega is to hook your canoe trailer up to your 2023 Ford F-150 XL and paddle down the Yahoola Creek Reservoir at 1330 Morrison Moore Parkway East. Just bear in mind that you will need to go to Lake Zwerner if you want to go boating. Since the Yahoola Creek Reservoir is for drinking water, you can't swim in it or use any gas-powered watercraft. Also, fishing is generally prohibited. 3. Explore Hancock Park You can also explore Hancock Park at 55 North Meaders Street if you're looking for something free to do to pass the time. This beautiful park offers plenty of green space to enjoy, and kids of all ages love the 2,800-square-foot Dahlonega Gold Mine All-Abilities Playground. This playground features climbing equipment and swings that are made for all children, regardless of their physical abilities, to enjoy. Another interesting feature of this park is the 1875 Chestatee River Diving Bell. This bell was designed for collecting gold from the bed of the Chestatee River, and it sank along with its boat mysteriously on October 18, 1876. We strongly recommend seeing this bell in person and reading about its mysterious past if you have an interest in gold mining. There are plenty of free places worth visiting in Dahlonega, including Lake Zwerner Trail and Pulloff, Hancock Park, and Yahoola Creek Reservoir. Visit us today at Chestatee Ford to schedule a test drive if you're considering upgrading your current vehicle.

Jul 21, 2023 in Community

3 Amazing Spots for Taking Photos in Driving Distance of Dahlonega, GA

Nestled among the stunning Appalachian Mountains lies a hidden gem for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Dahlonega, GA is a charming town that offers a number of photo spots both in the city limits and in the surrounding areas. From cascading waterfalls and lush forests to rolling hills and scenic overlooks, Dahlonega provides an endless array of photo-worthy locations that are waiting to be explored. 1. Red Oak Lavender Farm Just a short 15-minute drive east of Dahlonega at 2882 Red Oak Flats Road, the Red Oak Lavender Farm is a picturesque destination for anyone wanting to photograph the beauty and tranquility of lavender fields. The lavender is usually in full bloom until June, offering a vibrant purple spectacle that is a feast for the eyes and an amazing backdrop or focal point for your images. more As an additional perk, the Farm also offers a taste treat for visitors in the form of lavender flavored ice cream. This cold creamy snack is available throughout July, but even if you decide to visit during the off-season, you'll be able to explore and enjoy the aromatic ambience of the rolling hills and charm of the area while also enjoying an expansive lavender-focused gift shop. 2. Chestatee Wildlife Preserve Just a stone's throw from the Lavender Farm previously mentioned, the Chestatee Wildlife Preserve at 469 Old Dahlonega Hwy offers a wonderful opportunity to photograph and capture videos of some truly incredible animals. Flash and Sissi are two lovable sloths and one of the main attractions, which are sure to steal your heart and provide endless adorable moments for your camera lens. In addition to the sloths, there is also a diverse range of other animals, including tigers, zebras, camels, bears, and parrots. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of these magnificent creatures, there is no shortage of subjects to photograph and admire. 3. Woody Gap Located a short 25-minute drive north of Dahlonega and nestled in the captivating northern Georgia landscape, Woody Gap is a photographer's paradise. Situated at an impressive 3,160 feet above sea level, Woody Gap offers breathtaking panoramic views of the stunning Yahoola Valley below. If you're into closer subjects or macrophotography, the trailhead is open year-round and provides ample opportunities to capture the beauty of the surrounding nature in every season up close and personal. This beautiful area will leave a lasting impression on any photographer fortunate enough to visit. Whether you prefer the ruggedness of an off-road SUV or the comfort of a sporty sedan, imagine the thrill of driving your chosen vehicle along scenic roads with the freedom to explore and photograph the breathtaking landscapes at your own pace. When you're ready to embark on these unforgettable journeys, visit us at Chestatee Ford to find the perfect vehicle that will accompany you on your photographic adventures.

Jul 07, 2023 in Community

Drive on Over: 3 Favorite Local Bookstores Near Dahlonega, GA

There's nothing quite like relaxing with a good book and a hot mug of coffee. That's why we love dropping by the local bookstores here in Dahlonega, GA to wander through the towering shelves and peruse the pages of countless volumes. We're about to share a couple of stores the whole family can enjoy, so load the kids into your 2023 Ford Edge and head right over! 1. Bear Book Market Located at 85 East Main Street, Bear Book Market is far more than just a place you go to shop. This family-friendly store regularly hosts delightful events like book signings and open readings. The sense of community here is palpable, and the book selection is simply superb. With high-quality collections of both new and used books, this little gem of a store is both fun and affordable. more Pick out a novel or two to enjoy on a rainy day, and don't forget to have a chat with the owners and staff! At Bear Book Market, the atmosphere is enchanting, and the people are kind. 2. University of North Georgia Campus Store If you're on the prowl for new, up-to-date academic volumes or textbooks, the UNG store is the place for you! You can find it in Chestatee Building on 110 South Cestatee Street. If you're not looking for education material, don't worry because you can find a wide variety of fiction here as well. We love the UNG store because you can shop for books while also shopping for other school supplies, including apparel, writing utensils, and dorm essentials. Even if you aren't a student, don't write off this store just yet! After all, learning doesn't stop after college. If anything, it becomes even more worthwhile. 3. Southern Finds Thrift Store There is something very special about loving a book that someone else has loved before you. That's why we enjoy second-hand shopping for novels at the Southern Finds Thrift Store, which is located at 20 Memorial Drive. When you thrift these new and gently used books, know that you are supporting a great cause. One hundred percent of proceeds from sales at this store directly benefit victims of domestic violence. In addition to books, feel free to purchase some stylish and affordable clothing items. And if you have a volume that you're ready to part ways with, donate it. A happy reader will find it and thank you. If you love books, I'm sure you'll find these stores just as charming as we do. Swing by one or two of our recommendations, then come visit us at Chestatee Ford.

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, license, processing and/or documentation fees of $699. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.