Georgia vineyards: Horseback ride with wine tasting

Summary

Horse trails & vineyard laughter in Georgia’s hills

Ride through Georgia’s wooded trails on horseback with a local guide before relaxing at a nearby vineyard for six wine tastings and a picnic lunch made from fresh ingredients. You’ll meet welcoming locals, hear stories behind every glass, and find yourself slowing down in ways you might not expect — moments you’ll remember long after heading home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the morning light slipped through the trees — kind of gold and soft, like someone turned down the volume on the world for a bit. We met our guide, Marcus, near Clayton (they told us the exact spot a day before), and he had this easy way of talking about the horses like they were old friends. My horse was called Daisy — she snorted when I tried to pat her nose, but after a minute she let me scratch her cheek. The trail itself felt quiet except for birds and that crunch of hooves on dry leaves. I kept thinking how close we were to Atlanta, but it didn’t feel like anywhere near a city.

About halfway through our horseback ride in Georgia, Marcus pointed out wild muscadine vines curling up some fence posts — he said his grandmother used to make jelly from them. The air smelled like pine needles and something sweet I couldn’t quite place. There was this one moment where we stopped by a creek so the horses could drink; I just listened to water moving over rocks and tried not to think about my phone buzzing somewhere deep in my bag. It’s funny how quickly you forget about everything else when you’re just following a horse’s rhythm.

After we finished riding (my legs felt wobbly in that good way), we drove maybe 20 minutes to a vineyard tucked between rolling hills. The winery owner greeted us with this big laugh — he poured six different wines for us to try, each with its own story. The rosé tasted almost like strawberries and sunlight; I probably sounded silly saying that out loud, but nobody minded. Lunch was simple: flatbread with turkey, mustard, greens from their garden — nothing fancy but somehow exactly what I wanted after being outside all morning. Someone at our table tried to pronounce “saperavi” and everyone cracked up; even the owner joined in.

I still think about that view from the picnic tables — rows of vines stretching out under a sky that looked too wide to fit in a photo. If you’re looking for a day trip from Atlanta that feels real and kind of grounding, this horseback ride with wine tasting is it. Not perfect or polished, but honest in all the best ways.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback Riding and Winery Visit

• Winery visit and wine tasting
• Outdoor activities including horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, rafting, tennis, archery, golf

Top questions

How long is the horseback ride?

The horseback ride lasts around 90 minutes along scenic trails.

Where does the tour start?

The departure location is provided before your tour; it can be near Clayton or Athens, Georgia.

Is lunch included?

Yes, a picnic-style lunch with turkey meat, flatbread, mustard, hummus, nuts and berries, and seasonal greens is included.

Are wine tastings part of the experience?

Yes, you’ll enjoy six wine tastings at a local Georgia vineyard after riding.

Is transportation wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible for this tour.

What is the minimum age for horseback riding?

The minimum age for horseback riding is 13 years old.

What is the minimum drinking age for wine tasting?

You must be at least 21 years old to participate in wine tastings.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at your designated location near Atlanta or Athens (details sent before), a guided 90-minute horseback ride on maintained trails with an experienced local guide trained in first aid and CPR, six off-course wine tastings at a nearby vineyard hosted by welcoming staff, plus a picnic-style lunch featuring turkey meat, flatbread, hummus, nuts and berries, and fresh greens from their organic farm before returning later that afternoon.