By Phil Yeakel
This is the fifth year the POA will be hosting the ever-popular North Georgia Wine Tour. You can travel with us either on Wednesday, Aug. 24 or Thursday, Aug. 25. This is a perfect time to visit the vineyards because the harvest will have just been completed and the wine will be in the production process.
A luxury tour bus will leave the Wildcat Recreational Area at 10 a.m. and return at 5:30 p.m. on both days. Guests will enjoy the experience of touring the facilities of three exceptional North Georgia wineries. We will see where the grapes are grown, experience how the wines are made, talk with winemakers and vineyard owners, taste 15 different wines (including one from the barrel prior to bottling), have a gourmet picnic lunch and let someone else do the driving. For individuals who would like to participate in the tour but not the wine tasting, we have a special rate that includes transportation, lunch, and water/soft drink options.
First visit will be to Engelheim Vineyards: Engelheim is home to over 20+ awards for an outstanding lineup of wines. This winery received the 2018 Georgia Winery of the Year award, and the Best Georgia Grown Wine awards in 2020 and 2021. The owner, Gary Engel, will host us in his new Venue in the Vines event center with a tour of the venue and winery. At Engelheim, you will enjoy a tasting of five different wines produced by Gary and his team.
Second stop is Buckley Vineyards: Buckley is a fairly new winery. Kevin and Gay Buckley will be our hosts. They will provide an up-close and personal experience that includes their premium five wine tasting and while you are in their production facility you will be able to taste their Cab Franc direct from the aging barrel. Finally, you will enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch with a wine selection of your choice, a craft beer or a soft drink
Third stop Chateau Meichtry Family Vineyard & Winery This is a family-owned and operated winery and vineyard. In 1921, Stephan Meichtry traveled to America from Switzerland and settled in New York where he enjoyed winemaking. Today, his daughter Doris and granddaughter Karin carry on the wine-making tradition in the North Georgia Mountains. You will taste four of their current wines and enjoy a special wine served in their edible chocolate cup.
Non-refundable tickets are $98 per person for the full tour and $58 for non-wine drinkers. Reservation requests can be made by contacting Phil Yeakel by email at plyeakel@gmail.com. For questions or additional information call Phil at (404) 226-9694.
To register for the Wednesday, Aug. 24, trip, click here.
To register for the Thursday, Aug. 25, trip, click here.
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