15 Aug The Ultimate Guide to the Breweries, Wineries and Distilleries to Visit this Fall
Looking to have a little fun with a side of local flare? Look no further than Georgia’s Hospitality Highway where you’ll find an abundant supply of local breweries, wineries and distilleries perfect for any sunny Saturday or Sunday fun-day. From Buckhead to Dahlonega, each city incorporates their own local spin to create delicious brews, wines and whiskeys. Below is your map to discovering the best watering holes along Georgia’s 400 Highway.
BUCKHEAD
SweetWater Brewing Company – Photo Credit: SweetWater Brewing Company
SweetWater Brewery
Not interested in the mainstream? SweetWater is the place for you! SweetWater Brewery has been producing tasty brews since 1997. If you’re up for a goodtime you can visit the brewery in Buckhead and enjoy any one of their popular brews such as their 420 Extra Pale Ale, assorted IPAs, Blue or their Hatchery Series and other Limited Release Brews. Take a tour or toast the occasion while enjoying your visit to this popular Buckhead Brewery.
Brew Facts: Brewery tours daily.
ASW Distillery – Photo Credit: handpickedatlanta.com
ASW Distillery
Searching for something that packs a punch? Check out ASW Distillery, Buckhead’s very own craft Distillery. Home to American Spirit Whiskey, ASW is a craft distillery with hometown roots operated and run by two UGA Alumni, Jim Chasteen and Charlie Thompson. Stop by ASW for whiskey tastings Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Its original Buckhead location awaits you!
Whiskey Facts: Public tours and tastings Thursday and Friday from 4:30 – 7pm and Saturday’s from 12- 5pm.
SANDY SPRINGS
Pontoon Brewing – Photo Credit: Sandy Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau
Pontoon Brewing
Those looking to escape the daily stresses of life, otherwise referred to as living the “Pontoon Lifestyle,” will fit right in at Pontoon Brewing Company. Pontoon was founded by a group of longtime pals and homebrewers who were passionate about bringing their love for beer and the pontoon lifestyle together. The brewery just opened in January so make sure to stop in for a cold one and a relaxingly good time right off the highway.
Brew Facts: Guests under 21 are permitted in the building and on the tour but of course no guest under the age of 21 will be served.
ROSWELL
From The Earth Brewing – Photo Credit: ftebrewing.com
Roswell Brews
Roswell has quickly become the epicenter of the Georgia craft beer scene and is home to three local breweries: Gate City, Variant Brewing Company and From the Earth Brewing Company. Each brewery has its own unique style and local flare. To celebrate the craft beer culture in Roswell, the Visitors Center created Roswell Brews – you can print a brochure online here and bring it along with you to the three different breweries. Visitors are encouraged to stop by all three breweries, obtain validations and bring the brochure to the Roswell Visitors Center in the heart of downtown Roswell to receive a free Roswell Brews collectors’ glass.
Brew Facts: Participants must be 21 years of age or older to be served or sold craft beer or to receive the collectors glass.
Deep Roots Wine
Deep Roots Wine is Historic Roswell’s very own California-style wine market and tasting room. Deep Roots is the brainchild of local Roswell native, Dana Gurela; designed to combine her passion for California wine and her deep Georgia roots. Wine down with Deep Roots Tuesday – Sunday.
Vine Facts: Open Tuesday – Sunday for lunch, dinner, drinks and a whole bunch of wine.
The Whiskey Project – Photo Credit: twpatl.com
The Whiskey Project
The Whiskey Project is one of Historic Roswell’s newest gems. It offers over 1,000 spirits from around the world, focusing on spirits from North American, the United Kingdom and Ireland. In addition to Whiskey and delicious craft cocktails, TWP is a full dining establishment with a menu that allows for a traditional sit-down meal, or a shareable experience.
Whiskey Facts: Open Tuesday – Sunday for lunch, dinner and drinks.
ALPHARETTA
Jekyll Brewing – Photo Credit: Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau
Jekyll Brewing
Alpharetta is quickly becoming a hoppin’ craft beer haven. Inspired by the South’s rich history, relaxed lifestyle and brewing traditions, Jekyll Brewing is intensely focused on hand-crafting sophisticated beers from the finest ingredients. Taste the seasonal pours found only on-site in the taproom or sample fan favorites like Pineapple Habanero Hop Dang Diggity (an IPA with a kick), Big Creek Kolsch (named for the cool creek flowing by the brewery) or Cooter Brown (a brown ale that’s smoother than silk).
Brew Facts: Open Tuesday-Sunday. Outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are welcome!
Currahee Brewing Co – Photo Credit: Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau
Currahee Brewing Company
You may not be able to pronounce it, but you’ll sure be glad you found it. Currahee Brewing Company is the newest addition to Alpharetta’s growing craft beer scene. Brewing up delicious European-influenced ales and lagers in Franklin, North Carolina for years, Currahee is excited to share them with a new beer-loving audience in the heart of Alpharetta. Year-round brews from Currahee include Frankenstark (a smooth golden ale, but remember, Frankenstark is a monster), Garand IPA (bursting with pine and citrus flavor) and Wayah Lager (an easy-drinking lager with a Wayah wolf finish).
Brew Facts: Open seven days a week. Outside food is welcomed from the surrounding Alpharetta restaurants and food trucks!
CUMMING/FORSYTH
Cherry Street Brewing – Photo Credit: forsythnews.com
Cherry Street Brewing
Further on down Hospitality Highway, visitors will find another local brewery Cherry Street Brewing. Cherry Street Brewing started out as a little garage operation in the foothills of the Rockies and quickly spread while building great community support. Now, Cherry Street Brewing Restaurant and Taproom is a distributing brewpub that works in tandem with Rick Tanner’s Grille and Bar. Cherry Street always has something fresh and exciting to enjoy on the 25 taps pouring daily in the Taproom.
Brew Facts: You must be 21+ to enter the taproom – children are not permitted inside but are allowed on the patio of the taproom. Brewery tours take place every Saturday at 3pm.
DAWSONVILLE
Dawsonville Distillery – Photo Credit: Explore Georgia
Dawsonville Distillery
Dawsonville is commonly referred to as the moonshine capital of the world, so it is only fitting that it is home to one of the few legal craft spirits distilleries in the state. It’s so legal that the distillery itself is located under the same roof as City Hall and the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame. If you’re a true spirits lover, you will feel right at home at Dawsonville Distillery – where they promise that you’ll come as a friend and leave as a family. Visitors can enjoy guided tours daily where they’ll take you through the entire process from mashing to bottling.
Moonshine Facts: Tours Daily. Guests under 21 are permitted in the building and on the tour but of course no guest under the age of 21 will be served.
DAHLONEGA
Three Sisters Vineyards and Winery – Photo Credit: Three Sisters Vineyards
Dahlonega Wineries & Vineyards
Wine enthusiasts need venture no further than the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains at the end of Hospitality Highway to experience some of the South’s best wineries and tasting rooms. Known as the heart of Georgia Wine Country, Dahlonega offers visitors 6 beautiful wineries to choose from and 8 different wine tasting rooms, all of which are evenly spread throughout this eclectic town. Whether stopping into Cavendar Creek Vineyards & Winery, Frogtown Cellars, Kaya Vineyards & Winery, Montaluce Winery & Estates, Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery or Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery be sure to snap a picture or two and delight in the unique and breathtaking views offered at each property.
Vine Facts: Tours and tastings held daily. Many of the wineries and tasting rooms offer lunch, brunch and dinner options.
For ideas on planning your next trip with us, check out these awesome itineraries.
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