You don’t need a passport and weeks of vacation time for a European experience (though weeks of vacation never hurt). Old World charm can be found just over the state line.
With its 26 wineries – coupled with the abundant natural assets Scenic City residents have come to expect – Northwest Georgia is a wonderland for oenophiles and outdoor adventurers alike. Visitors will drive through covered bridges and pass by old-timey general stores as they make their way through the mountains to reach the area’s charming small towns. But it’s not just Americana that awaits.
Be sure to bring a bottle or two of Georgia wine home with you to share as you recount the tales of your varied adventures not far from home.
Chateau Elan Winery and Resort, Braselton, GAChateau Elan Winery and Resort is a destination in itself, and with its seven restaurants, abundance of activities and hotel, you’ll never have a reason to leave.
The resort has a European feel despite its North Georgia locale, owing in part to the French chateau-inspired building and grounds, as well as its Irish pub – shipped in its entirety from Ireland, where it was constructed. Choose a room or suite in the main building; one of 14 recently renovated suites in the spa, which is housed in its own separate mansion; or bring along your pooch and stay in one of the resort’s freestanding villas. Activities offered across the 3,500-acre property include tastings and tours at the winery, four championship golf courses (and a golf school, if you’re not quite a champion), tennis, and a spa with seasonally inspired treatments. Along with wine, the estate also offers tastings of olive oils and local Sweet Grass Dairy cheeses. Several of Chateau Elan’s restaurants have dress codes, such as the golf club and Versailles, serving haute French cuisine, so be sure to pack your finest.