WHEN IT’S TIME TO UNWIND …
Toasting a beautiful mountain sunset is a timehonored
tradition — one made easier by the incredible
selection of locally produced wines and spirits. The
climate and soil of our area are so distinct, in fact,
that three northern Georgia counties — including
Union County — and two counties of western North
Carolina have been designated as an American
Viticultural Area (AVA). Wines from the Upper
Hiwassee Highlands AVA join those of such noted
wine-growing regions as Sonoma, Napa Valley and
the Finger Lakes Region of New York. Our area
vineyards offer tasting rooms, live music and
seasonal events throughout the year.
CRANE CREEK VINEYARDS (www.crane
creekvineyards.com) — Located in nearby Young
Harris, Crane Creek encompasses 12 acres of vines
planted in a variety of grapes, including Cabernet
Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, Vidal
Blanc, Seyval Blanc, Villard Noir and Chardonel.
HIGHTOWER CREEK VINEYARDS (www.hightower
creekvineyards.com) — Hightower Creek wines are
crafted to celebrate the unique tastes of North Georgia
by using only local fruit and featuring names like
Chatuga White, Dueling Banjos Peach and Deliverance.
Located east of Blairsville in Hiawassee.
ODOM SPRINGS VINEYARDS (www.odom
springsvineyards.com) — Sitting on land in western
Union County owned for more than a century by the
Odom family, this local winery offers regular tastings,
events and even an on-site lodge.
PARADISE HILLS RESORT & SPA (www.paradise
hillsga.com) — This family-owned winery also features
a spa and cabin rentals. The vineyards were
originally planted in 2012 with varietals that include
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Chardonel,
Traminette and Sangiovese.
If your tastes run a little stronger, you might like
Grandaddy Mimm’s Moonshine Distillery (www.
grandaddymimms.com) — a local distillery with
roots dating back to the 1930s. Mercier Orchards
(www.mercierorchards.com) brews its own hard
cider and farm wine on-site in nearby Blue Ridge.
VisitBlairsvilleGA.com 877-745-5789 « 41
AGRICULTURAL ROOTS RUN DEEP
IN UNION COUNTY
Visit with local growers, large and small, as well
as artisans, bakers, potters and painters at the
Union County Farmers Market. Open Tuesdays
and Saturdays, June – October, the market
features 85+ vendors, seminars, live music and
special themed events. Also on site, volunteers
are reconstructing a historic log home. The
building is reported to be one of the oldest
homes in Union County, and was originally built
sometime around 1830 in the Choestoe area.
UNION COUNTY FARMERS MARKET
148 Old Smokey Road, Blairsville
(706) 781-8802 | www.UCFarmersMarket.com
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/(www.mercierorchards.com)
/VisitBlairsvilleGA.com
/www.UCFarmersMarket.com
/www.mercierorchards.com