Nestled in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains, Helen is not only known for its Bavarian-inspired architecture and scenic views but also for its charming wineries.
The Alpine Helen region offers a delightful selection of wineries that are sure to please your palate. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top wineries in Helen, Georgia, and what makes each one special.
Helpful Tips for Visiting Helen, GA Wineries
- Most wineries are not open every day. Be sure to check their operating hours before visiting.
- While snacks are available at many of the wineries, there is only one on this list that serves up a meal. You may want to bring your own food or pack a picnic lunch.
- Winery tours are not common at these wineries. Delicious tastings and leisurely days or nights at the vineyard are the stars of the show. Don’t expect a guided tour of the wine making process or vineyards.
- Several of these locations are tasting rooms only without the option of sitting outdoors for an hour or two. Be sure to read each description carefully before planning a visit.
- Wine slushies are a Georgia thing that you must try!
These are just a few of the best things to do for couples in Helen, Georgia! Be sure to see them all!
1. Habersham Winery
Established in 1983, Habersham Winery holds the distinction of being one of the oldest and largest wineries in Georgia.
It is located just outside of downtown Helen in Nacoochee Village, which is across from the very popular Nora Mill Granary and next to Nacooche Adventures, a zip-lining location in Helen. This is a destination well worth the extra minute or two drive beyond the tourist region on the river.
You won’t find vineyards to wander at this winery or guided tours. However, you will find a charming tasting room that is bustling with visitors walking up to the bar for a tasting.
The gift shop inside Habersham Winery is packed with wine-related items to purchase, plus a lot more fun items to consider bringing home as a souvenir.
Habersham Vineyards and Winery has a main location in Helen, Georgia with additional tasting rooms in Dahlonega and Sautee Nacoochee.
2. Yonah Mountain Vineyards
Yonah Mountain Vineyards offers breathtaking views alongside its impressive wines. Located in Cleveland, Georgia, this is the perfect location if you are craving mountain views and a leisurely atmosphere to enjoy a flight of wine.
We were really impressed with this expansive winery that has plenty of seating throughout the property.
The 200-acre property has rolling hills of vineyards that make great photo backdrops, too.
Downstairs, the wine cave is a fun place for groups and large gatherings. You can see the wine cave, which is the only known wine cave in Georgia according to Yonah Mountain Vineyards, when you book a Winery Select Tour.
Yonah Mountain Vineyards is striving to be as sustainable as possible. You will definitely notice this as you drive into the winery and see the solar panels in the field which provide more than 60% of their electricity, or the 14 electric vehicle charging stations in the parking lot.
A Tesla Solar Roof, electric forklift and on-site bee hives for harvesting honey are just a few more of the sustainable business practices.
3. Creekstone Winery
Habersham Winery’s Creekstone label is so popular that a winery was created just for it!
Creekstone Winery is located just 3 minutes from Habersham Winery (which is listed above). Situated near Hardman Farm Historic Site and the Nacoochee Indian Mound, this is an area of Helen that has some interesting attractions, as well.
The location is a French-style mansion that sits atop a hill with great views of Mount Yonah.
This winery does have a kitchen, one of the few that offer food beyond small snacks. You will find flatbread pizzas, giant pretzels, charcuterie and more. Beers are also available.
There is a great selection of live music and special events at this location.
4. Fox Winery
Fox Winery is a tasting room in downtown Helen that offers free wine samples from three Georgia wineries:
- Fox Vineyards
- Horse Creek Vineyards
- Still Pond Vineyards
In addition to wine tastings, you can also find gourmet chocolates, wine-related merchandise, antique German steins and hot sauces and seasonings.
5. Serenity Cellars
This boutique winery doesn’t ship their products, so if you want to try their delicious wines, you will need to visit the intimate tasting room.
Serenity Cellars as a Tuscan-inspired tasting room in Cleveland, Georgia, about 12 minutes from downtown Helen.
While they have a lovely selection of white, red and rose wines, Serenity Cellars is definitely known for their dessert wines!
Be sure to try one of these favorites:
- Dolce Bello (Chambourcin blend infused with chocolate)
- Luce Del Sole (a lemon after-dinner drink reminiscent of Limoncello)
6. Cenita Vineyards and Winery
Named after their parents, Cenita Vineyards and Winery is truly a family-run destination that is a labor of love! In fact, the vineyards are now planted on land that was the site of the family’s first dairy. Four generations having been farming the land.
We love the outdoor seating area with views over the vineyard and rolling hills in the background. A fire pit is also on the property with gorgeous views behind. Or just relax in one of their hammocks!
If you prefer indoor seating, you won’t be disappointed with the cozy atmosphere and copper-panel roof.
Wine plushies are available, as well as light snacks such as chips and salsa or hummus and pita chips.
A farmhouse is located at CeNita Vineyards that can accommodate up to 10 guests. See booking details on their website.
The winery is located in Cleveland, GA, about a 20 minute drive from Helen.
Related Post: Waterfall Hikes in Helen, GA
7. Kaya Vineyard and Winery
Located about 25 minutes outside of Helen is Kaya Vineyard and Winery in Dahlonega, GA.
One of the highlights of visiting Kaya Vineyard and Winery is the breathtaking views that surround the property. Located at an elevation of 1,600 feet in the North Georgia Mountains, the winery offers panoramic views of the rolling hills and vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s the perfect backdrop for a peaceful and serene wine tasting experience.
Sweet wines are available in addition to white, red and rose.
This is one of the few wineries near Helen, GA that offers a meal. Light lunch is available on select days at the winery.
Cottages are available for rent at Kaya Vineyard and Winery. These cottages actually look like luxurious family homes in a residential neighborhood and are within walking distance of the tasting room.
8. Limoges Cellars
One of the newest wineries near Helen, GA, Limoges Cellars is located in the town of Cleveland, Georgia, about 20 minutes from Helen.
Located adjacent to the Dahlonega Plateau, which is the state’s first designated AVA (American Viticultural Area), you will be able to sip wines with mountain views.
The 37-acre vineyard and winery has a robust wine menu, along with beers for non-wine drinkers so that friends and family can join together, regardless of preferences.
Bring your own food to enjoy a picnic outdoors or build a charcuterie board from their small market.
9. Sweet Acre Farms Winery
For a rustic wine experience that feels like you are on a farm, head outside of Helen, GA to Sweet Acre Farms Winery in Alto, about a 35 minute drive.
Sweet Acre Farms Winery does have a tasting room in downtown Helen, as well, that is open on the weekends.
Wine slushies are among the most popular items at Sweet Acre Farms Winery, but don’t miss their wine flights or wines by the glass, either!
This family-owned winery is a true labor of love, and you will get that feeling when you visit either their rustic tasting room with wood paneled walls and a tin ceiling in Alto, or their more urban-tasting room in Helen.
Among the unique wines to enjoy are:
- Blueberry Wine
- Apple Wine
- Muscadine Wine
- Watermelon Wine
- Peach Wine
- Pear Mead
The unique labels on the wine bottles are created by the owner’s mom. This is truly a family business that loves what they do!
10. Cottage Vineyard Winery
You can enjoy 360-degree views of the North Georgia Mountains at The Cottage Vineyard and Winery in Cleveland, GA, about 15 minutes from Helen.
This family-owned and operated vineyard has a veteran’s memorial wall surrounded by flags of military branches and first responders. The original owner was in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years. It has since passed on to new owners.
Sweet wines, dry wines, wine slushies and beers are available, as well as a small assortment of snacks.
Tours are available for large groups. There is a cabin onsite available to rent.
Wine Tours in Helen, GA
If you are looking for a guided wine tour in Helen, Georgia with a driver, check out these companies:
- VIP Southern Wine Tours
- North Georgia Wine Tours
If you are traveling from Atlanta to Helen, the North Georgia Wine Country Tour from Atlanta is perfect for you! No need to worry about directions or driving, and everyone can enjoy the wines!
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