Winter Wine Passport: Unicoi Wine Trail
My favorite wines from the Unicoi Wine Trail because “wine” not!
The 2018 Unicoi Wine Trail is made up of seven wineries. Peach state wineries have a staple I think you must be willing to taste if you have not already! Muscadine wine. These are one of my favorite types of wine as they taste just like you are biting into a sweet muscadine grape. If you find you enjoy it, and I am sure you will, order a wine slushie with muscadine wine swirled throughout! I am not sure there is a better way to cool off from the Georgia heat other than a sweet, cool, and refreshing muscadine wine slushie. Now lets get stamped on our way through the Unicoi Wine Trail!!
CeNita Vineyards and Winery
591 Dock Dorsey Rd, Cleveland, GA 30528
What used to be a dairy farm, now rests a tranquil winery overlooking not only vineyards, Yonah Mountain, but also a barn used as a venue. This is absolutely my favorite winery. Inside the tasting room you get a farm house, anthro-feel with delicious wines. I did not try one I did not like! I recommend finding a spot outside for your tasting. They will bring your wine out to you when you are ready for your next. They have cushioned chairs and lounge chairs you will want to fall asleep in, and a fire pit for colder days. The best relaxed easy-going winery. Come dressed up or dress down and you will fit in just fine.
Top 3 favorites:
- Traminette
- Rouge Estate Wine
- Buckie Estate Wine
Yonah Mountain Vineyards
Beautiful estate that rests right below Yonah Mountain. They have a long drive way where a red barn welcomes you onto the property. The tasting room is circular, housing a warm and toasty fireplace. With giant windows you are able to take in mountainside views right from the warmth of the fireplace. I absolutely loved the stone and wooden vaulted ceilings. For all you white wine lovers make sure to grab a glass of their 2016 Sauvignon Blanc to keep you company before you explore the estate. I highly recommend making a reservation in advance if you are interested in touring the only wine caves in Georgia! OR if you are looking to taste 3 un-released wines!!
1717 GA-255, Cleveland, GA 30528
Kaya Vineyard and Winery
5400 Town Creek Rd, Dahlonega, GA 30533
Kaya offers decent wine paired with delicious cuisine. Enjoy a glass with your meal inside or outside on their covered deck overlooking the Appalachian Mountains. Kaya is decorated cutely which appears to be the ideal boutique style winery.
The Cottage Vineyard & Winery
5050 US-129, Cleveland, GA 30528
Exactly as its name states the Cottage Vineyard & Winery is a small cottage setting surrounded by endless mountains. Amazing location and incredible views! Some of my favorite wines they carry include: Vidal Blanc, Baby Doll Legs Rose, Southern Sass, Golden Harvest (sweet muscadine), and Midnight. Keep in mind where we are. The Southern Sass has the perfect aromas and taste of the Georgia peach. I highly recommend the Midnight for a true sweet red muscadine experience. Look out for the blackberry tastes!
Habersham Vineyards & Winery
7025 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545
A winery located right in a village like setting in Helen, GA. My favorites consist of the Traminette (rose petals, granny smith apple, and pineapple tastes), the GA White Muscadine, Granny’s Arbor is a must for blackberry lovers, and the GA Chambourcin for dessert wine fans. If you are in Dahlonega make sure to stop by their tasting room.
Serenity Cellars
265 Laurel Ridge Rd, Cleveland, GA 30528
Go for the Bianco Bello! I love that this winery offers a gathering spot for the community. Bring your own pizza and toppings and they will provide their brick oven to bake your pizza and live music. Pizza, friends, and wine while spending the evening at a winery sounds pretty perfect to me.
Sylvan Valley Lodge and Cellars
747 Duncan Bridge Rd, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571
Right around the corner from Habersham is a bed breakfast that houses a tasting room of Frolicking Faerie Wines. These are unique as some have a tart and acidic taste to them. I really enjoy drinks like this so I was pleased to try a wine for the first time with this extra punch. My favorites were the Blanche and the Sapphira.