Savoring the Square
Instead of driving to several North Georgia wineries, visitors to Dahlonega can sample some of the local vintages from tasting rooms and restaurants around the town square. A new three-hour walking tour, Savoring the Square, takes tasters to five to seven locations in a short stroll in which they’re plied with wine and food. Along the way, guides recount tales of the town’s history and culture. Bring an ID so there’s no question you’re old enough to imbibe. The same company also offers a “boos and brews” crawl to local brewpubs.
19 E. Main St., Dahlonega. 706-482-8795, dahlonegawalkingtours.com.
Cannon Brewpub
After a stroll along the riverwalk beside the Chattahoochee River in Columbus, head over to this restaurant and pub for a tasting of its brewed-on-site beers. The owners have been at it since 1999 and now offer a range of options, including India pale ale, wheat beer and stout. Grab a seat at the copper bar, where you can sip a sampler of four beers and watch the work behind the scenes in the brewery, or take a tour and see the process from start to finish. The pub also serves pizza, burgers, seafood and steaks.
1041 Broadway, Columbus. 706-653-2337, thecannonbrewpub.com.
Fannin Brewing Co.
This Blue Ridge brewery will be two years old in April, but it already has found a strong local following and won its first award — a People’s Choice honor from the Grayson Beer Festival for its Pumpkin Ale. A tasting room offers samples of its brews, including its signature Hiawassee Golden Ale. The owners also hold a number of pairing events; beer with chocolate is a hot ticket. Fannin brews are now available at select outlets across North Georgia.
3758 E. 1st St., Blue Ridge. 706-258-2762, fanninbrewingcompany.com, @fanninbrewing.
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