Sip your way through Lake Chatuge
Nothing beats the summer heat like a cool glass of wine, a frosty beer or a little moonshine. All this and more can be found when you cruise on up to Lake Chatuge, home to not only rolling hills and a sparkling lake, but a variety of local vineyards, breweries and the annual Moonshine Cruiz-In, hosted at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Grab some friends, take a drive and get into the spirit of Lake Chatuge.

 Vineyards
The North Georgia mountains are often referred to as the Napa of the South. Wine aficionados who have visited our little slice of natural paradise say our wines rival the best in the west and across the Atlantic. Our vineyards offer unparalleled views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, all while getting the unique benefit of good Blue Ridge soil.  You truly get a sense of place when you sip on a glass of wine from any of our fantastic vineyards, each offering their own unique blends and summer activities.
Stop on by Crane Creek Vineyards. Their welcoming patio space is complimented by stunning mountain views, offering a one of a kind atmosphere for sipping your favorite blend of vino. Their tasting room is currently closed, but their ample outdoor seating and spacious back porch space are open for anyone who wants wine by the glass or bottle. You can also stroll through the vineyard grounds and enjoy a naturally socially distanced afternoon. The Italian-inspired vineyard also has a rotation of live music on Friday evenings, part of their Aperitivo Fridays.
Locals also love the tasty selections available at Hightower Creek Vineyards. This family-owned vineyard strives to bring the flavors of the Blue Ridge Mountains into every bottle, each representing the passion and hard work of people who call the area home. Explore their beautiful vineyards with a glass of wine, or pop in when they’re hosting one of their special events. From yoga classes and live music, to delicious dinners that pair their vino with delicious dishes, there’s plenty to take in when you visit Hightower Creek.


Breweries
Just a stone’s throw away from glittering Lake Chatuge lies Hiawassee Brew, our wonderful local brewery. In addition to selling wine from our local vineyards, this craft brewery makes seven varieties of beers in house. They also have a variety of other regional brews on tap. Grab a cold drink, munch on tacos from their fantastic taco stand and enjoy a few hours on their spacious patio. The brewery has a regular rotation of live music, making for an entertaining afternoon.

Moonshine Cruiz-In
Finally, for those car fanatics, there’s no better place to be than Lake Chatuge. From Thursday, July 30 through Saturday, August 1, the annual Moonshine Cruiz-In will make its return to the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Enjoy a good weekend of good old-fashioned fun, with plenty of moonshine and a stunning variety of vintage autos. Explore a pioneer village. See a real working ‘shine still. Take a gander at cars of all different styles from all different decades. The weekend kicks off on Thursday, July 30, with a 60-mile cruise through the mountains, running the roads moonshine makers used to cruise back in the day. The fairground space opens on Friday, July 30, where guests can check out the cars, purchase crafts from local vendors, explore the stills and more.
 
Whether you’re looking to add a new favorite wine to your collection, wanting a tasty way to cool off after a long day or looking to explore the mountains of the past, Lake Chatuge has it all and more. There’s so much to see, sip and do when you visit our beautiful mountain escape. We can’t wait for you to experience it.
Photos: Crane Creek Vineyard - @HopePrice
Cruiz-In – Courtesy of Event Organizers