Picnicking at Vineyards in North Georgia
One of the most fun things to do on a nice day is to enjoy a picnic outside in a beautiful space. Fortunately, some of the best picnic locations in the Georgia mountains can be found at the local vineyards.
Picnicking at Ott Farms Vineyards in Ellijay with our dog, Nina
Give yourself a reason to spend extra time outside by enjoying a picnic lunch at a vineyard in North Georgia. Be sure to bring your dog if you are going to one of the many dog-friendly vineyards — most of the picnic-friendly vineyards allow leashed dogs to visit the outdoor areas of the winery! See individual winery listings below for details.
** Please note that the following information is a guide and was current at the time of publication.
** Each establishment is independently operated and may update its outside food policies without notice. Please contact and confirm current policies before making your plans.
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Picnicking at Vineyards in North Georgia
Most of the vineyards below offer the option to purchase small plates from the tasting room and/or bring your own picnic items from home. Decide which option you prefer and select a vineyard to enjoy wines made on-site with your picnic lunch. See the list of vineyards and check the map to find the best vineyard picnic locations in the Georgia mountains.
For those that prefer a full-service restaurant experience, be sure to check out the article about great vineyard restaurants in the Georgia mountains (note that the vineyards with restaurants do not allow guests to bring outside food to the vineyard).
Map of Where to Picnic at Vineyards in North Georgia
There are lots of great places in the Georgia mountains where you can enjoy a winery picnic lunch. Check the interactive map below to find the closest vineyards that allow picnics.
Click the buttons on the map to show/hide the different types of vineyard picnic (or dining) options that are available in North Georgia. Bon appétit!
Vineyards That Allow Picnics in North Georgia (+ Small Plates for Sale)
These vineyards provide a limited menu of small plates for purchase. In addition, you are also able to customize your experience by bringing your own picnic items to these locations (great for picky eaters and when bringing children to the vineyard)! Enjoy!!
12 Spies Vineyards & Farm (Rabun Gap)
Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic basket to enjoy the large West-facing views. Small Boars Head cheese trays available for purchase.
Picnic on the scenic lawn at 12 Spies Vineyards
Dogs on leash are welcome on the outside seating areas of the veranda.
- Phone: +1 (706) 490-0890
- Address: 550 Black Branch Rd, Rabun Gap, GA
- Website: 12spiesvineyards.com
Bear Claw Vineyards (Blue Ridge)
Visitors may bring their own food or purchase cheese trays, hummus trays, and other small snacks. Food trucks visit on the weekend – see their Facebook page for schedule. Dog friendly.
- Phone: +1 (706) 223-3750
- Address: 2281 Tennis Court Rd, Blue Ridge, GA
- Website: bearclawvineyards.com
Cartecay Vineyards (Ellijay)
Chimney patio and picnic tables are available for visitors to enjoy their own food or purchase snacks like a charcuterie board. Food trucks visit on the weekends — contact the vineyard to get more details. Dog-friendly vineyard.
- Phone: +1 (706) 698-9463
- Address: 5704 Clear Creek Rd, Ellijay, GA
- Website: cartecayvineyards.com
CeNita Vineyards & Winery (Cleveland)
Visitors may bring their own outside food or choose from a variety of available small plates like charcuterie boards, hummus, and pita chips, and goat cheese and honey. Dog-friendly vineyard.
- Phone: +1 (706) 865-7478
- Address: 591 Dock Dorsey Rd, Cleveland, GA
- Website: cenitawinery.com
Chateau Meichtry (Talking Rock)
Small plates of charcuterie items available for purchase or visitors are welcome to bring a picnic lunch. Leashed dogs are welcome to visit as well!
- Phone: +1 (706) 502-1608
- Address: 1862 Orchard Lane, Talking Rock, GA
- Website: chateaumeichtry.co
The Cottage Vineyard & Winery (Cleveland)
The vineyard has cheese and charcuterie options available every day, plus a food stand or a food truck a couple of weekends per month. Visitors may bring their own picnic food to enjoy at the vineyard. The outside patio area is dog-friendly.
- Phone: +1 (706) 865-0053
- Address: 5050 Hwy 129N, Cleveland, GA
- Website: cottagevineyardwinery.com
Ellijay River Vineyards (Ellijay)
Visitors may bring their own outside food or purchase snacks like Boursin cheese and crackers. Enjoy a picnic right on the water by the Ellijay River. Only open on weekends.
Picnic on the water at Ellijay River Vineyards
Dogs on leash are allowed at this mountain vineyard on the Ellijay River.
- Phone: +1 (706) 698-9463
- Address: 111 River Birch Lane, Ellijay, GA
- Website: ellijayrivervineyards.com
Engelheim Vineyards (Ellijay)
Visitors are welcome to bring their own food, but it must be enjoyed outside on the grounds (not in the tasting room). Meat and cheese plates are available daily and food trucks may be present on the weekend at this winery and vineyard with a German theme. Dog friendly.
Charcuterie plate for sale at Engelheim Vineyards in Ellijay
- Phone: +1 (706) 635-9463
- Address: 127 Lakeview Rd, Ellijay, GA
- Website: engelheim.com
Habersham Winery (Helen)
This location isn’t at a vineyard, but it does offer a chance to have local wines and a picnic snack in their pavilion. Cheese, crackers, and snacks are available for purchase, or you may bring your own food from home. Note that food brought from home is not allowed in the tasting room but outside in the pavilion. Leashed dogs are welcome in the outdoor pavilion.
- Phone: +1 (706) 878-9463
- Address: 7025 South Main Street, Helen, GA
- Website: habershamwinery.com
Hightower Creek Vineyards (Hiawassee)
This vineyard allows leashed dogs (outside only) and encourages visitors to bring a picnic to enjoy on-site! Small plates of cheese, meat, and crackers are also available for purchase.
- Phone: +1 (706) 896-8963
- Address: 7150 Canaan Drive, Hiawassee, GA
- Website: hightowercreekvineyards.com
Odom Springs Vineyards (Blairsville)
Cheese plates are available at the Odom Springs Vineyards tasting room, but they also encourage bringing your picnic basket to enjoy while at the vineyard. Leashed dogs are welcome to visit the vineyard as well.
- Phone: +1 (706) 745-3094
- Address: 637 Odom Road, Blairsville, GA
- Website: odomspringsvineyards.com
Ott Vineyards and Winery (Ellijay)
Open daily for wine tastings and light appetizers, plus on the weekend you’ll also enjoy live music with the gorgeous panoramic vineyard views.
Ott Farms Vineyard Wine with Picnic Lunch and Gorgeous Views!
Leashed dogs are welcome outside either on the patio or under the covered pavilion — the staff was enough nice enough to bring our dog a bowl of water when we arrived!
- Phone: +1 (706) 502-8700
- Address: 230 Henry Evans Road, Ellijay, GA
- Website: ottvineyards.com
Serenberry Vineyards (Morganton)
Offers Georgia-made snacks like cheese straws, nuts, and chocolate, or visitors may bring their own picnic lunches. Leashed dogs are welcome outside.
- Phone: +1 (706) 623-8463
- Address: 450 Tipton Trail, Morganton, GA
- Website: serenberryvineyards.com
Serenity Cellars (Cleveland)
A small selection of snacks is is available for purchase (guests are also welcome to bring their own food). Live music on the weekends at this Italian-themed vineyard and winery. Leashed dogs are welcome to visit with you.
- Phone: +1 (706) 348-1277
- Address: 265 Laurel Ridge Rd, Cleveland, GA
- Website:serenitycellars.com
Sharp Mountain Vineyards (Jasper)
Live music on the weekends at this dog-friendly, kid-friendly, and picnic-friendly vineyard and winery!
- Phone: +1 (770) 735-1210
- Address: 110 Rathgeb Trail, Jasper, GA
- Website: sharpmountainvineyards.com
Stonewall Creek Vineyards (Tiger)
Visitors may bring their own picnic lunch and snacks or choose from small plates including cheese plates, wine brownies, and savory crackers. Stonewall Creek Vineyards is a dog-friendly vineyard and even has snacks and water to offer man’s best friend!
- Phone: +1 (706) 212-0584
- Address: 323 Standing Deer Lane, Tiger GA
- Website: stonewallcreek.com
Three Sisters Vineyards (Dahlonega)
Prepackaged cheese and meat plates are available daily for purchase, and there is a food truck on Saturdays. Visitors may bring their own food EXCEPT on Saturdays when a food truck is on-site. Leashed dogs are allowed to visit the vineyard with you.
- Phone: +1 (706) 865-9463
- Address: 439 Vineyard Way, Dahlonega, GA
- Website: threesistersvineyards.com
Vineyards Where You Can Picnic in North Georgia (No Food for Sale)
The Georgia mountains vineyards are a great place to enjoy a scenic outdoor picnic lunch. Although the vineyards below do not sell food or snacks, you are welcome to pack your own picnic items to enjoy with your wine at these vineyards.
Currahee Vineyards White and Rose Wines
Currahee Vineyard & Winery (Toccoa)
Vineyard visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic or snacks to enjoy with the Currahee wines and views of the vines and Currahee mountain. Dogs are also welcome to visit the vineyard.
Tasting wine at Currahee Vineyard in Toccoa [photo ExploreGeorgia.org]
- Phone: +1 (706) 768-5383
- Address: 3301 West Currahee, Toccoa, GA
- Website: curraheevineyards.com
Fainting Goat Vineyards & Winery (Jasper)
Guests are welcome to bring outside food to enjoy with their Fainting Goats Vineyards wines. Leashed dogs are welcome at this family-friendly vineyard and winery. Enjoy live music on the weekends and the fainting goats that are there all the time!
- Phone: +1 (706) 692-9463
- Address: 201 Vineyard Way, Jasper, GA
- Website: faintinggoatvineyardsandwinery.com
How to Picnic at Vineyards in North Georgia
These experiences are a great way to enjoy a customized picnic experience in a beautiful vineyard setting. This option is both cost-conscious and allows for flexibility with personal dietary preferences and restrictions.
Follow these tips to enjoy a wine picnic at one of the great mountain vineyards that allow picnics in North Georgia.
Buy your wine at the vineyard
Serenity Cellars Cleveland GA
This one should go without saying but never bring outside alcohol to a vineyard or winery. These farm vineyards rely on your support to stay in business! Purchase your favorite wine(s) from the tasting room and take outside to enjoy with your picnic.
Pack a variety of food items
When considering your wine picnic ideas, make sure to pack snacks and food items that will pair well with the wines that you expect to be enjoying at the vineyard. Pack plain crackers to cleanse the palette if you want to taste multiple wines back to back.
Protect perishable items
Pack your food in a cooler to keep it fresh while you travel to the vineyard (then fill it with wine from the vineyard to take home)!
Bring your own seating and small tables
Most vineyards do have seating available but there may be a wait for these tables during peak times. Bring your own seating and small tables to have more seating options and allow for better social distancing.
Remember the picnic essentials
Remember that you are picnicking outdoors and need to bring all of your own supplies. These vineyard picnic locations will not have plates, bowls, utensils, napkins, or condiments for your use. Plan to bring these items from home (plus all the things you’ll need to clean up!).
Dress comfortably for the occasion
No matter when you visit, you’ll want to make sure that you dress for the conditions at the vineyard. Make sure to wear appropriate shoes for walking on grassy vineyard areas and gravel parking lots, apply sunscreen if you’ll be out in the sun for an extended period, and remember to check the local forecast so that you are dressed for the weather.
Designate a driver
No matter which picnic option you choose, be sure to designate a driver to safely navigate the mountain roads on your way home from the vineyard (alternately, your group could choose to stay at one of these vineyards).
For any legal questions during or regarding your visit to the Georgia mountains, call the Georgia legal team of Corales & Woody at +1 (678) 961-3999.
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Please note that seasonality affects operating hours and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may require changes on a day-to-day basis. It is recommended to contact the vineyard directly to be certain that they will be open when you arrive.
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North Georgia Vineyard Picnics
What are your favorite winery picnic lunch ideas?
North Georgia looks like a beautifull area of North America. I would love to be able to spend time there. At the moment that isn’t possible. But It is great in these difficult times it is great to read websites like this. It helps to keep you motivate and focused on a positive future. I love this site.
Hi Castle, It is definitely not ideal that the world can’t move around freely right now due to the COVID pandemic. Hopefully the virus’s days are numbered and our adventures can return again soon! I agree that it is helpful to stay motivated and continue planning for a better future (including travelling to beautiful places).
This brings back a lot of fond memories of picnics with family and friends that I had growing up. Georgia is such a beautiful place as is Connecticut where I grew up. I would love to have a picnic at the Vineyards at some point in time. I have been to Georgia but never experienced the Georgia Mountains. So many wonderful choices at the Vineyards. It is on my list of places to visit.
Hi Joseph, I hope you get a chance to visit the Georgia mountains soon and enjoy a relaxing day of tasting wine and picnicking at a vineyard!
This is all very interesting to read and look at! I love the imagery you used, you can tell the images are authentic. I love this, it all seems so simple yet so pleasing and you have provided a great deal of valuable information for your audience! I will certainly be coming back to this website in the future as I can see that you are so diverse with what you talk about. Thank you very much for this article
Hi Misael, A picnic at a mountain vineyard is a really nice way to support local businesses and families, support local farming / agriculture, and to enjoy a nice day while doing so! I’m so glad to hear that you found it helpful!
Picnicing at a vineyard is one of our favorite things to do. I am fortunate to live in wine country in California, not the famous Sonoma or Napa Valleys, but in the Santa Lucia Highlands. We often take a picnic lunch to different wineries within about 20 miles, but our favorite is the Hahn Vineyards. The winery is set on a small mountain side that overlooks the Salinas Valley. Comfortable tables on the porch or blankets spread in the grass make for a wonderful afternoon. You article is a great reference for anyone living in your part of the country,.
Hi Anastazja, It sounds like you live in a beautiful place full of great options for vineyard picnicking! Thanks so much for sharing!!
Picnicking at vineyards in North Georgia sounds great. Although I have not had any experience on what it feels like, but from all I have reading this article, it seems to be a really unique way to spend an afternoon. The Georgia Mountains sounds like a place of endless wonders and beauty. All I have read about the best places in the Georgia Mountains are always sounding great.
Hi Kelvin, I agree that vineyard picnics are a great choice when looking for a unique way to have fun in North Georgia!
What beautiful places to go picnicking with the entire family! My family lives in Spain, but we love nature a lot and vineyards are very close to our hearts because we live in an are surrounded by vineyards. We are in an area that is known as the “wine capital of Catalunya”.
We once visited a vineyard and availed of its guided tour. And afterwards, we bought some wine in their store for souvenir. my husband and I bought several bottles thinking that they’re cheaper compared to the ones available in the grocery store since they are bought directly from the manufacturer.
But when we checked the prices in the grocery store, the ones in the grocery store are actually cheaper. 🙁 And we were able to encounter this twice. And then we found out it’s just a marketing strategy trying to make the customers believe that the wines in their store are cheaper than the grocery store.
But all in all, it’s completely ok with us because the experience was superb.
Hi Julai, your family’s home sounds wonderful!
I also found it surprising that vineyard wineries sell their wine at the full retail price. There are sometimes a couple of ways to get around this markup. Some places give customers a discount if they purchase a case or more of wine. Also, if there is a wine club, the members will usually get a discount on bottles (in addition to other benefits).
Thanks for sharing!
I have been following the development of your website Gamountainsguide with great interest & have previously saved the url. You have certainly got me interested in a visit to Georgia after the C19 crisis calms down. I love hiking in mountains, and I love visiting vinyards too. Particularly the sampling and eating bit! You have also highlighted a range of great restaurants too. Now you have added some great suggestions for picknicking. Here is a practical point, what about drink driving? Is there a central location from where one can be based in this area and then take reasonably priced taxis or local vineyard vans to collect you (& return) so you can have a great day out at the vinyards without worrying about drink driving?
Hi Trevor, The vineyards are not located in within the mountain towns, so transportation options are somewhat limited. Rideshare services like Lyft and Uber might be available and a few places might have taxi service. There are also a few tour operators who offer bus and van tours to the vineyards, but these need to be scheduled in advance. It is definitely wise to have a plan before you go to the vineyard!
I agree, I myself enjoy a picnic on a nice day especially this time of the year which is bugs free and I get to sip a hot cider and enjoy a scenery. Your Nina is so cute. I am sure she is a husky, she is very similar to my Shiro. Thank you for sharing all these vineyards and the how tos for the picnic.
Hi Nuttanee, not having to deal with bugs at this time of year is a huge plus!!
You are correct — Nina is a husky — and aren’t huskies the best?? We adopted her after she walked into our yard about a year ago and we were unable to find her owner. We had no idea what we were getting into, but have found huskies to be very smart and equally silly. She’s been a great dog and she definitely enjoys the outings for picnics in the mountain vineyards! 🙂
This is a very impressive website. I am drawn in to visit each of the places you have described. You give living detail which encourages the reader to start making plans to travel. They will have a difficult time selecting where to go first. This is very well done. The only question would be, are airplane fares included? and of course, do we bring a tent or stay in an RV, or in a hotel? I am not being serious, about the travel arrangements. But, I am serious about how great your information is. You provide enough information that a novice or new traveler would be able to make decisions. I look forward to reading more posts from you. We love to travel!
Hi QueenAna, There are a lot of different ways to stay in the Georgia mountains, and you’re welcome to do whichever one(s) you prefer. There are campsites of all types, basic treehouses, luxury treehouses, waterfront rentals with boats, and you can even stay overnight at some of these great vineyards!!
I hope you enjoy your trip!!