So many ways to enjoy Georgia wines and wine events in Georgia, so little time.
There are romantic wine trails, posh gatherings, ingenious wine-themed events and a fair smattering of tasting rooms.
Even better, all of these upcoming (or ongoing) wine-related happenings are within a 100 miles or so of Atlanta, so cheers to you.
Dahlonega Wine Trail
Dahlonega, ongoing
The Dahlonega mountains create favorable elevations that enhance grape-growing conditions in Dahlonega and Lumpkin County. On this 39-mile scenic drive, which takes about an hour and 15 minutes, you can see vineyards that thrive in the area growing European, French-hybrid and American wine grapes. It's also set up so tourists can sample and purchase award-winning wines and meet the winemakers.
Jun 1-4, Tickets start at $100,
Loews Atlanta Hotel, 1065 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta
This year's Atlanta Food & Wine Festival will play host to more than 200 Southern chefs and spirits professionals who will participate in 80 classes and tasting sessions, curated dinners and the trail of tasting tents dotting the Greensward area of Piedmont Park. Attendees can choose to tailor their festival experience by purchasing day or weekend passes, which encompass both the learning sessions and tents, or simply purchasing access to the daily tasting tents.
Global Cooking & Wine Pairing Series: Under the Tuscan Sun
$79, Vino Venue, 4478 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody
One of the many wine events from the Atlanta Wine School, this class pairs Tuscan cuisine made with seasonal local ingredients and appropriate wines. A chef teaches the class and students eat their efforts. Two wines are sampled during preparation and two more are enjoyed with dinner. Though the June event is booked, Atlanta Wine School will host another in November.
Wine Crawl Atlanta
1-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, $130, W Atlanta - Midtown, 188 14th St. NE, Atlanta
Wine Crawl takes place in cities across the country, and will come to Atlanta W Atlanta in September. The private wine tour will include trips to popular wine bars, wineries and restaurants (which have not yet been announced). This swanky wine tour will take guests via a luxury coach on the ultimate wine tasting journey right in the heart of Atlanta.
Credit: Bob Andres, bandres@ajc.com
Credit: Bob Andres, bandres@ajc.com
Aqua Vino at the Georgia Aquarium
6:30 p.m. Aug. 25, advance purchase grand tasting ticket, $75 before July 25; grand tasting ticket for non-members, $95; $75 for members; advance purchase VIP tasting ticket, $225; VIP tasting ticket, $250,
Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker St. NW, Atlanta
This promises to be a posh event of the "see and be seen" variety. Along with an after-hours view of the aquatic life, expect more than 200 wines from around the world and tastings from more than 30 premier metro Atlanta restaurants. The event supports vital research and conservation efforts at the aquarium, so you can do good while having a good time.
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