Group-Friendly Culinary Experiences: Wineries to Shrimping
Sip wine in a vineyard, pull up the day's shrimp catch and taste your way through Georgia with these group-friendly experiences.
The diversity of Georgia will surprise and delight even the most seasoned traveler, and there is no more delicious way to discover it than by embarking on a food tour. The state offers unique flavors and amazing dining experiences perfect for any group.
Sip & Sample in Ellijay Wine Country
As if fall foliage and its status as Apple Capital of Georgia weren't enough, Ellijay offers winery tours amidst the southern Appalachians. Walk the rows of vines and learn why the region’s elevation, soil and climate are so conducive to winemaking. Then pick a varietal to sip on the patio of one of the wineries, including Cartecay Vineyards, Chateau Meichtry, Ellijay River Vineyards, Engelheim Vineyards and Fainting Goat Vineyards. Some venues offer live music on the weekends; call ahead to check tour availability.
Tour Mountain Fresh Creamery & Glo-Crest Dairy, Clermont
It’s just another wholesome day of hard-working Holsteins and hand-dipped ice cream here on this fourth-generation family farm. A popular choice for field trips, group tours follow the pasture-to-barn routine of some 200 cows, including the bottling of their award-winning milk. Visit the dairy store for a variety of farm-fresh selections, including milk, cream, butter and ice cream (the salted caramel praline pecan is a winner).
Overnight in Dahlonega
Chick-fil-A Backstage Tour, Atlanta
Truett Cathy began his entrepreneurial career at eight years old, selling Coca-Cola in front of his home. He went on to build a chicken sandwich empire, with more than 1,900 restaurants. Learn about the core values that led to his success. Two tour choices are available: The Original (one hour) and The Deluxe (two hours), which include Cathy's office, a history museum, the product development kitchen and the company's innovation center. Private dining options available for groups of 150 or more. tours.chick-fil-a.com
Tour the Biblical History Center, LaGrange
Meal rooms like those found in ancient Roman cities are replicated here, giving diners a glimpse of culture from the first century. Over a four-course Biblical Meal, learn about ancient dining customs from Passover and the Last Supper. Lessons in desert life are offered, too, in the Shepherd’s Bread Making Experience, popular among younger kids. Groups of 10 or more encouraged.
Overnight in The Rock
Tour Lane Southern Orchards, Fort Valley
Pick your own strawberries in the spring; peaches in the summer; and enjoy the corn maze, pumpkin patch and fall festival come October. Check out the market store and daily lunch specials (fried chicken, country-fried steak, salmon croquettes), then finish with some peach cobbler with ice cream. They also host corporate outings, special events and birthday parties.
Lunch with Savannah Taste Experience Food Tours, Savannah
There’s so much to savor in Savannah, why not let an insider lead you on a culinary adventure to well-chosen restaurants and local cuisine. These walking and tasting tours include two options: a First Squares Food Tour (for first-time visitors) and a Famous and Secret East Side Food Tour (for those seeking to venture beyond the beaten path). Ask about customized tours for private groups.
Take an Excursion on Lady Jane Shrimp Boat, Brunswick
Set out to shrimpin’ aboard the Lady Jane, a retired and refurbished working vessel, certified by the U.S. Coast Guard. Relax on the deck, enjoy dolphin spotting and learn about marine life from a naturalist as the crew sorts the catch of the day. The cruise navigates the calm waters of the estuary and marshes for a relaxed outing. Private charters include a Lowcountry boil. BYOB.
