North Georgia Wine Country: Day Trip with Tastings & Helen Stop

Summary

Rolling vineyards, local pours, and a quirky Bavarian stop from Atlanta

You’ll taste your way through North Georgia’s rolling vineyards on this day trip from Atlanta, sampling regional wines with locals who know their stuff. Lunch is in Helen — yes, the Bavarian village — where cobblestone streets meet Southern hospitality. Expect laughter, new flavors, and maybe a moment by the river that lingers long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the morning light hit those North Georgia hills — not soft exactly, but kind of golden and stubborn. We’d barely left Atlanta when our driver (I think his name was Marcus?) started pointing out how the trees change color here in fall. The shuttle had these wide windows so you could see the rows of grapevines twisting up the slopes. It smelled faintly like earth and something sweet — maybe wildflowers or just that promise of wine ahead.

I lost count after the seventh pour at our second winery. Each place felt different: one was all polished wood and laughter, another had this quiet porch where you could hear bees in the lavender outside. Our guide joked about “Georgia’s secret wine country” (not so secret anymore), and I tried to pronounce one of the varietals — Li laughed when I butchered it, but poured me a little extra anyway. The tastings were generous, honestly, and someone passed around crackers that tasted homemade. I’m not even a big wine person but there was this peppery red that surprised me.

Helen was next — suddenly it’s cobblestones and gingerbread roofs, like someone dropped a Bavarian postcard in Georgia. We wandered past shops selling glass ornaments and cuckoo clocks; I bought a pretzel bigger than my face for lunch (couldn’t resist). There’s this odd comfort in hearing German polka music drifting out over Appalachian air. It’s busy but not rushed; people wave at you even if they don’t know you. The afternoon got warm and I just sat by the river for a bit, shoes off, thinking about how weirdly perfect it all felt.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit wineries and explore Helen

• Travel from Atlanta to wine country
• Visit first winery for tasting
• Visit second winery for tasting
• Visit third winery for tasting
• Drive to Helen, GA
• Have lunch in Helen
• Explore shops in Helen
• Return to Atlanta

Top questions

How many wineries do we visit on this North Georgia wine tour?

You’ll visit three wineries for approximately 13 tastings during the day trip.

Is lunch included during the day trip to North Georgia Wine Country?

Lunch is not included, but you’ll have time to explore Helen, GA and choose from local options.

Does this tour include transportation from Atlanta?

Yes, round-trip shuttle transportation from downtown Atlanta is included.

Are wine tastings covered in the tour price?

Yes, all wine tastings at each winery are included in your booking.

Is there an age requirement for this wine tour?

The minimum drinking age is 21 years old; children must be accompanied by an adult.

What kind of vehicle is used for transportation?

A 23-passenger shuttle with large windows and reclining seats is used; vehicles may vary if needed.

Will we have free time in Helen during the tour?

Yes, after wine tastings you’ll have time to explore Helen’s shops and restaurants at your own pace.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip shuttle transport from downtown Atlanta with plenty of window space for views along the way. All wine tastings at three North Georgia wineries are covered before heading to Helen for lunch (at your own pace) and some wandering among its quirky shops before returning to Atlanta in comfort.