Sunday, September 23, 2007
Food
Message in a bottle
Georgia vineyards are steadily climbing in popularity and offerings
The vineyard at Château Élan Winery & Resort
CREDIT: Courtesy of Château Élan Winery & Resort |
The 8th Annual Wine South Festival Explore the world of wine at the 8th Annual Wine South Festival, Sept. 28–30. For three days, samples of wines from around the globe are poured alongside bites from some of Atlanta’s best restaurants and catering companies.
Join connoisseurs at the Reserve Sampling Event Fri., Sept. 28, 6:30–10 p.m., at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Buckhead. Sip higher-end wines from the producers invited to participate in this exclusive event. Attendance is limited to 450. Tickets are $185 in advance and $225 at the door, if available.
Mingle with passionate aficionados and novices at the Grand Festival Tasting, Sat., Sept. 29 and Sun., Sept. 30, 1–5 p.m. at the Georgia World Congress Center, Hall A2. The event features more than 600 wines plus chef demonstrations, wine seminars, food samples and more. One-day general admission is $80 in advance or $100 at the door; two-day tickets are $150 in advance. For more information, visit www.winesouth.com. |
By Hope S. Philbrick
“Variety is the spice of life, and we ought to celebrate Georgia’s regional character,” says David Harris, winemaker and owner of Blackstock Vineyards & Winery in Dahlonega. “Our wines won’t and shouldn’t taste like French or Californian wine, and that’s what’s so interesting about tasting. We have a different regional flavor.”
If regional flavor sounds like a euphemism for sub-par, think again. “Once people have tasted our wines, they recognize that you can drink locally and not give up or compromise quality,” says Harris.
In fact, Georgia wines are found on respected wine lists in some of Atlanta’s most discerning restaurants. “We carry Georgia wines for a couple of reasons,” says Doug Strickland, owner of Eno in Midtown. “No. 1, we like to support local industries. Secondly, some wineries in Georgia have come a long way and are beginning to produce wines that work very well in a restaurant environment. The wines are high enough in acid and balanced that they work well with food.”
In 2006, Georgia produced 136,065 gallons of wine and was ranked the nation’s 24th largest wine-producing state. The Georgia Wine Council currently has 29 vineyard and winery members. Expect those numbers to climb: New vineyards are being planted across the state.
“Winemaking may have been more or less a hobby in the past, but people are now taking it very seriously as a business opportunity,” says Paul White, general manager of M Vineyards at Montaluce, Dahlonega’s newest winery. “Obviously, we are not in an environment that is without its challenges, but there are different techniques that can be utilized to meet those challenges. There is a place at the table for what we’re producing.”
The best way to choose what fits on your table is to trust your own taste buds. Though Georgia wines are sold at some local restaurants and package stores, you’ll find the widest selection of wines at the winery itself—with the advantage of tasting before you buy. Visit several wineries for a comparative tasting; explore different varietals and winemaking techniques. Keep an open mind (and palate), and you’ll likely find something to enjoy at each Georgia winery.
To plan your trip, refer to our list of Georgia wineries that welcome visitors. Note that many wineries host special events and festivals during the fall harvest season and throughout the year. Visit Web sites for details, including event calendars.
1810 Country Inn & Winery
Location: Thomson
Grape Varietals: black Spanish, blanc du bois, cabernet sauvignon, chambourcin, Chardonnay, merlot, sangiovese, vidal blanc, viognier
Hours: Tue.–Thu., 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Fri.–Sat., 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Tastings: $7 for seven wines, includes tour
Fun Stuff: Historic B&B has nine master suites with private baths.
Contact: 706-595-8311. www.1810winery.com.
BlackStock Vineyards and Winery
Location: Dahlonega
Grape Varietals: cabernet sauvignon, Chardonnay, mataro, merlot, sangiovese, touriga, viognier
Hours: Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun. 12:30–5 p.m.
Tastings: $10 for eight of the 12 available wines, includes keepsake glass
Fun Stuff: Live musical entertainment many weekends, gift shop with deli selections, diversions for young children include farm animals
Contact: 706-219-2789. www.bsvw.com.
Boutier Vineyards & Winery
Location: Acworth
Grape Varietals: cabernet Franc, cabernet sauvignon, Chardonnay, corot noir, cynthiana, shiraz, viognier; also makes fruit wines
Hours: Tue.–Sat. 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Tastings: Free
Fun Stuff: Another winery near Athens is scheduled to open in Feb.
Contact: 770.529.0490. www.boutierwinery.com.
Butterducks Winery
Location: Guyton
Grape Varietals: muscadine, scuppernong; also makes fruit wines
Hours: Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun. 1–5 p.m.
Tastings: Free for three wines; $3 for six wines and keep the glass
Fun Stuff: gift shop, custom gift baskets
Contact: 912-728-9463. www.butterduckswinery.com.
Château Élan Winery & Resort
Location: Braselton
Grape Varietals: cabernet sauvignon, Chardonnay, merlot, muscadine, pinot grigio, pinot noir, Riesling, sangiovese, sauvignon blanc, viognier and zinfandel
Hours: daily, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Tastings: $5 for four wines
Fun Stuff: Free self-guided tours Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; guided tours Sat. and Sun. 12–4 p.m. on the hour. Four-diamond, four-star resort and conference destination boasts a bistro, several posh restaurants, a spa, an art gallery and a gift shop; cooking classes in the new culinary studio.
Contact: 678-425-0900. www.chateauelanatlanta.com.
Chesser Island Winery
Location: Folkston
Grape Varietals: muscadine; also makes fruit wines
Hours: Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tastings: Free
Fun Stuff: produces sparkling, still and port wines; labels showcase stories about the Okefenokee Swamp
Contact: 912-496-2916. www.chesserislandwinery.com.
Courson’s Winery
Location: Sparta
Grape Varietals: muscadine, scuppernong; also makes fruit wines
Hours: Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun. 12:30–6 p.m.
Tastings: Free
Fun Stuff: winery and vineyard tours; also produces candles and bath products
Contact: 706-444-0616.
Crane Creek Vineyards
Location: Young Harris
Grape Varietals: cabernet Franc, cabernet sauvignon, Catawba, chambourcin, Norton, seyval blanc, vidal blanc, villard noir
Hours: Tue.–Sat. 11 a.m.–6 p.m., April–Dec. and 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Jan.–March.
Tastings: $3
Fun Stuff: $15 tours on select Saturdays include wine tasting, keepsake glass, cheese and crackers.
Contact: 706-379-1236. www.cranecreekvineyards.com.
Fox Vineyards & Winery
Location: Social Circle
Grape Varietals: muscadine, scuppernong
Hours: Wed.–Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun. 1–6 p.m.
Tastings: Free
Fun Stuff: Live music on Sundays
Contact: 770-787-5402. www.foxvineyardswinery.com.
Frogtown Cellars
Location: Dahlonega
Grape Varietals: cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, Chardonnay, marsanne, merlot, Norton, roussanne, sangiovese, seyval blanc, tannat vidal, viognier
Hours: Fri. 12–5 p.m.; Sat. 12–6 p.m.; Sun. 12–5 p.m.
Tastings: Price based on which of the 23 wines are sampled, starting at $12 for eight wines
Fun Stuff: Bistro lunch every Sat. 12–4 p.m.; cheese and wine pairings every weekend; Sunday winetaster brunches, 12–2:30 p.m., $35 per person (excluding tax and gratuity), reservations required; periodic winemaker dinners include winery tour and barrel tastings.
Contact: 706-865-0687. www.frogtownwine.com.
The Georgia Winery
Location: Ringgold
Grape Varietals: muscadine
Hours: Mon.–Sat. 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Tastings: Free
Fun Stuff: Tours are $5 (free for children), includes free wine glass; grape stomp festival every October includes children’s activities.
Contact: 706-937-9463. www.georgiawines.com.
Habersham Vineyards & Winery
Location: Helen
Grape Varietals: cabernet sauvignon, chambourcin, Chardonnay, merlot, muscadine, riesling, sangiovese, seyval, viognier; also makes fruit wines.
Hours: Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun. 12:30–6 p.m.
Tastings: Free
Fun Stuff: Produces three labels: Creekstone, Habersham and Southern Harvest.
Contact: 770-983-1973 or 706-878-9463. www.habershamwinery.com.
Meinhardt Vineyards & Winery
Location: Statesboro
Grape Varietals: muscadine
Hours: Mon.–Tue. by appointment; Wed.–Thur. 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Tastings: Free
Fun Stuff: complimentary tours
Contact: 912-839-2458. www.meinhardtvineyards.com.
M Vineyards at Montaluce
Location: Dahlonega
Grape Varietals: cabernet sauvignon, Chardonnay, merlot, sangiovese
Hours: opening in November; a formal opening will be held in spring.
Tastings: Will include food and wine pairings, details including cost to be determined.
Fun Stuff: Planned events include chef demonstrations, Sunday jazz brunch, weekend farmers market, gourmet wine dinners, hands-on winery opportunities and more.
Contact: 706-896-1680. www.montaluce.com.
Persimmon Creek Vineyards
Location: Clayton
Grape Varietals: cabernet Franc, merlot, riesling, seyval blanc
Hours: Sat. 11 a.m.–6 p.m., and by appointment
Tastings: Free
Fun Stuff: self-guided tours; special events include dinners.
Contact: 706-212-7380. www.persimmoncreekwine.com.
Sharp Mountain Vineyards
Location: Jasper
Grape Varietals: cabernet Franc, cabernet sauvignon, Chardonnay, gewürztraminer, merlot, pinot noir, primitivo, sauvignon blanc, trevbino, viognier
Hours: Thu.–Sat. 12–6 p.m., and by appointment
Tastings: $5 for eight different wines
Fun Stuff: Free tours; special events include Valentine’s Day tasting with chocolate pairings.
Contact: 770-735-1210. www.sharpmountainvineyards.com.
Still Pond Vineyard & Winery
Location: Arlington
Grape Varietals: muscadine
Hours: Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Tastings: Free
Fun Stuff: Free tours; holds three festivals each year.
Contact: 800-475-1193. www.stillpond.com.
Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery
Location: Dahlonega
Grape Varietals: cabernet Franc, cabernet sauvignon, Chardonnay, cynthiana, merlot
pinot blanc, touriga nacional, vidal blanc
Hours: Thu.–Sat. 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun. 1–5 p.m.; and by appointment
Tastings: Free for table wines; $10 for estate wines with keepsake glass
Fun Stuff: Live musical entertainment some weekends; special open house at least once each month
Contact: 706-865-9463. www.threesistersvineyards.com.
Tiger Mountain Vineyards
Location: Tiger
Grape Varietals: Burton Blanc, cabernet Franc, malbec, Norton, tannat, touriga nacional, viognier
Hours: Sun.–Fri. 1–5 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; and by appointment
Tastings: Free, includes cheese
Fun Stuff: Free vineyard and winery tours; vineyard picnic area can be reserved for groups; Tigerwine Tasters club members enjoy wine discounts and invitations to special events.
Contact: 706-782-4777. www.tigerwine.com.
Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery
Location: Dahlonega
Grape Varietals: cabernet sauvignon, Chardonnay, merlot, mourvèdre, Seyval, syrah, touriga nacional, viognier
Hours: Thu.–Sat. 12–5 p.m.; Sun. 12:30–5 p.m.
Tastings: $10 for estate wines with souvenir tasting glass; $15 for educational winemaker’s tour and tasting with souvenir glass
Fun Stuff: Gourmet food pairings available in the Vineyard Café on Fridays and Saturdays, 12–3 p.m.; Sunday brunch for $30 (per person excluding tax, tip and wines) through mid-December at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., reservations required; frequent festivals and special events
Contact: 706-867-9862. www.wolfmountainvineyards.com. SP