Most know Ellijay, Georgia, as the state’s ‘Apple Capital,’ but you’ll find much more than orchards here in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Thanks to the mild climate and ample rainfall, which create perfect conditions for lush vegetation, exploring the town’s flourishing wine industry has become one of the most popular things to do around Ellijay.
You can try some of North Georgia’s best wines at the restaurants around town or go straight to the source: the vineyards themselves. We’re taking mountain views, tasting barns, and ambient fireplace settings. In this guide, we’re diving deep into Ellijay’s wineries and tasting experiences so you can decide which one is right for you.
Many are child and pet-friendly, so you can bring the whole family along! Just make sure to drink responsibly and prearrange for a ride back to your rental with Mountain Vibe Vacations, the perfect place to stay and sample all the wonderful wines in Ellijay.
Grab a glass of wine; these are the best North Georgia wine tasting experiences around Ellijay!
Buckley Vineyards
- Address: 708 Henry Evans Rd, Ellijay, GA
- Website: buckleyvineyards.com
- Distance from Ellijay: 18 minutes
- Opening hours: 12 – 6 pm Monday through Saturday, 12:30 – 6 pm Sunday
Set on a gorgeous former homestead, Buckley Vineyards is a cute-as-a-button property with acres of grapes, live music performances, and plenty of delicious wines. Start your visit with either a regular or premium tasting of their bespoke blends, then settle back in a comfy chair on the outdoor patio to take in the scenery and cool mountain breezes.
Buckley Vineyards doesn’t require reservations for tastings, so you can swing by to sip glasses of Classy Coco Chardonnay or Sweet Mickey Muscadine whenever the mood strikes.
Chateau Meichtry
- Address: 1862 Orchard Ln, Talking Rock, GA
- Website: chateaumeichtry.com
- Distance from Ellijay: 21 minutes
- Opening hours: 11 am – 6 pm Monday through Saturday, 12:30 – 5:30 pm Sunday
In the quaint town of Talking Rock, Georgia, Chateau Meichtry strikes a balance between comfort, sophistication, and, of course, great wine. Pets are allowed, and guests can enjoy live music and food trucks on weekends, but the winery’s effortlessly refined atmosphere will still impress any visitors seeking something on the fancy side.
The Chateay truly offers one of the region’s most premium wine experiences. Some of the wines are crafted from an heirloom stock hailing all the way from the Meichtrys’ homeland of Switzerland, and the family continues to run the vineyard today.
Ott Vineyards and Winery
- Address: 230 Henry Evans Rd, Ellijay, GA
- Website: ottvineyards.com
- Distance from Ellijay: 16 minutes
- Opening hours: 12 – 6 pm Mondays and Wednesday through Saturday, 12 pm – 8 pm Tuesday, 12:30 – 6 pm Sunday
Pet-friendly Ott Vineyards welcomes guests of all kinds. You can imbibe in four-glass tastings, watch live performances, and munch on treats from local food trucks (or bring a picnic of your own, if you prefer).
Ott has one wine experience you don’t want to miss. Don’t leave until you’ve tried at least one of Ott’s famous wine slushies, the perfect choice for cooling down on hot summer days. If you drop by on a Tuesday evening, you’re in for a treat with the vineyard’s popular open mic night – or simply stop by for a glass of rosé and panoramic views of the North Georgia mountains from the deck.
Engelheim Vineyards
- Address: 120 Lakeview Rd, Ellijay, GA
- Website: engelheim.com
- Distance from Ellijay: 18 minutes
- Opening hours: 12:30 – 6 pm all week
Opened to the public in 2014, Engelheim Vineyards is one of the newer entrants to Ellijay’s wine scene but has quickly distinguished itself by offering family-friendly entertainment and personalized wine tastings accompanied by expertly crafted charcuterie boards.
If you’re unsure where to start with your tasting, don’t worry — on-site professionals will help you make the best picks to suit your preferences. Once you have your food and drinks, get comfortable in Engelheim’s elegant, Bavarian-style tasting room.
Grapes and Ladders Vineyards and Winery
- Address: 2317 GA-382 W, Ellijay, GA
- Website: grapesandladderswinery.com
- Distance from Ellijay: 13 minutes
- Opening hours: 12 – 6 pm Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday; 12 – 8 pm Thursday; 12:30 – 6 pm Sunday
Don’t be fooled by the compact size of Grapes and Ladders’ tasting room; this family-owned spot is one of the top wineries in North Georgia for good reason. The small stage hosts live music on weekends and an open mic event featuring performers from all over North Georgia on select Thursdays.
Guests love the warm, welcoming environment, not to mention the broad selection of wines created from locally sourced grape juices, some of which are grown right on the property.
Cartecay Vineyards
- Address: 5704 Clear Creek Rd, Ellijay, GA
- Website: cartecayvineyards.com
- Distance from Ellijay: 15 minutes
- Opening hours: 11 am – 6 pm Monday through Saturday, 12:30 – 5:30 pm Sunday
A short drive from Ellijay proper, Cartecay Vineyards produces a diverse offering of wines that will delight any dedicated oenophile. Come for a tasting in the barn, marvel at the outdoor chimney (displayed prominently on the vineyard’s logo), and, at the end of your visit, take some time to lay back in a hammock and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
Pro Tip: If you can’t make it out to the vineyard, pick up a semi-sweet Sassy Sisters or dry Vidal Blanc at Cartecay Wine and Craft, located in Ellijay or Blue Ridge, Georgia.
Roo Mountain Vineyards
- Address: 1497 Old Flat Branch Rd, Ellijay, GA
- Website: roomountainvineyards.com
- Distance from Ellijay: 9 minutes
- Opening hours: 12 pm – 6 pm Wednesday through Saturday, 12:30 – 6 pm Sunday
Adults-only Roo Mountain Vineyards is situated on 226 scenic acres that once served as farmland but today grow 6,000 grape vines. In addition to an array of red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines, the vineyard has expanded operations to both brew and serve refreshing hard ciders. Drink up at the rooftop garden tasting bar, which will put you eye level with North Georgia’s beautiful foliage.
Fainting Goat Vineyards
- Address: 201 Vineyard Way, Jasper, GA
- Website: faintinggoatvineyardsandwinery.com
- Distance from Ellijay: 31 minutes
- Opening hours: 12 pm – 6 pm Monday through Saturday, 12:30 pm – 6 pm Sunday
Fainting Goat can get a bit crowded, especially on summer weekends, but that’s just a testament to the fun, friendly ambiance and high-quality wines. This vineyard doesn’t stand on ceremony — guests are encouraged to say hello to the namesake fainting goats, and portable wine carriers are provided so you can partake in a tasting at any table of your choosing. But if you do want a more in-depth, informative experience, pre-book a winery tour or guided tasting to learn all about Fainting Goat’s viticulture.
Bear Claw Vineyards
- Address: 2281 Tennis Court Rd, Blue Ridge, GA
- Website: bearclawvineyards.com
- Distance from Ellijay: 23 minutes
- Opening hours: 12 – 6 pm Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday; 12 – 8 pm Friday, 12 – 9 pm Saturday
In nearby Blue Ridge, Bear Claw Vineyards draws visitors looking to taste award-winning wines, play a game or two of cornhole, and marvel at the magnificent treehouse constructed by the Treehouse Guys for their eponymous DIY Network TV show.
Bear Claw credits the property’s elevation for the quality and taste of its wines, but to find out more about the vineyard, go on a guided VIP Tour led by owner and founder Michelle “Mick” Swim. Afterward, sit down to a tasting or, at the very least, try the fan-favorite Riesling.
Premier North Georgia Wine Events
Several wine-centric events and festivals take place throughout the year in Ellijay. Every summer, thousands of visitors flock to the most famous of those celebrations.
Blue Ridge Mountains Wine and Jazz Festival
The Blue Ridge Mountains Wine and Jazz Festival is the best place to savor some of the area’s best vintages while soaking up the sights and sounds of various live jazz shows. Local artists also sell their wares here, which is great for a unique souvenir to commemorate your visit.
The Crush Festival
During the fall harvest season, head to Cartecay Vineyards for their annual Crush Festival, a yearly weekend event that celebrates a time-honored winemaking tradition — grape treading or crushing wine grapes by foot. (Before you get grossed out, remember that the fermenting process kills all pathogens!) Besides stomping the grapes, visitors can also listen to live music, tour the vineyards, and snag a one-of-a-kind souvenir wine glass.
Other Wine Events
In addition, smaller tastings, pairing parties, and more are frequently held in Ellijay, as well as nearby towns like Blairsville and Dahlonega. As you plan your trip, check local event calendars and winery websites to learn what you can expect to experience during your visit.
Plan Your Visit to Georgia’s Wine Country
Like most of the region, Ellijay sees the most visitors from spring through fall. The town can be especially busy during summer, but you can still cool off and escape the crowds at many of these wineries.
As always, though, drink responsibly and never drink and drive. Rideshare and taxi options can be limited here, so you’ll have to agree on a designated driver or prearrange a car ride before heading out to the vineyards.
Local Wine Tour Guides
Consider booking a tour with a local guide to see the best of North Georgia’s wine scene and get your ride squared away. North Georgia Wine Tours, A Grape View, and Grape Escape Wine Adventures provide excellent tours covering many of the top wineries in Ellijay and the surrounding areas.
Get Ready to Sip, Sample, and Stay in Ellijay
Now that you have your guide to all the best wineries in and around Ellijay, get ready for your trip by booking your stay at Mountain Vibe Vacations! Our warm, inviting cabins are the perfect starting points to kick off your wine tour of the region.
