Photo by Scott Warman on Unsplash.
Not to be confused with the country of Georgia and its long history of wine making, Georgia, the state, was one of the top producers of wine in the United States in the early 20th century, with over 20,000 acres of land planted with grape vines. However, in 1907, Georgia was one of the first states to prohibit the sale and distribution of alcohol, and as occurred across the US, Prohibition completely decimated the wine industry of Georgia.
History of Wine Industry in Georgia
The Georgia wine business would not return until the 1980s with the passing of the Georgia Farm Winery Act in 1983, which encouraged grape growers in the state to produce wine, resulting in a rebirth of wine production in Georgia. The Act requires that a minimum of 40% of the agricultural crops used in winery products be grown in the state of Georgia. The Georgia Wine Producers (formerly the Wine Growers Association of Georgia) is a non-profit corporation that promotes and markets Georgian wine and viticultural research to improve wine quality.
Appalachian Mountains, Dahlonega, Georgia. Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay.
Where are Wineries Located in Georgia?
Most of the wineries in Georgia are located about two hours north of Atlanta in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. With altitudes of 1300-2400 feet above sea level, this area provides a suitable environment for vines, having both moderate temperatures and humidity. The cool, dry climate allows the wineries to grow several species of grapes, including Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and French American hybrids like Seyval Blanc and Chambourcin. The quality of wines produced is respectable, and several wineries have won medals at national and international wine competitions.
Fruit on the grapevine. Image by Joe from Pixabay.
Types of Grapes Grown in Georgia
To the south, the native American Muscadine grape is a mainstay of the Georgia wine industry as it grows most successfully in the southern low-lying areas of the state. It does well here as its thick skin is resistant to common vineyard pests, diseases, and high humidity. Georgia is considered a national leader in the production of wine from the Muscadine grape, made in a range of styles from dry to sweet. In 2020, Muscadine was named the state grape by Governor Brian Kemp.
Georgia Wine Country
In 2014, the prominence of the Georgia wine industry increased with the designation of an American Viticultural Area (AVA) within the state. An AVA is a federal designation that requires wineries that put an AVA designated region on a label to meet specific viticultural and quality standards. The Upper Hiwassee Highlands AVA encompasses three counties in northern Georgia and two in western North Carolina. In 2018, a second AVA was confirmed, the Dahlonega Plateau, an area long considered “the heart of Georgia wine.” It is the first AVA completely contained within the boundaries of the state of Georgia.
According to the Georgia Wine Producers list of members on their website, there are approximately 100 bonded farm wineries and vineyards across the state. Many wineries boast fine restaurants, and several offer accommodations, including one with a private villa. To plan a northern Georgia wine country trip, visit the GA Mountains Guide for detailed information about winery tours, tastings, restaurants, and events.
Another way to get familiar with Georgia wine is to participate in the Georgia Wine Highway event, initially established by the WGA to promote wine and wineries in Georgia. The “highway” is open from March 1 to May 31st this year and leads participants on a tour of over 45 award-winning wineries nestled in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains and Dahlonega Plateau. It includes a “winery passport” to get stamped, a tasting glass for complimentary tastings, discounts, and food and entertainment at each winery. Visit the Georgia Wine Highway website to learn more about participating wineries, accommodations, and more.
This article was originally written for Recette Magazine, and was published online on April 16, 2021. See the original article here: https://blog.suvie.com/a-beginners-guide-to-georgia-wines. See all of the Fifty States of Wine articles here: https://alwayssharingwine.com/category/asw-blog/fifty-states-of-wine. See all of Susan’s previously published articles here: https://alwayssharingwine.com/tag/previously-published.
