Explore the wonders of local wine country – and leave the driving to us

As the world opens up and a little wanderlust kicks in, the region’s wineries beckon.

The area around Big Canoe has its share of vineyards and wine-making operations worth visiting, so the POA Programs and Events Committee is hosting a North Georgia Wine Tour available on two different days: Thursday, Aug. 5 and Friday, Aug. 6.

Whether you are a wine connoisseur who tosses around high-fallutin’ words like “oenophile” or you just want a crisp glass of white or a bold red to tickle your palate, this trip is for you.

A luxury tour bus leaves the Wildcat Recreational Area at 9:45 a.m. and returns at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 5 and 6.

Guests will tour the facilities of three exceptional North Georgia wineries where they will visit the vineyards where the grapes are grown; explore the production facilities; meet with the wine makers and vineyard owners; and have a gourmet picnic lunch. Come sample 15 different wines – and let someone else do the driving.

For those people who would like to take in the tour but not sample the wine, a reduced rate is available that includes transportation, lunch, and water or soft drink options. The tour includes:

Kaya Vineyard and Winery: This winery has been a favorite on the excursions. At Kaya, you will have a full tour of the facilities including the barrel room followed by a tasting where you can select five wines from the tasting menu. Later, you will enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch overlooking the vineyards with either a wine, craft beer or soft drink.

Three Sisters Vineyards: Sip as you tour the vineyards with Hezzie, the winemaker who will explain the various grapes they grow and how the harvesting process works. Then taste some wine with winery owner Sharon Paul, who will provide the history of Dahlonega’s first family winery. Finally, Hezzie will show us his production facility and tell us how he crafts the various Three Sisters wines.
Ott Farms and Vineyard: The final winery is Ott Farms and Vineyards, which sits on more than seven acres that offer beautiful mountain views. Owners Lee and Mike Ott will host the tour of this fairly new winery, which also will include the sampling of five of their wines.

Tickets, which are non-refundable: $99 per person for the full tour, $58 for non-wine drinkers. Reservations or additional info: contact Phil Yeakel at plyeakel@gmail.com or (404) 226-9694.

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