Cold weather, a roaring fire and a great wine are some of the things that instantly bring up thoughts of loved ones and the holidays. The quaint North Georgia town of Dahlonega not only offers the ability to sample fine wines, but also the ability to our the various vineyards. The “wine country” of Dahlonega has quickly gained the reputation for hosting several vineyards that offer a variety of fine wines and much more.

Currently, there are five established vineyards within a few miles of the Dahlonega town square. Visiting any, or all of these vineyards will prove to be a most enjoyable and unique experience. Many of these properties are located on vast acreage overlooking the North Georgia Mountains, providing scenic views that will surely please.

Each vineyard produces its own speciality wines and offer a variety of white and red labels that will satisfy even the most discriminating palate. The choices range from Chardonnay to Cabernet Sauvignon to Merlot, and more. Each winery houses a tasting room, which offers complimentary samples to those “of age.”

Wolf Mountain Winery, at 180 Wolf Mountain Trail, offers educational tours, wine tasting, and Sunday brunch. The winery is also available for weddings. It is a charming location, nestled in the mountains, with great views. For hours of operation and events schedule, contact 706-867-9862 or http://www.wolfmountainvineyards.com

The oldest winery in the Dahlonega area is Three Sisters Vineyards.  Starting their wine production in August, 2000.  The winery encompasses an 184 acre site,  at an elevation of 1800 feet.  Along with the commanding views of the mountains, they offer wine tasting for visitors.   The winery is located at 439 Vineyard Way.  Food is available for picnic lunches on th property.  An outdoor gazebo area is often used for weddings.  For more information, call 706-865-0687; http://www.threesistersvineyards.com

The newest vineyard to the area is Montaluce.  This facility is part of a new concept community near Dahlonega.  They offer “Tuscan-style” homes and has a 25,000 square-foot winery with sweeping views of the vineyards and mountains.  The main building houses a tasting room and a restaurant called, LaVigne.  Many of the vegetables that are grown in their own “sustainable garden” are used to prepare a menu of new and old world Italian dishes.  The vineyard offers a range of wines in th e restaurant and for sale.  They are located at 501 Hightower Church Road.  Call 706-867-4061, or visit their website http://www.montaluce.com for more information.

Another wine producer that has been in operation for many years is the Blackstone Vineyards, and is located at the intersection of Town Creek Church Road and Damascus Church Road, north of Dahlonega.  In addition to their own wines, they provide grapes to other wineries.  Blackstone,s public tasting room has been open since 2006.  For more information, contact the winery at 706-219-2789, or http://www.bsvw.com

A visit to Frogtown Cellars will  also be enjoyable to the wine connoisseur.  Bistro lunches and dinners are offered  on their 57 acre estate located at 3300 Damascus Church Road.  For tour, tasting and dinner events, call 706-865-0687, or http://www.frogtownwine.com

For those who prefer to not travel to each vineyard but enjoy sampling wines, visit the Habersham Winery Tasting Room, 16 North Park Street on the Dahlonega public square.  They provide complimentary samples of its wines that are grown north of Clarksville, Georgia.  Contact the Habersham Room at 706-754-7295

A note of caution:  after sampling wines from all five vineyards in the same day, you might want to spend the night in Dahlonega.  Have a happy and safe holiday season.

Henry Zuckerman is a licensed architect and Georgia licensed residential and light commercial contractor.  His company, StoneyBrooke Homes, Inc. has designed and built many homes in and around the North Georgia “Wine Country.”  Please visit our new website http://www.henryzuckerman.com for more information.