Move over wine country in Napa Valley. In the southeastern United States there are plenty of wineries to choose from — either a few hours drive or a quick plane ride away. From Georgia, to Tennessee, North Carolina and Florida, don't pass up the opportunity to be just a sip away from a glass of wine bliss.
Georgia
Located in the north Georgia mountains, Montaluce is a hybrid award-winning winery and restaurant. Not only can you take sample sips of the 17 wine varieties, but guests can also rent one of the Italian-style villas on site for an overnight stay. Free tours are given at 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon Saturday and Sunday. Montaluce Winery and Restaurant. 501 Hightower Church Road, Dahlonega. 706-867-4060. montaluce.com
Three Sisters Vineyards and Winery
Also in Dahlonega, Three Sisters Vineyards and Winery is the first family farm winery in the city and the first vineyard in Lumpkin County. To soak in the scenery of the nearby mountains and breathe in the fresh mountain air, have a seat on the rock wall patio. The vineyards and winery, which stretches over 184 acres, specializes in growing European and French-American wine grapes. Three Sisters Vineyards and Winery. 439 Vineyard Way, Dahlonega. 706-865-9463. threesistersvineyards.com
Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery
Steeped near the South Appalachian mountains, Wolf Mountain is one of the newer wineries in the North Georgia area. The combination vineyard and winery opened 13 years ago and since then has built a reputation on creating handcrafted wines and gourmet cuisine — both locally sourced. Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery. 180 Wolf Mountain Trail, Dahlonega. 706-867-9862. wolfmountainvineyards.com
Tennessee
Although Grinder's Switch is among the hills of its 110 acre vineyard and winery in the countryside of Centerville, last year a satellite location opened in downtown Nashville. There is something for every wine aficionado's palate — sweet, dry and in between. To get a sampling of all of what Grinder's Switch offers, you can join its wine club. Grinder's Switch Winery. 2119 Highway 50 West Loop, Centerville. 931-729-3690. gswinery.com
Named for co-owner Rita Howard, a former "beauty queen," the picturesque views of Crown Winery from afar prove there is splendor to be had — in the form of wine. Crown Winery has 17 varieties, of which the Strawberry Strut, Muscadine and Royal Red are the most popular. If wine isn't enough, stay for a concert. This winery has an amphitheater where concerts are occasionally hosted. Crown Winery. 3638 E. Mitchell St., Humboldt. 731-784-8100. crownwinery.com
Wine is the name of the game at Blue Slip Winery in Knoxville but it is unique — in that it is Knoxville's first winery and Tennessee's first urban one. Blue Slip isn't nestled in the rolling hills of the countryside but inside the Historic Southern Railway Station in the downtown area. Blue Slip Winery. 300 W. Depot Ave., Knoxville. 865-249-7808. blueslip.com
North Carolina
Reverence to honey bees is first and foremost at Honeygirl Meadery, a winery who exclusively makes honey wines combined with fruits, flowers and herbs. Honey wines are also referred to as meads and visitors to this winery are welcome to "drink the field," a nod to nature. Visit the tasting room on Saturdays from 1 to 6 p.m. and taste current meads for $5. Honeygirl Meadery. 105 Hood St., Durham. 919-399-3056.
honeygirlmeadery.com
Six Waterpots Vineyard and Winery
Typical wine varietals are sold at Six Waterpots Vineyard and Winery — a wine lover's paradise near the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains — sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon and sanglovese. The wines that shine, however, are the ones made from local strawberries, blueberries and muscadines. Six Waterpots Vineyard and Winery. 4040 James Drive, Hudson. 828-728-5099. sixwaterpots.com
A genuine love for wine inspired the co-owners of Cougar Run to turn their often talked about dream into an reality. The name of the winery originated from their dog chasing a cougar up their driveway. Cougar Run specializes in making wine from locally sourced ingredients in small batches. Cougar Run Winery. 363 Church St., North Concord. 704-788-2746. cougarrunwinery.com
Florida
Ties to the Piedmont Region of Italy are strong in this vineyard and winery. David DeCasto visited the region some years ago and while being among family, realized he wanted to bring a family tradition back to where he was living. From there, Tangled Oats was born. Along with the winery, there is also a gift shop. Tangled Oats Vineyard and Winery. 1317 State Road 100, Grandin. 386-659-1707. tangledoaksvineyard.com
A certified Florida Farm winery, the owners of Strong Tower Vineyard pride themselves on the meticulous selection of the grapes used in their wine-making. Tours of the vineyard and winery can be taken, along with tastings. Notable wines — the strawberry and watermelon varieties. Strong Tower Vineyard. 17810 Forge Drive, Spring Hill. 352-799-7612. strongtowervineyard.com
Founder and owner Joe Keel loves blueberries. He loves them so much, in fact, he tried his hand at making blueberry wine after being a blueberry farmer for years. The result is the wine this winery is known for today. Keel & Curley. 5210 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. 813-752-9100. keelandcurleywinery.com
About the Author
