North Georgia Wine Tour: Three Vineyards with Tastings & Pickup

Summary

Sample local wines at three North Georgia vineyards with guide

You’ll ride through North Georgia’s rolling hills with a local guide, sampling 12 wines across three handpicked vineyards. Expect friendly pours, stories from winemakers, and time to relax between tastings (with water always handy). Includes round-trip hotel pickup so you can focus on savoring each moment — not driving home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the morning light hit those North Georgia hills — soft, almost golden, like someone turned down the world’s contrast. Our driver, Marcus, had this easy laugh that made everyone relax as soon as we climbed into the van. He handed out cold water bottles (which I didn’t realize I’d need so much) and pointed out a roadside stand selling boiled peanuts. We didn’t stop, but the smell drifted in when we slowed for a light. I still think about that.

At our first vineyard, there was this hush — not silence exactly, just the kind of quiet you get when everyone’s a little nervous about their first sip. The owner, Mrs. Carter, poured us something floral and pale and told us about her family’s stubborn grapevines surviving late frosts. I tried to swirl my glass like she did but mostly just splashed it on my wrist. The wine was crisp; I tasted green apple and something else I couldn’t name. Maybe that’s half the fun of these wine tasting tours in North Georgia — guessing what’s in your glass while someone local tells you stories.

The second stop felt livelier — music playing somewhere behind the tasting room, kids running between rows of vines (not ours). We compared notes on which wine to buy for later; I picked up a bottle because it reminded me of summer afternoons back home. Lunch wasn’t included but we grabbed snacks from a little shop next door — cheese that squeaked between my teeth and crackers that crumbled everywhere. No one seemed to mind.

By the third vineyard, the group was chatting like old friends. Our guide explained how each winery picks its own flights for tastings — four or five pours at each place — so you never really know what you’ll get until you’re there. The last pour was deep red and tasted almost smoky; maybe it was just the way the sun hit my face outside on their patio. On the drive back toward Atlanta (or wherever home is), everyone got quiet again — tired in a good way. There’s something about rolling through those hills after a day of wine tasting that makes you want to hold onto it for a while longer.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day North Georgia wine tasting tour

• Travel to North Georgia Wine Country
• Visit first vineyard for wine tasting
• Visit second vineyard for wine tasting
• Visit third vineyard for wine tasting
• Return to Atlanta with transportation

Top questions

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

You visit three different vineyards during the tour.

Are wine tastings included in the price?

Yes, tastings of four to five wines at each winery are included.

Is hotel pickup provided for this tour?

Yes, round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

How long does the North Georgia wine tasting tour last?

This is a full-day trip from morning until late afternoon or early evening.

Is lunch included on this wine tour?

No, lunch is not included but snacks are available for purchase at some stops.

What is the minimum age for this wine tasting experience?

The minimum drinking age is 21 years old.

Does this tour operate in all weather conditions?

Yes, it operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for weather changes.

Can pregnant travelers join this North Georgia vineyard tour?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to alcohol tastings.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water provided onboard, guided visits to three selected North Georgia vineyards with approximately twelve wine tastings total at each stop, plus convenient hotel pickup and drop-off so you don’t have to worry about driving after enjoying your pours.