Ga Mountains Guide

🍷 2026 Georgia Wine Highway Guide: 44 Wineries Across Georgia

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📷 Picture this: Six months of wine adventures, 44 Georgia wineries, one $65 passport unlocking over $600 in value. 🍷

Fall Foliage in Blairsville, GA, at Living Water Winery (10-26-2023)

Sweeping views in Blairsville, GA, at Living Water Winery

The 2026 Georgia Wine Highway isn’t just an event – it’s your excuse to explore mountain AVAs, downtown tasting rooms, scenic vineyards, and even Muscadine country from March 1 through August 31. Whether you’re planning romantic weekends in Dahlonega’s gold rush country, day trips from the city, or a girls’ road trip hitting South Georgia’s value deals, this guide breaks down every region so you can build the perfect wine escape.
Ready to turn six months into six (or sixteen) unforgettable wine weekends? Let’s map it out. 🗺️

Georgia Wine Highway Information

In the past, the Georgia Wine Highway was a weekend event featuring only North Georgia wineries. Today, this popular event spans six months, 44 wineries, and wine regions across the entire state! Clear your schedules and make your travel plans for the exciting Georgia Wine Highway event from March to August 2026!

Stonewall Creek Vineyeards Ga Wine Highway Passport

Stonewall Creek Vineyards Ga Wine Highway Passport

For a one-time price of $65, you’ll receive a “Georgia Wine Highway Passport” that can be presented at 40+ participating Georgia wineries to receive complimentary tastings, BOGO deals, or discounts. 🥂 The passport is valued at hundreds of dollars and can be used from March through August 2026 at 44 participating wineries statewide.

Note that this list includes only the 2026 Wine Highway participants. Many additional Georgia wineries are open year-round with their regular menus, but are not part of this year’s Wine Highway offers.

 

2026 Wine Highway in Georgia

The Georgia Wine Highway is an annual celebration and event sponsored by Open Georgia Wine to encourage the exploration of Georgia’s wine regions and wineries. 🍇 🍷

Rural Georgia Winery Road Signs Ellijay GA

Rural Georgia Winery Road Signs near Ellijay GA

Travel around the state and learn first-hand about the complex flavors found in Georgia wines. 🍷🍾🥂🍇

 

How It Works

  • Purchase your 2026 Georgia Wine Highway Passport
    • Purchase online (you will receive a digital passport by text and email)
    • Purchase in-store at any of the participating wineries (quantities may be limited)
  • Visit participating wineries between March and August 2026 to receive one of the following passport benefits at each location:
    • FREE Wine Tasting with your 2026 Passport (7 wineries)
      • plus Crane Creek Vineyards and Five Points Berries Winery also offer additional discounts
    • BOGO purchases of Wine Tastings, Glasses, or Slushies (20 wineries)
    • DISCOUNTS on purchases of Wine Tastings, Glasses, or Bottles (17 wineries)

Each participating winery has its own format and chooses whether to offer a FREE tasting, a BOGO purchase, or a DISCOUNTED purchase. Details for each participating winery are listed below so you can quickly see where to stretch your passport value.

Georgia Wine Highway Passports are valid for one visit per winery. Plan ahead and build out weekends that cluster wineries by region to minimize drive time and maximize tasting time.

 

Georgia Wine Highway Map

The 2026 Georgia Wine Highway features 44 participating wineries spread across multiple regions of the state. Use the interactive 2026 GA Wine Highway map to explore each region, see driving distances, and click through to full trip planning guides.

  • FREE (7 wineries): Complimentary tasting or glass with your 2026 passport
  • BOGO (20 wineries): Buy one, get one offer on tastings, glasses, or slushies
  • DISCOUNT (17 wineries): Percentage discount on tastings, glasses, or bottles
  • ADDITIONAL (41 wineries): Click the top left map legend to add more Georgia wineries to the interactive map (these do not have a 2026 Wine Highway offer)

As you browse the map, click the winery pins to see:

  • 📍 Address and contact details
  • 🎫 The 2026 Wine Highway offer
  • 📖 “Plan Your Visit” link to the in-depth GA Mountains Guide article
  • ⭐ Reviews and dining information
  • 🐾 Pet policy and regional notes

 

2026 Georgia Wine Highway Winery List

Make your travel plans to visit any or all participating vineyards and wineries! Each location has its own operating days and hours, so be sure to plan your trips for days when your destination is open (it is advised to confirm the winery’s hours of operation directly before driving long distances).

Remember, this list is limited to 2026 Wine Highway participants. Many excellent Georgia wineries can be toggled on the interactive map to visit for standard tastings, but do not offer a 2026 passport deal.

 

2026 GA Wine Highway in Northwestern GA

Two standout wineries anchor Georgia’s northwestern corner 🍷 just south of the Tennessee line. This compact region works perfectly as a half-day add-on to Chattanooga or the Chickamauga Battlefield. Perfect for a quick Saturday afternoon escape when you’re already exploring Civil War history or Lookout Mountain attractions.

Pro tip: Combine these stops with Chattanooga lodging for a dual-state adventure that mixes history, hiking, and handcrafted wines. 🏔️

✈️ Quick stop: Convenient half-day add-on to Chattanooga weekends with one FREE and one BOGO tasting.

 

2026 GA Wine Highway in Upper Hiwassee Highlands GA

Welcome to one of Georgia’s two federally recognized American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). The Upper Hiwassee Highlands AVA spans the border of North Georgia and western North Carolina and is known for its high-elevation vineyards 🍇 and scenic mountain views.

This cluster delivers exceptional value with two full FREE tastings (Crane Creek and Hightower Creek), wine slushies at Living Water (BOGO), and bottle discounts at Paradise Hills. It’s one of the few regions where you can enjoy multiple complimentary tastings in a single day.

This region deserves a full weekend minimum, allowing you to enjoy spring wildflower season (March-April) or summer lake season (June-August). Book a lakefront cabin on Lake Chatuge or a mountain lodge in Brasstown Valley and build your days around wine tastings, waterfall hikes, and sunsets over the mountains.

Georgia Wine Highway 2025 at Living Water Winery

Enjoy Georgia Wine Highway 2026 at Living Water Winery in Blairsville

  • Crane Creek Vineyards • 🍷 Free Tasting plus 10% off Coffee, Tea, or Hot Chocolate • 916 Crane Creek Rd, Young Harris • (706) 379-1236
  • Hightower Creek Vineyards • 🍷 Free Tasting • 7150 Canaan Drive, Hiawassee • (706) 896-8963
  • Living Water Winery • BOGO Slushie • 291 Living Water Ln, Blairsville • (832) 270-3212
  • Paradise Hills • 20% Off a Bottle • 366 Paradise Road, Blairsville • (706) 745-7483

🏔️ Weekend worthy: Two FREE tastings, AVA prestige, and sweeping vineyard views make this a destination.

 

2026 GA Wine Highway in Blue Ridge GA

Kerith House Winery in Blue Ridge GA

Kerith House Winery in Blue Ridge GA

Blue Ridge brings together mountain town energy and small but mighty wine options, including these newcomers to the Blue Ridge wine scene. Pair a scenic railway ride and downtown strolls with these tasting perks.

🚂 Adventure pairing: Add wine to your scenic railway or river tubing weekend with two solid offers.

 

2026 GA Wine Highway in Northeastern GA

Quiet roads, forested hills, and small production wineries define this corner of Georgia wine country. It pairs beautifully with a visit to Tallulah Gorge or a scenic drive on the Russell Brasstown Scenic Byway.

🥾 Hiker’s reward: Two scenic wineries pair perfectly with Tallulah Gorge and Northeastern Georgia adventures.

 

2026 GA Wine Highway in Ellijay GA

The wineries near Ellijay offer tasty wines, scenic vineyard views, and feature live entertainment on weekends.

Engelheim Vineyards Georgia Wine Hwy

Engelheim Vineyards with Georgia Wine Highway “STOP HERE” sign in 2022

  • Buckley Vineyards • 20% Off First Bottle • 708 Henry Evans Rd, Ellijay • (706) 972-2080
  • Engelheim Vineyards • 20% Off a Bottle • 127 Lakeview Road, Ellijay • (706) 635-9463
  • Grapes and Ladders • BOGO Glass of Wine • 2317 Highway 382, Ellijay • (678) 492-9861
  • Ott Vineyards and Winery • 20% Discount on Tastings, Glasses, or Bottles • 230 Henry Evans Road, Ellijay • (706) 273-1891

🍎 Apple country wine: Four wineries with mostly bottle discounts, plus two are open daily for easy scheduling.

 

2026 GA Wine Highway in Jasper & Talking Rock

This corridor packs five Wine Highway stops within a small area, making it one of the densest wine clusters in the state.

GA Wine Highway Jasper Cairn View Winery

GA Wine Highway Jasper Cairn View Winery

🍷 Best variety: Five wineries with the full spectrum (1 FREE, 2 BOGO, and 2 DISCOUNT) in one scenic corridor.

 

2026 GA Wine Highway in Dahlonega GA

Dahlonega sits in the Dahlonega Plateau AVA, Georgia’s other federally recognized viticultural area and a major hub for North Georgia wine tourism.

Ga Wine Highway Dahlonega Kaya Vineyard

GA Wine Highway in Dahlonega at Kaya Vineyard & Winery

  • Accent Cellars • BOGO Tastings • 215 Auraria Road, Dahlonega • (706) 867-0123
  • Doghobble Wine Farm • BOGO Glass of Wine, Slushy, or Wine Cocktail • 10 Roy Grindle Rd, Dahlonega • (470) 310-0491
  • Etowah Meadery • 20% Off Any Product or Tasting • 4690 Highway 52 East, Dahlonega • (706) 864-6323
    • Note new location – hopes to be open by the end of February 2026
  • Kaya Vineyard & Winery • BOGO Flights • 5400 Town Creek Rd, Dahlonega • (706) 219-3514
  • Montaluce Winery & Restaurant • 20% Off a Bottle • 501 Hightower Church Rd, Dahlonega • (706) 867-4060

👑 Gold rush glamour: AVA level wines, gold rush history, and a walkable downtown loaded with restaurants and lodging. Great home base if you want a one-stop destination that feels like a full vacation.

 

2026 GA Wine Highway in Cleveland

Cleveland is approachable and scenic, with wineries featuring great views of Yonah Mountain. It sits between Dahlonega and Helen, giving you easy access to multiple regions, plus the five Wine Highway offers.

Georgia Wine Highway 2025 at CeNita

Enjoy Georgia Wine Highway 2025 at CeNita

⛰️ Strategic hub: Five wineries are easy to combine with Helen tubing or Dahlonega dining for a stacked multi-day itinerary.

 

2026 GA Wine Highway in Helen

Enjoy time in the scenic North Georgia mountains at these participating wineries near Alpine Helen. This is a great region for groups where some want wine, and others want shopping, tubing, or German food.

Wine Highway Creekstone Winery

Enjoy scenic mountain views from outdoor spaces at Creekstone Winery on the GA Wine Highway

Enjoy time in the scenic North Georgia mountains at these participating wineries near Helen, GA.

🏘️ Bavarian bonus: Alpine-style village meets mountain wine country. Lodging choices are plentiful, and it is easy to keep non-wine lovers entertained.

 

2026 GA Wine Highway in Metro North

 

These Georgia wineries are practically a stone’s throw from Atlanta, perfect for quick day trips or staycations without long drives.

🏙️ Atlanta escape: Five winery offers without mountain driving, including everything from resort stays at Chateau Elan to relaxed suburban vineyard patios.

 

2026 GA Wine Highway in Western GA

One winery brings Wine Highway perks to West Georgia, and it’s a fun one. Trillium Vineyard serves up BOGO wine slushies (perfect for warm spring and summer afternoons) in a relaxed farm setting. While this region has only one Wine Highway participant, several additional wineries operate year-round in West Georgia for those exploring the area beyond the passport event.

GA Wine Highway Passport Three Strands

GA Wine Highway Passport at Three Strands

  • Trillium Vineyard • BOGO Wine Slushy • 1994 Old Bush Mill Rd, Bremen • (770) 841-3992

🌾 Road trip worthy: Rural and relaxed, a fun stop to add to a West Georgia road trip.

 

2026 GA Wine Highway in South GA

South Georgia proves that wine country is not just in the mountains. Expect Muscadine grapes, warm hospitality, and some of the event’s strongest value deals.

🎁Value champion: Road trip territory with generous discounts, wide open views, and fewer crowds. Great for seasoned wine travelers seeking a different side of Georgia.

 

Note: Although many Georgia vineyards participate in the Georgia Wine Highway event, it is an opt-in event for Georgia’s wineries, and many wineries choose not to participate.

 

Planning Your 2026 GA Wine Highway

Expect to make lots of great memories on the GA Wine Highway. A little planning goes a long way toward a safe and fun trip.

 

Choose Quiet or Lively

Weekday visits are usually quieter, with smaller crowds and more time to chat with tasting room staff. This is a great choice if you want to ask questions, talk about the vineyards, or take photos without feeling rushed.

For a livelier vibe, visit on weekends when many places offer live music or extended evening hours. Expect more energy and more people, especially in popular towns like Dahlonega, Ellijay, and Helen.

 

Factor in Travel Time

The above lists of participating wineries are organized by region to help you find groups of wineries that are in the same general area.

Some areas have tasting rooms close together, but many wineries are at least a 15-minute drive apart. You will enjoy your trip more if you focus on 2 to 4 wineries per day in a single region instead of trying to crisscross the state.

 

Visit During Wine Highway Hours

Each winery has its own hours, so be sure to make your travel plans with your destinations in mind. Remember that several Wine Highway regions have participants that are not open daily, so planning ahead is essential if you are coming from out of town.

 

Keep a Clear Head

Each tasting provides at least a few sips of each wine, and if you don’t mind sharing your glass, you can share a Georgia Wine Highway passport with someone in your group. This will allow you to keep a clearer head — plus, you can always purchase a glass (or bottle) of wine after you find a new favorite!

 

What to Take to the Georgia Wine Highway

A little advance planning can help you get the most out of the Spring-Summer 2026 Wine Highway event. Consider these recommendations to have an amazing event!

 

Wine Highway Essentials

Of course, you’ll want to remember your Georgia Wine Highway Passport, but you’ll also want these essentials for your Georgia wine tours:

  • Designated Driver or Transportation Plan: be sure to designate a sober driver or find other transportation for winery visits
  • Government-issued photo ID: required as proof of Georgia’s minimum drinking age (must be 21+ years old)
  • Maps: printable or downloaded in case cell service is limited
  • Credit Card or Payment Apps: select wineries are moving to cashless operations
  • Cash: a great way to tip servers and musicians for excellent service
  • Hydration: purchase bottled water or fill refillable water bottles at home
  • Nutrition: travel with snacks or purchase food at the wineries to ensure you don’t drink on an empty stomach (see which North Georgia vineyard wineries have a full restaurant on-site)

 

Wine Highway Extras

Finally, these items are useful for many scenarios, especially while visiting Georgia wineries!

  • Wine Glass Markers: glass markers ensure you always know which glass is yours
  • Sunglasses: reduce glare and protect eyes with sunglasses that include polarized lenses and UV protection
  • Sunscreen: the scenic GA vineyards and days with beautiful weather inspire spending time outside in the sun
  • Hands-Free Bags: crossbody bags for men or women help carry essentials while keeping hands free for a glass of wine
  • Comfortable Shoes: choose footwear that is appropriate for gravel parking areas and grass pathways

 

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Georgia Wine Highway

How much does the Georgia Wine Highway passport cost?

The 2026 passport costs $65 and is valued at over $600. It includes one offer (free tasting, BOGO, or discount) at each of 44 participating Georgia wineries.

When does the 2026 Georgia Wine Highway run?

March 1 through August 31, 2026. Passports are valid for the full six months.

Can I visit the same winery multiple times with my passport?

No. Each passport is valid for one visit per winery during the March-August event period.

Where can I buy a Georgia Wine Highway passport?

Purchase online at OpenGeorgiaWine.com (digital passport delivered by text/email) or in person at any participating winery (limited quantities).

Which Georgia wine regions have the most FREE tastings?

Upper Hiwassee Highlands (2 free tastings) and South GA (3 free tastings) offer the most complimentary passport tastings.

Do I need reservations at Wine Highway wineries?

Reservations are not typically required, but it’s smart to call ahead to confirm hours, especially for rural wineries with limited open days.

Are dogs allowed at Georgia Wine Highway wineries?

Many wineries allow leashed dogs on outdoor patios and vineyard grounds. Check individual winery pet policies on the interactive map.

What’s the best Georgia wine region for a weekend trip?

Dahlonega, Cleveland, and Ellijay offer clusters of nearby wineries, daily operations, and a diverse range of lodging. Upper Hiwassee Highlands is great for romantic weekends, near the state’s tallest mountains.

***

Thank you for saving and sharing this article! Sharing helps keep guides like this updated and free for fellow wine lovers.

 

Your Georgia Wine Highway Adventure Starts Now

Six months. 44 wineries. One passport. Unlimited memories.
Whether you’re checking off a bucket list girls’ trip, planning romantic anniversary weekends, or finally exploring Georgia wine country from your Atlanta backyard, the 2026 Georgia Wine Highway gives you six full months to sip, savor, and discover.

Purchase your $65 passport (valued at over $600), save this guide, and start circling weekends. March through August won’t last forever – but the memories you make exploring Georgia’s vineyards will.

Tag #GAMountainsGuide and #GeorgiaWineHighway in your photos. We’ll be raising a glass right alongside you. 🍷🥂

Cheers to your Georgia wine adventures!

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123 Responses

  1. Thomas S. says:
    February 26, 2020 at 2:10 pm

    Wow, I’m definitely going to look into this.  I’m down in Florida and had no idea that Georgia had such a wine following or wine tasting such as this.  About how many people attend this even?  I saw that it was from the 20th to the 29th of March.  That is awesome!  It must be a pretty special even to run that long.  I’m gonna message some friends now and see if they are interested!  Than you for the great site and I’m glad I came about this info!

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      February 26, 2020 at 2:52 pm

      Hi Thomas, I don’t have information on the numbers of people who attend the Georgia Wine Highway Week each year, but it’s easy to look and see that the crowds are about double what they normally are at that time of year! It’s definitely nice to have so much time to visit the wineries!

      Reply
  2. Steve says:
    February 26, 2020 at 2:10 pm

    This looks like such a fun thing to do with a group or spouse! Though I don’t drink, my wife really enjoys wine tastings and visiting wineries! This would be really cool to do with her sometime. It’s crazy how many wineries are so close together. You really do have to be careful to keep a clear head if you are going to hit more than a couple in one day. Though my wife never goes overboard, it would be a good thing I would be the designated driver. Thanks for letting me know about this event! 

    Reply
  3. Puccini says:
    February 26, 2020 at 2:08 pm

    As a wine lover myself, I have been on many a wine tours and event but this event is just the cherry on the cake. So many vineyards and so little time. It is definitely a must. I am making a note in my diary to ensure that I attend. I might not make it this year but your site is on my radar and I will be registering for your events in the future.

    Thanks for a great website, keep it up.

    Regards Tania

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      February 26, 2020 at 2:49 pm

      Hi Tania, It is an annual event so making plans for a future year is also a great idea. The dates move around a bit, but it generally includes the last couple of full weekends in March.

      Reply
  4. Benny says:
    February 25, 2020 at 10:54 am

    Hi, it is a great and nice feeling to know that someone will create a great website like this and also create a write up on a fun adult event like this one. I don’t think I am going to miss this Georgia mountains wine highway week for anything. I am already getting my stuffs set up. Thank you for this info and the handy map!

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      February 25, 2020 at 3:55 pm

      Hi Benny, The map is definitely a helpful planning tool as it takes multiple days to visit all of the participating North Georgia mountain wineries!

      Reply
  5. shariful islam says:
    February 22, 2020 at 11:43 am

    Many thanks to you for sharing such an excellent article with us. 

    Last year I visited Georgia during my office vacations and the outdoor space is beautiful and it is a more mountainous area than expected. I love these mountains and have made me feel good. The roads leading to its mountains seem can be scary / exciting. But the mountains in Georgia are so beautiful and so high that they look so beautiful. This wine highway event sounds like a great way to enjoy some of the rural mountain areas and local flavor.

    Reply
  6. Travis says:
    February 22, 2020 at 11:34 am

    Wow, I had never heard about this event! I was totally unaware that Georgia had such an extensive vineyard collection. I have been to the Willamette Valley in Oregon, and going to Napa Valley in California is on my bucket list, but this seems to be a little more affordable and closer to me. Is Georgia known for a particular wine varietal or are there plenty to choose from? I completely agree with you on only seeing 3-4 vineyards a day, by the 4th one it can get tough to remember much! I made that mistake in Oregon!

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      February 24, 2020 at 11:47 am

      Hi Travis, These Georgia mountain vineyards have a lot to offer and each winery is going to do something a little different. The great thing about the wine highway is that it will usually give each winery a chance to highlight 4 or 5 of their best wines for new customers! It’s a great way to sample the wide variety of wine in the mountains.

      Reply
  7. Eric Seil says:
    February 21, 2020 at 1:30 pm

    Thanks for writing a nice preview of Georgia Mountains Wine Highway Week. I wasn’t aware of this event until reading the post. Certainly, it’s something I’ll consider going to.

    The list of vineyards and wineries are unique. I’ve heard of some of them before, and they’re great wineries. 

    I’ll pass on this post to my parents. They’re huge wine-lovers, and maybe we’ll make a trip out of it. It sure would be fun to travel and meet new people.

    Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed reading this article!

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      February 21, 2020 at 2:53 pm

      Hi Eric, I’ve visited many of these places with my parents and these mountains wineries and vineyards have become some of their favorites too. This is a great place to visit and a great deal and excuse to drive around this beautiful area!!

      Reply
  8. Parameter says:
    February 21, 2020 at 1:17 pm

    Thank you Alyce, 

    This will be my first visit, but the way you highlighted things make me feel it is a no miss event, I cannot wait to have a good taste of this various wine and visit vinyards on the mountain. I love the way you highlighted my the things expected for us to take along, this is helpful for first timers

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      February 21, 2020 at 2:51 pm

      Hi there! The annual wine highway week is a great way to enjoy the beautiful Georgia mountains and the first days of Spring!

      Reply
  9. Travis says:
    January 30, 2020 at 1:57 pm

    Oh this sounds like fun! 

    Definitely agree tho that you should have a sober driver and listen to everything else you’re advising here. I can only imagine how dangerous it can be with people (some more intoxicated than others) walking around everywhere. Especially up in the mountains of Georgia. 

    Nonetheless it would be a great time! 

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      January 30, 2020 at 3:34 pm

      Hi Travis, It is definitely a great event to attend but just a little bit of advance planning can make it even better. 🙂

      Reply

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