Your ultimate guide to the North Georgia wineries
Get to know the Napa Valley of the south.
Anabel Prince
April 10, 2024
Less than two hours from Atlanta sits the city of Dahlonega, a charming little town known for its breathtaking mountain views and a trove of wineries and vineyards – nearly a dozen, to put a figure on it – that rival Napa Valley. Many Atlantans don’t even realize such a place exists, and those who do may feel unsure about which spots are worth exploring. Not to worry – we’re breaking it down for you. Whether you decide to make a day of it or escape the city hustle for an entire weekend, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to Georgia’s very own wine country.
Know Before You Go:
- Most vineyards stop public tastings around 5 or 6 p.m. to accommodate weddings and other events, so start early.
- Don’t expect a full food menu at each winery you hit (though most do offer light bites). You may opt to make a lunch reservation in historic Downtown Dahlonega for mid-day fuel (we love Pueblos Mexican Cuisine or Picnic Cafe & Dessertery).
- Keep an eye on the weather. While it may be warm outside, temps can shift dramatically in the North GA mountains. Layers are recommended.
- Assign a designated driver, or better yet, hire a car service for the day. Pop’s Taxi is extremely reliable and accommodating.
- Many vineyards allow dogs on the property but each one has its own set of rules, so be sure to check the website before bringing your pup along for the day.
Kaya Vineyard & Winery
5400 Town Creek Road, Dahlonega
The largest in North Georgia, Kaya Vineyard and Winery’s 90 acres of land is a perfect spot for the earlier half of your itinerary. While land is plenty, the property tends to fill up faster than you can ask for a second (or third) pour.
What keeps guests coming back despite the crowds? Kaya’s incredible selection of stainless wines. Aged in steel barrels as opposed to oak, this variety boasts increased clarity and a lighter, smoother taste. “It’s much easier to drink,” notes Sammy Jean Taylor, a modestly self-proclaimed mom-fluencer and wine enthusiast, of the vineyard’s Stainless Chardonnay. “When you look at the glass, it’s super clear and almost transparent. It’s a really pretty wine; It almost looks like water.”
The vast property has four stunning Craftsman-style cottages for rent (their site says they plan to eventually host 14), full event capacity, and most importantly, wine tastings and light lunch pairings Tuesday through Sunday until 5 p.m. The best part? No reservations required.
Three Sisters Vineyards
439 Vineyard Way, Dahlonega
A self-described “laid-back and fun” property, think of Three Sisters Vineyards as the cool relative of North GA’s wineries. The family-run land is noted for its more intimate vibe, offering walk-in tastings Thursday through Saturday 11-5 and Sundays 1-5.
Head past the lush vineyard into Three Sisters’ cozy interior, with its cherry oak bar immediately inviting you to sit down for a glass of vino and good conversation. To make the scene even more picturesque, they provide live music from local acoustic bluegrass and jazz artists seasonally on their Crush Pad Deck. A perfect spot to visit after lunch in town (they do sell a few snacks, but no real food – and picnics are not allowed), Three Sisters Vineyards makes up for in service what their culinary offerings lack. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about what they do.
Montaluce Winery & Restaurant
501 Hightower Church Road, Dahlonega
Tapping into the escapist fantasy most of us toy with each Atlanta spring and summer, Montaluce offers the closest thing you’ll get to a true Italian countryside experience without leaving Georgia. With architecture heavily inspired by classic Tuscan aesthetics (think Under The Tuscan Sun meets Giada Di Laurentiis’ Everyday Italian), the sprawling vineyard makes for the ideal location to conclude your day of wine tasting. Enjoy dinner at one of their onsite restaurants, and be sure to try the Sparkling Raspberry Demi-Sec – we still dream about it.
Want more than just a few hours there? Stay the weekend at one of the four privately owned villas on the property. Montaluce also offers “Wine Hikes” for $65 a head (private hikes $85) each Friday through Sunday at 10 a.m., guiding visitors through 1.8 miles of surrounding nature trails. Offering a peek of its vineyards and even the Etowah River, all hikes finish with a five-pour wine tasting in their flagship restaurant. For those looking to truly immerse themselves in nature, check out their all-skill-level fly fishing bookings as well.
Other Notable Spots
In addition to the wineries we mentioned, there are many more worth visiting if time allows. We love Frogtown for its gorgeous patio, wine flights, and made-from-scratch pizzas. Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery is a stunning property with a lively tasting room and delicious food. Our group grabbed a few charcuterie boards and pizzas to go (with a few bottles of wine, of course) and found a cute gazebo overlooking the vineyard for a picturesque picnic lunch.
Another great option for making a weekend of it in Gold City (fun fact: Dahlonega was the site of the nation’s first major gold rush) is a stay at the Mountain Laurel Creek Inn & Spa. We adore this charming B&B for its luxurious amenities, delicious homemade breakfasts, and serene grounds with a fire pit, pool, and hot tub.
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Nearby Cortland Locations
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How to view the 2024 Solar Eclipse in Phoenix
From the Arizona Science Center to the Phoenix Public Library, here’s where you can experience the epic sky show on April 8.
On April 8, a solar eclipse will pass over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Millions of skygazers across the country will be able to witness this incredible celestial spectacle, including all of us here in Phoenix. Although our city isn’t in the path of totality, which stretches from Maine to Texas, a partial eclipse will undoubtedly be in view which means there’s still an opportunity to see this rare event.
Here in Arizona, the partial eclipse will last for hours as the moon passes across the sun. Experts say the best viewing hours will be from 10:08 a.m. to 1:02 p.m. in Phoenix. But before you look up, put on a pair of eclipse glasses. These spectacles might look funny, but they’re essential to protect your eyes and must be used when viewing the eclipse.
Arizona Science Center
The Arizona Science Center is hosting a free Solar Eclipse Viewing Party from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the downtown Phoenix campus to mark this rare astronomical event. Local experts will be onsite to answer your questions about the partial eclipse, there will be hands-on eclipse-themed activities, solar telescopes to peek through, and free eclipse glasses available to view the event safely. Thinking about becoming a member? The Arizona Science Center will be offering a $64 savings for all new or renewed memberships on April 8 to celebrate the 64 percent partial eclipse coverage we’ll experience in The Valley.
Phoenix Public Library
One of the best places to view the partial solar eclipse in Phoenix is at the library. Join the Phoenix Public Library in the days leading up to the big event for eclipse-related activities like Starry Storytime for kids and solar eclipse crafts for the entire family. And, on April 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. don’t miss the Solar Eclipse Watch Party at South Mountain Community Library where you can learn about eclipses from college faculty and partake in eclipse-themed STEAM activities. The family-friendly eclipse programming and viewing parties are scheduled to take place at various Phoenix Public Library locations across The Valley, from Ironwood Library to Ocotillo. See the full calendar of eclipse events here.
International Dark Sky Discovery Center
The International Dark Sky Discovery Center, located in the designated DarkSky Community of Fountain Hills, is breaking ground and celebrating the partial solar eclipse with an educational all-ages eclipse watch party. The event and watch party will kick off at 10:20 a.m. with a sci-fi soundtrack from a live DJ. There will be a special telescope onsite to get an up-close view of the partial eclipse, and 200 pairs of protective eclipse glasses will be provided to guests so that they can safely view the partial eclipse in all of its celestial glory. When it debuts, The International Dark Sky Discovery Center will serve as a university research lab, STEM education hub, and global tourism destination for fans of all things astronomy.
Lowell Observatory & Americana Motor Hotel
Hit the road and see the eclipse from the top of Mars Hill. The renowned Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff is hosting the 2024 Great American Eclipse Party from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 8. This ticketed eclipse party is primed to feature educational science talks, appearances by astronomers, and a campus scavenger hunt. Plus, specialized solar telescopes and eclipse glasses will be available around the observatory campus for guests to safely view the eclipse. For even more eclipse-related programming and viewing opportunities in Flagstaff, point your GPS toward the Americana Motor Hotel along historic Route 66 where you can book the Look Up, Stargazer package, which includes two tickets to Lowell Observatory. Additionally, Lowell Observatory has partnered with the vibey astro-meets-retro hotel by providing specialized telescopes, which are available to check out during your stay.
NASA
Although Phoenix isn’t in the path of totality this time, there’s a way to experience the magic of the total solar eclipse without traveling across the country. On April 8, NASA experts and scientists will be tracking the total solar eclipse as it crosses North America, Mexico, The United States, and Canada. Catch the path of totality, when the moon’s shadow completely covers the sun, on the NASA livestream. You don’t want to skip this — there won’t be another total solar eclipse visible in the United States until August 2044. Learn more about the total solar eclipse here.
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Nearby Cortland Locations
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How to view the 2024 Solar Eclipse in Dallas
From downtown parties to riverfront views, here’s where to witness nature's grand spectacle safely and stylishly.
Dallas is gearing up for the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8th, and with good reason: The DFW metro area is entirely in the path of totality for this once-in-a-lifetime celestial event! Experts say the best viewing hours will be from 12:23 p.m. to 3:02 p.m. CDT, with totality starting at about 1:40 p.m. and lasting almost four minutes.
We’ve put together a short list of the coolest viewing parties around town to ensure you enjoy this phenomenon in the best possible way – just remember to prioritize your safety by using proper eye protection to view the eclipse. So mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and get ready to witness nature’s grand spectacle in the skies above Dallas.
Downtown Dallas Solar Eclipse Weekend
Downtown Dallas is gearing up for an unforgettable solar eclipse weekend. Join fellow enthusiasts in the heart of the city as you experience this astronomical event against the backdrop of our iconic skyline. With various festivities planned all weekend long, including a video art night, live music, goat yoga, an arts festival, and viewing parties galore, Downtown Dallas promises a cosmic adventure for all ages.
Solar Eclipse Party at The Lunar Light: Discovery
The Lunar Light: Discovery team is aware of the fascination that surrounds space exploration. They are organizing a solar eclipse party where attendees can delve into the wonders of the cosmos and witness the total eclipse in Dallas. This immersive experience is set to provide an evening full of astronomical marvels, along with educational and entertaining activities in the shade of the eclipse.
Solar Eclipse Lunch at Monarch
What could be more exciting than witnessing an exceptional celestial event? Enjoying a delicious meal while doing it. Head to Monarch restaurant and relish a delightful three-course lunch before heading up to the 50th floor to witness an unparalleled view of the sky. Don’t worry; the restaurant will also provide solar eclipse glasses to ensure that you can safely marvel at the breathtaking wonder of this extraordinary event.
The 2024 Solar Eclipse at the Constellation Club
Experience the solar eclipse in style at the Constellation Club, 26 stories above Las Colinas. For $25, guests gain access to a lunch buffet and special eclipse glasses. Soak in the splendor of the eclipse from this elevated vantage point.
Solar Eclipse at the Trinity
Celebrate the total solar eclipse at this family-friendly event at the Trinity, offering both fun and educational experiences. This event is a unique opportunity to witness a cosmic phenomenon, explained with insights from expert astronomers through a STEAM education lens. The day will be packed with a variety of activities, including contests, music, games, crafts, and STEAM education sessions. To ensure a safe viewing experience, the first 3,000 attendees will receive complimentary solar eclipse glasses.
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