The Blue Ridge area is part of North Georgia wine country, with farm wineries on the surrounding hillsides, tasting rooms and wine bars in downtown Blue Ridge, and craft breweries and small-batch distilleries across Fannin County and just over the Tennessee line. Here are the spots we recommend to our guests at Amber Ridge Retreat.
Tasting rooms and wine bars
Downtown Blue Ridge is the easiest place to start. You can walk between tasting rooms, wine bars, and restaurants without moving the car.
- 34th Degree Wine Merchant
- Dancing Rabbits Espresso and Wine Bar
- Doghobble Cellars
- Georgia Wine Depot
- Mercier Orchards
- Out of the Blue
- The Pasta Market
- The Vine Wine Bar & Eatery
Farm wineries and vineyards
For the full experience, visit the vineyards themselves. Most have patios or decks with mountain views and pour wines made from grapes grown on site or in North Georgia. Some, like Crane Creek Vineyards near Young Harris and Paradise Hills Winery Resort & Spa near Blairsville, make a scenic half-day drive. The Ellijay area, about 15 minutes south of our cabin, has its own growing cluster of vineyards too.
- Bear Claw Vineyards
- Grapes and Ladders Winery
- Kerith House
- Living Water Winery & Vineyard
- Crane Creek Vineyards
- Mercier Orchards (hard cider and wine)
- Nottely River Valley Vineyards
- Redtail Mountain Vineyards
- Roo Mountain Vineyards
- Paradise Hills Winery Resort & Spa
Craft breweries and distilleries
Prefer beer or spirits? Blue Ridge and the nearby border towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee have a lively craft scene. Copperhill makes an easy stop during the Scenic Railway layover.
- Angry Hops Brewing
- Buck Bald Brewing
- Copperhill Brewing
- Grandaddy Mimm's Distilling Co.
- Grumpy Old Men Brewing
- House of Applejay Distillery
- Ocoee River Distilling
- Tipping Point Brewing Co.
Tips for a wine tasting day
- Plan a driver. Mountain roads are winding and dark at night. Book a guided wine tour or choose a designated driver.
- Check hours and reservations. Many farm wineries keep limited weekday hours, and fall weekends fill up.
- Pace it. Two or three wineries is a relaxed day. Pair them with lunch downtown or at the orchard.
- Bring it home. Pick up a bottle for the hot tub back at the cabin.
Wineries & breweries: FAQ
Are there wineries near Blue Ridge, GA?
Yes. North Georgia is one of the Southeast's best-known wine regions. Near Blue Ridge you will find farm wineries such as Bear Claw Vineyards and Roo Mountain Vineyards, plus downtown tasting rooms and wine bars. Crane Creek Vineyards and Paradise Hills Winery Resort & Spa are a scenic drive away.
Can you do a winery tour from Blue Ridge without driving?
Yes. Several local companies offer guided wine tours with transportation. Booking one is the easiest way to visit several vineyards safely in a day.
What are the best breweries near Blue Ridge?
Local favorites include Grumpy Old Men Brewing in Blue Ridge, plus Copperhill Brewing and Buck Bald Brewing just across the state line in Copperhill, Tennessee, an easy add-on to a Scenic Railway trip.
Do Blue Ridge wineries require reservations?
Many do not for small groups, but fall weekends are busy and some vineyards require reservations for groups or tastings. Check each winery's website before you go.
Does Mercier Orchards have hard cider?
Yes. Mercier Orchards makes hard cider and wine and has a tasting area at its farm market between Cherry Log and Blue Ridge.
Stay with us
End the tasting day by the fire
Amber Ridge Retreat in Cherry Log has a wood-burning fireplace, a hot tub, and a quiet mountain setting between Blue Ridge and Ellijay wine country.
Check availabilitySee the cabinMore from our Blue Ridge area guide
Things to Do in Blue Ridge
The railway, downtown, orchards, and a seasonal plan.
Read the guide →Waterfalls Near Blue Ridge
Hike lengths, heights, and tips for four favorite falls.
Read the guide →Things to Do With Kids
Gem mining, Bigfoot, the drive-in, and ziplines.
Read the guide →Lake, River & Trails
Lake Blue Ridge, the Toccoa, Ocoee rafting, and hiking.
Read the guide →Where to Eat
Upscale, waterfront, and local favorites.
Read the guide →← Back to the Blue Ridge, GA area guide
Written by Jesse and Amber, hosts of Amber Ridge Retreat. Last updated September 2026. Please drink responsibly.
