Three Days of North Georgia Brewery, Winery and Distillery Group Tours
Taste the best in Georgia brewing, distilling, and winemaking with behind-the-scenes group tours.
To experience the best in wine, whiskey, and beer, one used to have to travel to California, Scotland, or Germany. Not anymore. Nowadays in Georgia, we enjoy the quality and artistry of beverages made right here at home. The Peach State has seen remarkable growth of locally owned distilleries, breweries, and wineries, all of which look to Georgia's tremendous agricultural resources for ingredients. Whether you crave a crisp IPA or a cider made with local apples, Georgia's serving your drink of choice.
Dalton Distillery, Dalton
This North Georgia distillery crafts authentic (and gluten-free) moonshine from a 100-year-old family recipe. Owner and fifth generation distiller Raymond Butler enjoys discussing the history of corn whiskey in Georgia. His award-winning version, Raymond's Reserve, and also Raymond's Reserve cinnamon, are made exclusively with Georgia-grown produce and grains. Be sure to sample their Tazaray, the first-ever commercially distilled spirit made from sunflower seeds. Call to arrange group tastings; a private room accommodates up to 70 people.
Reformation Brewery, Woodstock
The brewing team here swears by the pure water from Georgia's Upper Etowah Watershed as an essential ingredient in their yeast-forward, Belgian style beers. Try a Belgian-style Tripel, a Russian imperial stout, or even a rosé ale - a beer/wine hybrid with a crisp finish. A new 6,000-square-foot brew house downtown features two public bars with 24 beers on tap. Decks overlook a large green space, and larger indoor spaces accommodate up to 200. Groups may book tables in advance or tours offered on specific days by calling ahead.
Overnight in Woodstock.
From the Earth Brewing Company, Roswell
With more than a dozen selections of tap, craft beer is the headliner her. But owners Tim and Lisa Stevens also offer chef-driven locally sources cuisine, seasonal cocktails, and wine. Order the salmon BLT or smoked Gouda and cheddar mac and cheese paired with a flight of four five-ounce drafts from the rotation selection. The Brewhouse Table Experience accommodates up to 12 in a semi-private, glassed room overlooking brewery activity. Limited space is available for tours; call ahead to reserve or inquire about a full buyout.
American Spirit Whiskey, Atlanta
This distillery is home to Duality, Georgia's first-ever double gold medal-winning whiskey. You'll also find a selection of rye, apple brandy, and cask-strength whiskeys on hand. Guided tastings include three tastes, or for those who prefer a mixed drink, three half-cocktails featuring ASW spirits. Groups of up to 25 may reserve the Investors Room, which includes an owner-hosted private tour and a guided tour. Larger groups are welcome with advance booking.
Monday Night Brewing, Atlanta
This brewery has two Atlanta locations: One at "The Garage" in southwest Atlanta and one in West Midtown, where tours are offered. The taproom boasts a sizeable patio and ample lounging space to unwind. The taproom is open for visitors every day, but brewery tours are only offered on Thursdays. Groups may gather in the VIP suite, the taproom, or on the outdoor patio. Call ahead to reserve space or book a group tour.
Overnight in Atlanta
Chateau Elan Winery, Braselton
Just an hour north of Atlanta, Chateau Elan offers visitors a chance to take a deep dive into winemaking. The Signature Tour & Tasting takes guests through the winery and out into the vineyards for an in-depth look at the winemaking process, then concludes with a guided tasting of six Chateau Elan wines. The Premiere Tour & Tasting offers the same experience as well as chef-curated food pairings. Group of 12 or more may book private tours, and afterward gather on the vineyard lawn. winery patio, or the fire pit areas.
Habersham Winery, Helen
Habersham has been crafting wine since 1983, making it one of the state's oldest wineries, as well as one of the largest. Located in the charming alpine-inspired village of Helen, the tasting room keeps several selections on hand, including Chardonnay, Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Their off-dry Scarlett Red Blend is a fan favorite, as is their rich and buttery Georgia Creekstone Chardonnay. Groups and tour buses are welcome; visits must be booked two weeks in advance.
Don't-Miss Dining: Eagle Creek Brewing Company, Statesboro
At this Statesboro brewhouse and music venue, you'll find down-home Southern-inspired offerings such as Sweet Tea Amber Ale or the River Street Praline Brown Ale. Ask for the latest in their Gaslight selection - very small-batch brews made weekly. Satisfy your food cravings with tasty brisket and barbecue sandwiches, burgers, salads, and sides like smoked Gouda mac-and-cheese bites.
Must-Stop Shopping: Downtown Thomasville
A Great American Main Street Community, historic Thomasville is the perfect downtown in which to browse for everything from home decor and antiques to books and art. Firefly specializes in unique gift offerings, and antiquers will love Relics for unusual pieces. For a break between rounds of shopping, check out the award-winning selections at Sweet Grass Dairy Cheese Shop or dig into a bacon cheddar scone from Grassroots Coffee.
