Does the idea of sipping a glass of wine while enjoying the mountain views appeal to you?
If so, you’ll feel right at home during a visit to Yonah Mountain Vineyards. As a part of Georgia’s wine country, and their neighboring counterparts, work to embrace the award-winning wines that are produced by local wineries and vineyards like Yonah Mountain.
Both seasoned wine enthusiasts and “newbies” are welcome to tour the beautiful and stunning vineyards and experience new local flavors while enjoying good company and great music. If you have any interest in the business of wine making, Yonah Mountain Vineyards is definitely worth the visit.
CCCR Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Address: 1717 Highway 255, Cleveland
Phone: (706) 878-5522
Website: www.yonahmountainvineyards.com
Vineyard History
Yonah Mountain Vineyards was lovingly founded by Bob & Jane Miller who, for years, have poured their hearts and souls into producing superior wine from seven different varieties of high-quality grapes, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.
The vineyards are situated on a private belt 197-acre estate, spread beneath the breathtakingly beautiful Mount Yonah. Since its first harvest in 2010, the wines produced by Yonah Mountain Vineyards have been honored with the receipt of several awards. Of these, the most notable include the Indy International Wine Competition and the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
The expert staff at Yonah Mountain Vineyards take pride in excellence. Bob, Jane, and their vineyard manager, Jeff, all consider the vineyard and the winery to be a family farm. It’s their desire that their hard work will be passed on to their children, ensuring that the tradition of excellence is carried on through future generations. It’s this level of passion, commitment, and dedication to the craft that sets Yonah Mountain Vineyards aside as one of the best business places for locally produced wine.
Available Wines
Upon visiting the vineyards, you’ll notice that a range of white, red, dessert, and reserve wines are available for sampling and purchase. Of the white wines, Yonah Mountain Vineyard’s most popular selection tends to be its Sauvignon Blanc. This particular wine brings complex flavors together, as the traditionally crisp Sauvignon grape is married with rich, creamy flavors of French Oak.
In terms or red wine, both the non-vintage Cabernet Franc and Meritage are top picks. The former features a sophisticated bouquet of armoa, featuring a silky smooth texture, complimenting ripe bing cherry, raspberry, and toasted oak flavors. The premium Meritage is comprised of a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, and smaller percentages of other choice wines such as Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The end result is a wonderfully layered wine featuring plum, spice, and sweet toasted oak flavors.
Yonah Mountain Vineyard’s dessert wine, La Fin, boasts an incredible texture and magnificent flavors, including ripe Georgia peaches, pears, and pineapple. The wine works perfectly as an aperitif, or as a means of complimenting a rich dessert.
During your trip to Yonah Mountain Vineyards, you might also ask about the wines produced by affiliated local business places, such as Serenity Cellars, or Bearly Sweet for further variety.
Planning Your Visit
A visit to Yonah Mountain Vineyards is a truly unique experience. From the moment that you arrive, you’ll be in awe of the spectacular scenery all around the charming winery and its sprawling vineyard. You’ll be greeted with warm and welcoming southern hospitality, allowing you and your group to feel relaxed and comfortable as you taste the many incredible wines that the facility has to offer. Both full and partial tastings are available to visitors on a walk-in basis during afternoons and evenings, seven days a week.
Although the previously mentioned option is offered, it is strongly recommended that you plan to visit the facility on a Saturday so that you may take part in the Tour de la Cave & Barrel Sampling. This event, which takes place weekly at noon, provides visitors with the opportunity to join owner Bob Miller for a special tour of Georgia’s one and only wine cave. The tour starts with a close-up look at the newly expanded winery, features a barrel sampling of future vintages, and wraps up in the Tasting Room where guests are offered a pour of six wines. A souvenir Yonah Mountain Vineyards glass is included with the tasting.
When you find a wine that you really like, you might opt to purchase another glass to enjoy in the wine room, while live music plays in the background. Wine may also be purchased by the bottle. For those who prefer a brew, craft beer and roasted coffee are also available in the wine room.
Share Your Thoughts Below
Which locally produced wines are you looking forward to trying most? After making a trip to this popular north Georgia business, which of the vineyard’s many wines would you recommend to future visitors?
