5 Ellijay Winery Options for an Unforgettable Daytime Date

Ellijay is known as the apple capital of North Georgia, but this Southern Appalachian location is perfect for growing wine grapes too. These Ellijay winery options are just what cupid ordered for a romantic daytime date along the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.

Incredible mountain views, owner-led tours, live music, outdoor fireplaces, and award-winning wine tasting — that pretty much checks off my list for a perfect afternoon! Here are several fabulous Ellijay wineries that make perfect daytime dates, along with places to get your picnic lunch. We’ve also included info about pet-friendly wineries, so your four-legged love can join along.

ELLIJAY WINERY OPTIONS FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE DAYTIME DATE

CARTECAY VINEYARDS

The logo for Cartecay Vineyards is a chimney, not a wine glass. Once the centerpiece of an 1890’s home, the chimney now serves as the focal point for an outdoor patio and stage where guests can relax listening to regularly scheduled live music while sipping great wine from the tasting bar. I think I’ve just described a version of heaven.

Just as beautiful is the Tasting Barn, a refurbished 1890’s barn with original wood where you can take the mountain chill off by snuggling next to the wood-fired stove swirling a full-bodied red. The Barn sits right in the middle of the vineyards, so on warm days stroll though the vines at your leisure.

ENGELHEIM VINEYARDS

Escape to the German countryside at the dog-friendly and children-friendly Engelheim Vineyards, whose name means ‘Angel Home’ in German. This winery has a great tasting room that’s open 7 days a week from 12:30-6pm. They offer a variety of vinifera wines, made from their 15 acres of estate-grown grapes.

You’ll find live music on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:30-5:30 pm, as well as special wine pairing dinners throughout the year. Engleheim Vineyards is pet and child-friendly.

ELLIJAY RIVER VINEYARDS

Enjoy a glass of wine at the river’s edge with your toes dipped in the rushing water at Ellijay River Vineyards. You’ll find plenty of outdoor seating here right along the river, making for a peaceful and fun getaway.

This is a simple low-key winery that is open seasonally (and only on weekends), so call or check their Facebook page before visiting.

CHATEAU MEICHTRY

Experience North Georgia wine “family-style” at Chateau Meichtry. Opened in 2014, this family-owned and operated vineyard & winery gives you a true taste of Southern hospitality. Panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains surround the vineyard, winery, and tasting room, allowing you to bask in the beauty of the region, while enjoying your wine, which is all made & bottled on site.

Open seven days a week, year-round, the tasting room welcomes you to come enjoy a tasting, a glass, or a bottle of your favorite, with live music and food trucks every Saturday & Sunday. Guided tours are a great way to learn the rich history of the vineyard, and are available by reservation, every Saturday & Sunday.

GRAPES AND LADDERS

Grapes and Ladders is a family-owned and operated vineyard, winery, and tasting room. They offer a beautiful location with rolling grassy hills and peaceful views. You’ll find live music here often on weekends, and special events throughout the year. They’re open to the public Wednesday-Sunday.

Pets are welcome here! (Just…not in the tasting room.)

FAINTING GOAT VINEYARDS

For a casual afternoon date, visit Fainting Goat Vineyards (you can even bring the kids)! In addition to four fainting goats on the property (who love a good pet), you’ll also find award-winning wines.

You’ll find live music on weekends here, and the vineyards welcome you to bring your own food and enjoy your wine outside on their terrace. They also offer small bites, like charcuterie, chips, olives, and more. Fainting Goat is kid- and pet-friendly.

Located in nearby Jasper, GA, you’ll also find great special events here throughout the year.

OTT VINEYARDS AND WINERY

Ott Vineyards and Winery is located on 20 acres, and is home to one of North Georgia’s most beautiful mountain views. This family-friendly and dog-friendly spot is home to great wines, food trucks, live music, and special events throughout the year.

BUCKLEY VINEYARDS

Ellijay’s newest winery opened in Spring 2021. Buckley Vineyards came to be after acquiring the old Henry Evans homestead property, with its beautiful Turkey Creek setting and mountain views. The owners knew this place was something special and needed to be shared.

Buckley Vineyards is open daily and offers wine tastings, live music, and special events throughout the year. You’ll even find a Buckley Vineyard cabin available for rent on the property. Pets are not allowed at the vineyards.

BEST PLACES TO PICK UP A PICNIC LUNCH

Here are some of the best places to stop and grab picnic supplies before heading out to the local wineries.

Crossroads Grocery. You’ll find this unassuming gas station and grocery has amazing food like fresh smoked salmon dips, pimento cheese, and chicken salad.

Country Corner Kitchen. This is a local favorite for sandwiches and wraps, and a great place to stop before heading to nearby Engleheim Winery.

R & A Orchards. This is a popular apple orchard on the way to the Ellijay Winery region that has a restaurant that serves sandwiches, BBQ, and one of Ellijay’s best burgers!

Mr. P’s Takeout. Family-owned since 1979, they have freshly made-to-order food in takeout packaging. You’ll find a large menu selection and something for everyone.

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO ELLIJAY

YOUR GEORGIA VACATION
APPLE FEST: Ellijay Apple Festival 2023: Fall Fun for the Whole Family
CARTERS LAKE: Carters Lake: 25+ Fun Ways To Explore Ellijay’s Top Attraction
SPRING BREAK: 17+ Perfect Spring Break Ideas for Fun-Loving Families in 2024
NORTH GEORGIA WINERIES: 13+ Sensational North Georgia Wineries Begging You To Indulge

WHERE TO STAY NEAR THE WINERIES

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Sue Rodman

Sue came to Atlanta after finishing the Walt Disney World College Program where she was a tour guide then guest relations hostess (and no she did not moonlight as Snow White). Sue spent 25 years in PR before adding freelance travel writing to her resume. Prior to 365 Atlanta Traveler, Sue published an award winning family travel blog called Field Trips with Sue for eight years, and produced a TV segment with the same name on CBS Better Mornings Atlanta. Her favorite place to visit is anywhere with her husband and three sons. Sue believes anytime is a good time for dessert and there are no bad field trips, just better stories.