Ellijay is known as the apple capital of North Georgia, but the 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 (and where to get your picnic too). And several of these are pet-friendly if you don’t want to leave your furry friend at home.
ELLIJAY WINERY OPTIONS FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE DAYTIME DATE
CARTECAY VINEYARD
5704 Clear Creek Rd. | Ellijay, Ga. 30536 | 706.698.9463
The logo for this mountain winery 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 their leisure
Check out their calendar for ongoing events, including live music, and more!
ENGELHEIM VINEYARDS
127 Lakeview Rd. | Ellijay, GA 30540 | 770.714.5277
Escape to the German countryside at this dog-friendly, children-friendly winery whose name means ‘Angel Home’ in German. On weekends you can find owner Gary Engel leading tours in the vineyards as well as the winery to show where miracles happen (or weekdays by appointment).
The winery invites you to visit their tasting room open 7 days a week from 12:30 PM – 6:00 PM. They offer a large variety of vinifera wines, made from their 15 acres of estate-grown grapes
After the tour, retire to the beautiful tasting room to sip a variety of wines including outstanding Engelheim wines that have won medals in the prestigious San Francisco Chronicle wine competition. (pro tip: pair your wine with the smoked trout dip or wonderful cheese/ meat plates – yum!)
And for something really special with your sweetie, experience live local artist music on Saturdays and Sundays, or make plans to attend special wine pairing dinners.
ELLIJAY RIVER VINEYARD
111 River Birch Lane | Ellijay, Georgia 30540 | 770.315.9121
Enjoy a glass of wine at the river’s edge with your toes dipped in the rushing water. This is a simple low-key that is open seasonally, so call before visiting.
The Ellijay River Vineyards were established in 2010 on almost twenty acres of former crop land, bordering the Ellijay River in the North Georgia mountains. The property is located in the Whitepath area of Gilmer County between the towns of Ellijay and Cherry Log, at an elevation of 1400 feet above sea level. The vineyard is sited on a gently sloping hill facing South, on mostly sandy soils on the inside of a bend in the Ellijay River.
Visitors are welcome by appointment on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information email contact@ellijayrivervineyards.com
CHATEAU MEICHTRY
1862 Orchard Lane | Talking Rock, GA 30175 | 706.502.1608
Experience North Georgia wine, “family-style,” at Chateau Meichtry. Opened in 2014, this family-owned / family-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 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
2317 Highway 382 West | Ellijay | 678.492.9861
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. Open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, and available for weddings, parties, and events.
Pets are welcome here! (Just…not in the tasting room.)
FAINTING GOAT VINEYARDS
201 Vineyard Way | Jasper, GA 30143 | 706.692.9463
For a casual afternoon date (or if your babysitter canceled and you have to bring the kids) visit Fainting Goat Vineyards. Yes, there are goats at this Jasper Ga. winery – Ronnie and Reagan, as well as two Great Pyrenees dogs, plus new addition Piper a cocker spaniel. All are friendly and enjoy a good pet.
They have four fainting goats on the property; Ronnie, Reagan, Dolley, and Mamie. Yes- they really do faint! They also love to play & visit with all wine drinkers. They are protected by our two Great Pyrenees dogs, Teddy & Rosie. All of our animals are on property & very fond of visitors.
Play a few lawn games while taking in the spectacular mountain views, or just sit back by the fireplace and listen to the live music on the weekends Oh yeah, and there are award-winning wines just waiting to be tasted (and coffee tastings too)! Be sure to ask about special events on-site such as sunset concerts or picnics in the vineyard.
OTT FARMS AND VINEYARD
230 Henry Evans Road, Ellijay, GA | 706.502.8700
Ott Farms and Vineyard is located on 20 acres with one of North Georgia’s most beautiful mountain views. We currently have 6 acres of French-American hybrids and Vinifera grapes including Seyval Blac, Traminette, Vidal Blanc, Chambourcin, Lenoire and Cabernet Franc. Check out their site for upcoming events. They also offer space for special events and weddings.
BUCKLEY VINEYARDS
708 Henry Evans Road | Ellijay, GA 30536 | 706.972.2080
Ellijay’s newest winery, which 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.
Owner Kevin’s love of gardening led to planting a vineyard and from there everything unfolded. With the encouragement of friends and family, they are now ready to share our fabulous wines in this gorgeous place.
WHERE TO STAY NEAR THE WINERIES
BEST PLACES TO PICK UP A PICNIC LUNCH FOR YOUR ELLIJAY WINERY VISIT
Each Ellijay winery has some snack options. A few do nice cheese plates and dessert, but if you want something more substantial, stop at these Ellijay favorites and pick up a picnic lunch.
CROSSROAD GROCERY
994 GA-52 | Ellijay GA 30536 | 706.273.3764
This unassuming gas station and grocery is one of the oldest in the area, serving customers since 1907. Don’t let the country exterior fool you, they have amazing food like fresh smoked salmon dips, pimento cheese, and chicken salads, and it’s so close to Chateau Meichtry and Cartecay Vineyards the staff of both wineries eat here regularly.
COUNTRY CORNER KITCHEN
2020 Old Hwy 5 S | Ellijay, GA 30540 | 706.276.7077
Stop at this local favorite for sandwiches and wraps before heading to Engleheim Winery.
R&A ORCHARD
5505 GA-52 | Ellijay, GA 30536 | 706.273.3821
This popular apple orchard is on the way to the Ellijay Winery region and has a restaurant that serves sandwiches, BBQ and one of Ellijay’s best burgers (ok, maybe you don’t want a burger for your picnic, but just saying).
MR. P’S TAKEOUT
295 N Main St | Ellijay, GA 30540 | 706.635.4040
Family-owned since 1979. They have freshly made-to-order food in takeout packaging, not fast food! Large menu selection, something for everyone.
MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO ELLIJAY
- NORTH GEORGIA WINERIES: 13+ Sensational North Georgia Wineries Begging You To Indulge
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