Central and North Georgia Feature

Grapevines and wineries are popping up all over North Georgia, and burgundy-color signs lead the way to vineyards along the Georgia Wine Highway. A listing of current wineries is available at www.georgiawine.com.

Clayton

Tiger Mountain Vineyards. Started on a five-generation-old family farm in 1995 by Dr. John and Martha Ezzard, Tiger Mountain Vineyards is known for unusual varietals of French and Portuguese grapes such as Touriga Nacional and Tannat, as well as the native Norton grape—grown on the slopes of Tiger Mountain. Tastings are available for a small fee. Lunch and dinner are served on the weekends (April-November) in their lovely restored Red Barn Cafe. 2592 Old Hwy. 441, 8 minutes south of Clayton, Tiger, GA, 30576. 706/782-4777. www.tigerwine.com.

Helen

Habersham Vineyards & Winery. One of the oldest wineries in the state, Habersham Vineyards & Winery started producing in 1983. Its tasting room also includes an eclectic shop full of wine-related accessories. 7025 S. Main St. on GA 75, Helen, GA, 30545. 706/878-9463. www.habershamwinery.com.

Dahlonega Tasting Room. Habersham tastings are also available at the Dahlonega Tasting Room 16 N. Park St., Dahlonega, GA, 30533. 706/864-8275. Mon.-Thurs. 10-6, Fri. and Sat. 10-8, Sun. 12:30-6.

Young Harris

Crane Creek Vineyards. This winery produces 12 regional artisanal wines based on the 10 grape varieties it grows. The most popular choices are Vidal Blanc, Seyval, and Norton. 916 Crane Creek Rd., off GA 515, Young Harris, GA, 30582. 706/379-1236. www.cranecreekvineyards.com. Tues.-Sat. 11-6, Sun. 1-5.

Jasper

Sharp Mountain Vineyards. Fourteen wines from 12 varietals are produced at Sharp Mountain Vineyards. Visitors get great mountain vistas from the property. 110 Rathgeb Trail, Jasper, GA, 30143. 770/735-1210. www.sharpmountainvineyards.com.