Book a hotel. The best way to discover all that North Georgia wineries have to offer is by dedicating a solid two days to exploration. The vineyards are spread out across several North Georgia cities, so consider a hotel in the middle of the vineyards. The town of Dahlonega would be an excellent choice.
Learn some lingo. While North Georgia wineries are far from pretentious, knowing some wine vocabulary will help you enjoy your tasting experience. Don't have time for the wine education? Don't worry. North Georgia wineries have comfortable tasting rooms and knowledgeable vineyard representatives. Don't hesitate to ask them questions about the vineyard, wines and specialties, winemaking methods, and definitions of wine terminology you don't understand.
Map it out. Once you've chosen the vineyards you want to visit, map out proper directions to each vineyard, noting their tasting room operating hours. Be sure to schedule in a few meals to avoid drinking on an empty stomach.
Taste several wines. Ask the winery sales representative what the vineyard specializes in, the awards they've won, their best vintages. Try out several wines (usually a $10 to $20 fee per person, depending on if reserve wines are included in the tasting). In a tasting room, you are welcome to swirl and spit the wine into a dump bucket (or request a disposable spit cup), but most swallow the wines they taste. Many couples will share a tasting, thereby enabling themselves to try more wines for half the cost. Got a designated driver? Be sure to purchase him a bottle of your favorite, so he can try it later.
Take in the scenery. The North Georgia mountains are a wonder to experience, at any time of year. Give yourself time to walk the vineyard grounds, take photographs, or sit on a facility deck for a few minutes. No matter the season, the grapes on the vines are always changing, so be sure to note the unique qualities of the local grapes.
