When the federal government granted the Dahlonega Plateau its official American Viticultural Area designation, it placed this corner of North Georgia on the same regulatory and prestige footing as Napa Valley, Sonoma, and Willamette Valley. For NW Metro Atlanta residents, that world-class wine region is less than 90 minutes away.

Gold was first discovered in Dahlonega in 1828, setting off America's original gold rush. Nearly two centuries later, the hills of Lumpkin and White counties are producing something arguably more valuable to the modern palate: award-winning wines grown in some of the most distinctive terroir in the eastern United States. The Dahlonega Plateau American Viticultural Area, designated by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) — the federal authority that governs wine region designations in the United States — represents Georgia's most prestigious wine-growing territory. Understanding what this designation means, what makes the region's wines distinctive, and which wineries call the Plateau home is essential for anyone who loves wine and lives in NW Metro Atlanta. It's also an increasingly relevant part of the lifestyle conversation for anyone considering a move to Cherokee, Cobb, Bartow, or Forsyth counties.

Your Winery Map

The Wineries of the Dahlonega Plateau AVA

The original group of wineries that petitioned for and received the Dahlonega Plateau AVA designation represent some of Georgia's most accomplished wine producers. Each brings a distinct personality, setting, and winemaking philosophy to the region.

What Wines Grow Well on the Dahlonega Plateau?

The Plateau's elevation, granite soils, and climate support a remarkably diverse range of wine grape varieties — both familiar and unusual. Plateau winemakers have been pioneers in identifying which European varieties thrive in this terroir, and the results have surprised wine critics accustomed to dismissing Southern wine out of hand.

Viognier and Cabernet Franc have emerged as something of a calling card for Georgia wine — varieties that perform exceptionally well in the state's mountain terroir and produce wines of genuine distinction. Petit Manseng, a white variety from southwestern France, has also shown remarkable affinity for Dahlonega growing conditions, producing wines with vibrant acidity and exotic aromatics that have attracted serious attention from wine critics.

Planning Your Visit to the Dahlonega Plateau

A day trip to the Dahlonega Plateau from Marietta, Woodstock, or Canton is genuinely easy to manage — and deeply rewarding. Here are a few key planning tips specific to the Plateau.

The Dahlonega Plateau & the Georgia Wine Highway Passport

The Dahlonega Plateau wineries form the backbone of the annual Georgia Wine Highway Passport program. During the spring passport season, virtually all Plateau wineries participate, making this region the ideal starting point for anyone working through their passport. If your goal is to visit as many high-quality wineries as possible during the event, the Plateau offers the highest concentration of distinguished producers in the state. Passport holders visiting the Plateau can expect complimentary tastings, special event offerings at some locations, and the full warmth and hospitality that has come to characterize Georgia wine country. The Plateau wineries take the passport season seriously as both an economic event and an opportunity to introduce new visitors to Georgia wine — expect enthusiastic, knowledgeable staff ready to share the story of the region.