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?
What an interesting article Alyce. The map you have provided will be very helpful in planning a tour of the Vineyards. I can think of nothing better than spending time in some of these beautiful places with my lovely wife. We are hoping to travel to the States once the Covid situation is under control, and Georgia will definitely be on our must see list.
I can’t think of anything more relaxing then taking a picnic basket to one or two of these vineyards, sipping wine while enjoying the scenery, and simply enjoying the moment.
I’m very intrigued by the Gaining goat winery, I’ve heard about this species of goat but never seen them in the flesh.
Tganjs Jim
Hi Jim, vineyard picnics are a great way to spend an afternoon and the goats at Fainting Goats Vineyards are adorable! I haven’t yet seen the fainting goats in a “passed-out” state, but even so, they are quite a fun presence at the vineyard.
This looks to be a delightful way to have a most interesting day. It also looks like a great way to see and experience a great deal of Georgia. I hope you have reached out to the Georgia Tourism Board with your information. It looks as if you took the work out of it for them.
Are there any other restrictions at the vineyards that you did not list? Do they have a website where you can purchase once you get home? Do they have mail order? Are they authorized to ship wine to destinations around the world?
Viewing each of these vineyards would take several days to accomplish but it would be well worth it. You get to taste several different wines, some local favorites, as well as the more traditional. It would be a great trip to make to interact with a loved one for the memories of the vineyard and of Northern Georgia.
Jerry
Hi Jerry, Thanks so much for sharing. There are a lot of vineyards to choose from, and they all operate independently, so you should reach out to the place(s) you are going to with your specific questions about restrictions. Many of these North Ga vineyards do offer to ship, but the places they are able to ship are usually determined by local laws about mailing alcohol.
Wow, such a great choice of vineyards. It would take weeks to get around all of those.
Its great that you can take a picnic and just enjoy the view. It’s great that you can take dogs too, as we go nowhere without our dog.
Do they get very busy? When is the best time to visit?
Thanks for sharing.
Hi Geoff, There are definitely plenty of options for a vineyard picnic in North Georgia, and we especially enjoy taking our dog with us to enjoy a nice day.
The vineyards are busiest on the weekends and during the peak leaf-changing Fall season. To me, it’s the most beautiful in the Fall and worth dealing with bigger crowds to see the amazing colors. It is helpful to take your own chairs just in case you need and want a seat during peak times. Enjoy!
Wow! your site is super next level, I love your use of widgets and how informative your site is. When I visit Georgia, this site bookmarked is going to be my most helpful planning tool for sure. There were times where I felt maybe a little bombarded by so much information but Your delivery is pretty good and with the topic, there really isnt any other way to deliver the information other than straight forward.
Hi Rene, Thanks so much. I’m always open to suggestions and feedback – thank you!
Hi Alyce, these vineyards in North Georgia look amazing. I love how you talked about which vineyards allowed dogs or not. What would you say is the specialty of various North Georgian wineries? White wine? Red wine? Or something else? I would love to know for a potential trip to North Georgia. Then I can plan what food to bring to couple with the wines. Thanks for the awesome post!
Hi Kevin, Each of the wineries in North Georgia carves out its own identity, so it’s hard to pick one type of wine as a specialty. There are whites, reds, roses, and sparkling wines, and some places even offer a “wine slushie” during warmer months. Most vineyards offer at least a few white wines and a few red wines to choose from, which should give you a lot of great food pairing options.
When you choose a vineyard (or two) where you would like to spend an afternoon, check their online wine list for an idea of whether to expect sweet versus dry wines, etc. This should help you to create the perfect food pairings for your vineyard picnic!
I lived in Atlanta for about 8 years before moving to the beach. I never made it to the Georgia Mountains. It is not too far away from my current home. When things clear up, I need to plan to visit some of the vineyards you mention here. Do you think the wines are as good as those in the Sonoma Valley of California? I have not been able to find a good Pinot Noir from any vineyard on this side of the country.
Hi Rich, There are some wonderful wines available in Georgia, but my favorite Pinot Noir wines are usually from Willamette Valley in Oregon. I recommend visiting Frogtown Cellars for an excellent selection of red wines. I have found that it is beneficial to let your server know your tasting preferences so that they can guide you to selections that you will enjoy the most. Cheers!
Again, thank you for sharing this helpful information about vineyard picnics. This isn’t always information that is easy to find on winery websites so it’s helpful to have it all compiled in one place right here (plus a vineyard map!).
Beautiful spaces and I’m already planning my mix of charcuterie items to take on my next trip to the vineyards!! 🙂
Hi Josh, a personalized charcuterie board is probably the perfect vineyard picnic snack! Bon appetit!!
Hello there – this is fantastic! Thanks for sharing where I can take my friends and family on a nice day to enjoy good local wines with our own favorite picnic foods. It’s helpful to know which places allow dogs and what types of other things the vineyards may offer like live music. Loved the photos too! Thanks for pulling this all together, it’s definitely going to help us plan a great vineyard picnic outing in north Georgia!
It’s wonderful to hear that you found this information helpful for your trip planning. I hope you all are able to enjoy a lovely picnic!
Oh this was a good read to come across. I’m going to have to convince my boyfriend to take me traveling. He’s not much of a traveler, but I think he’d actually go for this since it’s not horrendously far for a drive. Plus several of the locations look really nice. I also haven’t been on a picnic since I was in high school, and that was just at a swimming pool. A real picnic would be nice. It’d be great for a bonding experience. This was super nice to come across.
Hi Eirian, I’m so happy to hear that you’ve enjoyed learning about having picnics at the North Georgia vineyards. They are definitely a nice way to enjoy the scenery on a pretty day in the mountains!