DeBarge Winery, which opened its first retail location in downtown Chattanooga last year, is inviting the community to take a look at its roots – literally.
For the first time, it is opening its North Georgia vineyards to the general public Saturday, July 20, when a blues and bluegrass concert will be held in the lush, scenic setting.
“People have been asking and asking,” said DeBarge Winery spokesperson Brogan Howard. “We’re encouraging people to bring picnic baskets and their own snacks if they want. It’s the perfect environment to throw down a picnic blanket.”
Located at 21098 Highway 193 near LaFayette, Ga., getting to the vineyards requires about a 40-minute drive from downtown, but Howard said she thinks it will be worth it.
“It’s such beautiful and calming scenery, looking right down into the Georgia mountains,” she said. “One of the things our owner is trying to educate the community about is how wine is made, and this is where it all begins.”
The concert is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Tickets, which cost $10 per person or $25 for entry plus a bottle of wine, can be purchased online at debargewines.com. Kids will be admitted for free. Snacks like cheese and crackers will also be available for purchase.
Since it is a DeBarge Winery event, no outside alcohol will be permitted, but Howard said people can stop by the downtown location to purchase their own bottle before the concert. A special happy hour that offers 50 percent off one bottle occurs each night from 5-6 p.m.
“We hope people will come out and walk through the vines and see the grapes,” said Howard.