A region of North Georgia and Western North Carolina has been named an American Viticultural Area—making the Upper Hiwassee Highlands appellation the first in Georgia and the fourth in North Carolina.
Appellations are defined either by political boundaries, such as the name of a county or state, or by federally-recognized growing regions called American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). Notable AVAs include Napa and Sonoma Valleys. The Upper Hiawassee Highlands AVA is a 690-square-mile area producing wine from more than 50 vineyard acres.
Georgia is home to more than 30 wineries focusing on native muscadine grapes and European-style vinifera and French hybrid grapes. Bunch Grapes, Norton, Lenoir and Blanc Du are producing high quality wine from grapes that can handle the South’s climate. Planted vinifera grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay and Viognier.
Georgia leads the nation in the production of muscadine table grapes developed primarily at the University of Georgia. Scuppernongs and other native muscadine grapes are relatively pest resistant and thrive in the hot southern region of Georgia. Muscadines contain high levels of resveratrol and other health-enhancing antioxidants. Some wineries even sell grape skins to nutraceutical companies.
Wineries in the new Upper Hiawassee Highlands AVA are: Towns County, Ga. – Crane Creek Vineyards, Hightower Creek Vineyards; Union County, Ga. – Paradise Hills Vineyards, Odom Springs Vineyards; Clay County, N.C. – Eagle Fork Vineyards; Cherokee County, N.C. – Callaboose Cellars, Valley River Vineyards, Nottely River Valley Vineyards.
For more information, visit exploregeorgia.org.
An app for wine lovers
A new app leads wine lovers on a guided journey to wineries and tasting rooms, special events and new releases in Georgia. With an interactive map, the app explores White County’s Unicoi Wine Trail. The trail explores the region around Helen, Ga. and features wineries, taverns and lodging. To download the app, visit whitecountychamber.org.