COVER STORY: NORTH GEORGIA: If sip’s not enough, stay for a few days

Part of the appeal of vacationing in a vineyard is the opportunity to be dazzled by a spectacular view. Persimmon Creek Vineyards in Clayton delivers with its picturesque grapevines framed by lush woodlands, a quaint red barn and abundant flora including wildflowers, sunflowers and poppies.

This rolling Rabun County farmland, about 100 miles northeast of Atlanta, is a 110-acre estate owned by Dr. William “Sonny” and Mary Ann Hardman.

First planted in 2000 as a hobby, the vineyard boasts four grape varietals: Seyval Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. It’s grown to support a successful winemaking business that produces 2,000 cases each year with its wines offered in more than 25 restaurants including Atlanta’s Restaurant Eugene and the Ritz-Carlton in Buckhead, and the Cloister at Sea Island.

Only recently has the vineyard hosted overnight guests, thanks to the construction of three luxury cottages. Designed to reflect the beauty of the landscape, they were “built in the tradition of A.J. Downing, the legendary landscaper from the 19th century who founded the movement toward local architecture,” Mary Ann said. “All the building materials are local and natural to this area. It’s all plank and stone, no Sheetrock.”

All three cottages feature stone wood-burning fireplaces, bathrooms that are spalike havens with deep bathtubs and multihead showers, kitchens equipped with professional-grade appliances (including Viking stoves), cozy living rooms with designer furnishings and outdoor living spaces.

While each cottage blends the charm of a historic farmhouse with modern conveniences, finishes and accessories define individual personality.

“Everything in here has some sort of meaning to us personally; it’s not just bric-a-brac,” said Mary Ann, who shared the stories behind various items that decorate the cottages: a painting was purchased on a vacation, a kettle once belonged to her grandmother, a doll was a gift from her late father, and so on.

Each morning guests receive a complimentary breakfast of homemade muffins and breads accompanied by homegrown and homemade jams, jellies and applesauce.

When visiting Persimmon Creek Vineyards you can enjoy a private tour and wine tasting and then wander through the estate guided by a detailed map painted by artist Bob Francisco.

Stop by the barn to visit the family’s pig, climb through the springhouse and discover an abandoned still once operated by a former landowner, wander through rows of trellised grapevines and look around fields planted with cucumbers, carrots, green beans, potatoes, corn, pumpkins and squash.

With no television or Internet access, the cottages at Persimmon Creek Vineyards provide a true country escape as well as a luxurious invitation to explore what goes into every bottle of its wine.

IF YOU GO

Persimmon Creek Vineyards. Tours available by appointment only. Cottage rentals start at $600 a night with a two-night minimum. No children younger than 15 are permitted. 81 Vineyard Lane, Clayton; 706-212-7380, www.persimmoncreekwine.com

Where To Eat

Grapes & Beans. The casual restaurant is also a wine and coffee shop that serves lunch daily. Soups, salads and sandwiches use local and organic ingredients as much as possible. $7-$10. 42 E. Savannah St., Clayton; 706-212-0020, www.grapesandbeans.com.

Historic Lake Rabun Hotel & Restaurant. Menu is an eclectic mix of Southern casual and gourmet dishes. $16-$25. 35 Andrea Lane, Lakemont. 706 782-4946, www.lakerabunhotel.com.

Isabelle’s on the Gorge. Casual dining located in a 120-year-old Victorian home overlooking Tallulah Falls. Menu boasts several Southern, Italian and steakhouse favorites. $10-$20. U.S. 441; Tallulah Falls; 706-754-5614, www.isabellesonthegorge.com.

Attractions

Tallulah Gorge State Park. Showcasing a canyon that’s 2 miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep, this park offers several hiking trails and the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center, which showcases the gorge’s ecosystem and the region’s history through exhibits and film. 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Drive, Tallulah Falls; 706-754-7970, www.georgiastateparks.org

Southeastern Expeditions. Offers guided raft trips. 7350

U.S. 76 East, Clayton; 706-782-4331, www.southeasternexpeditions.com.

Foxfire Museum & Heritage Center. Showcases the southern Appalachian mountain pioneer culture. 200 Foxfire Lane, Mountain City; 706-746-5828, www.foxfire.org.