Habersham County Wineries

Habersham County is the heart of North Georgia wine country, and the wineries here are close enough to Helen that you can visit two or three in an afternoon. The county stretches across the foothills between Clarkesville and Baldwin, and the combination of elevation, well-drained soils, and warm summer days has made it one of the most productive grape-growing areas in the state.

Habersham Winery, founded in 1983, is the anchor of the local wine scene and one of the oldest wineries in Georgia. The tasting room is at 7025 South Main Street in Helen itself, which makes it an easy first stop or last stop on any day out. They produce a wide range, from dry Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc to sweeter muscadine wines and their popular Creekstone blends. The frozen wine slushies are a hit in summer. Tastings typically run $10 to $15 and include a souvenir glass. Hours are Monday through Thursday 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Sunday 12:30 to 5:00 PM, with tastings ending 30 minutes before closing.

CeNita Vineyards offers a quieter, more personal tasting experience in the Habersham County countryside. The setting is smaller and more intimate than the larger commercial wineries, and you are likely to get more one-on-one time with the staff as they walk you through their wines. Call ahead for hours and availability, as they sometimes operate by appointment.

Just south of Helen in the Sautee Nacoochee Valley, Yonah Mountain Vineyards produces estate-grown wines aged in a cave built into the mountain. The views from the tasting room are hard to beat. The broader area has several other tasting rooms and vineyards within a short drive, making it easy to build a half-day wine tour. Plan for two to three winery visits in a half day, and consider a designated driver or one of the local touring services. Pair your wine tasting with lunch in Clarkesville for a full day out.