In the 1800’s there were many vineyards and wineries thriving in Georgia in a golden age of little regulation and no taxation. In fact, records show that in 1900 Georgia ranked sixth among grape growing states.
In 1907 Georgia adopted full alcohol prohibition, some 11 years ahead of national prohibition, destroying a generation of wine making traditions brought by many European immigrants to America. Today a farm winery renaissance is taking place across America. Most states have passed farm bills and all 50 states can boast at least one bonded winery. Georgia’s bill was passed in the early 1980’s and the state’s two oldest and largest wineries, Chateau Elan and Habersham began production. But the real excitement has been recent. In the last five years vineyard acreage has more than tripled with the addition of at least seven new vineyards and four new wineries and more are on the way.
Three Sisters
www.threesistersvineyards.com
Blackstock
www.bsvw.com
Wolf Mountain
www.wolfmountainvineyards.com
Frogtown
www.frogtownwine.com
Georgia Wine Council
www.georgiawinecouncil.org
Wine Growers Association of Georgia
www.georgiawine.com
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