No need to hop a plane to Napa, France or Italy to savor award-winning wines.
Dahlonega, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is home to a highly acclaimed wine country. From Italianate hillside mansions to Appalachian-style lodges, visitors can tour distinctive wineries and several tasting rooms to learn first-hand from the vineyards what it takes to coax award-winning wines from ground to grape to glass. Each vineyard has its unique grapes, grown and cultivated to possess a distinct tasting profile. We love Montaluce Winery, with its premium menu, hand-crafted wines, beautiful views, and elegant dining room. Come enjoy their newest addition, the Trattoria di Montaluce, with Italian comfort food dishes, a full cocktail bar and a modern casual ambiance. Whether you’re out for a romantic dinner, a girl’s getaway or a family gathering we think you’ll love the beauty and variety of experiences at Montaluce Vineyard.
Dahlonega’s Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery took top honors in both the red and white varietals in the prestigious San Francisco International Wine Competition (SFIWC). Founded in 1980, the San Francisco International Wine Competition (SFIWC) is the oldest American wine competition and second only to the International Wine and Spirits Competition globally. This year, more than 20 judges gathered in San Francisco in November to evaluate and score more than 2900 wines from around the world.
Where else to stop while in Dahlonega?
Favorite Coffee Shops: The Picnic Cafe, Jethro’s Coffee & Public House, Canopy and The Roots. Picnic Cafe offers quintessential charm, with delicious home-baked pastries and desserts, as well as sandwiches and outdoor dining. Jethro’s offers a moody stylish environment with Valor coffee and great specialty drinks. Check out Canopy and the Roots, with its boho vibe and artsy performance space below, making a splash not just with coffee but also its speakeasy venue.
Favorite Dinner Spot: Spirit’s Tavern for its signature killer burgers, a friendly local atmosphere, and carefully curated beers on tap. Consistently good, where everyone learns your name.
Favorite Hike: Preacher’s Rock. Often cited as a prime spot for wedding proposals, insta selfies and scenic picnics, this doable 2-mile hike offers summit views from multiple overlooks from the Appalachian Trailhead. Beautiful opportunity to breathe in the mountains.
Favorites for history buffs:
In 1828, more than 20 years before the gold rush boom out west, Dahlonega welcomed an influx of miners after it was discovered to have the largest gold deposits found east of the Mississippi River. Today the city celebrates its rich past with attractions that visitors of all ages can enjoy - from educational opportunities including museums and artifacts to interactive experiences such as gold panning and mine tours. The Dahlonega Gold Museum, a State Historic Site, offers visitors an up-close look at mining heritage, including a complete collection of gold coins minted in Dahlonega. At the Crisson Gold Mine, which dates back to 1847, guests can watch the original clattering contraption that crushes rock – VERY noisily – to get to the gold. At Consolidated Gold Mines, visitors enjoy meeting “Miner Mike,” a real miner and colorful character in overalls, with a stick of dynamite and pickaxe in hand, and a battered felt hat on top of his head. Both Consolidated and Crisson Gold Mines offer tours and the chance to strike it rich panning for gems. For the most comprehensive experience, guests can stop by the Dahlonega Visitor’s Center to pick up the Gold Fever Package, which offers discounted tickets to all three of these local gold attractions.
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