BEAR CLAW VINEYARDS
2281 Tennis Court Rd., Blue Ridge, GA( 706) 223-3750 | bearclawvineyards. com
This beautiful vineyard, with its picturesque arched bridge over a tranquil stream just begging for cute group photos, is owned by Michelle“ Mick” Stewart. Stewart’ s background is in finance, a career she said she chose so that eventually no one could boss her around, and true to form, she is the master of her vines and wines today. Stewart’ s finance career started in the construction and HVAC businesses, but when a stock option materialized for her, she opted to start a business of her own that would have staying power and future growth. Learning that some wineries have been operating continuously for more than a thousand years, she decided to open one of her own.
Stewart purchased the site for Bear Claw in 2014, cleared the land, planted vines, and opened for business in January 2017. The land composition allowed her to plant the vines closer together than most soils allow; she says she has the equivalent of 18 acres of vines planted on just 4 acres of land. Bear Claw produces its wines on-site using a sophisticated system of glycol coolers, a high-speed bottling system, and lots of long hours.
What you can bring: Both two- and four-legged babies are welcome at the vineyard.
Fun fact: The Bear Claw logo includes a dual image. It’ s a bear’ s claw but also a bear profile.
Bonus: Bear Claw features live music on the all-weather deck on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. There is a food truck Thursdays through Sundays, and personal picnic foods are welcome. Stewart says visiting any time is great, but she recommends the August harvest time to capture coveted“ big bunches of grapes” pictures.
Don’ t miss: The fun VIP tasting experience led by Stewart most Saturdays includes a charcuterie plate, souvenir glass, and a tour of the property. Like Big Door Vineyards, Bear Claw also has accommodations on-site, in the form of a treehouse built by The Treehouse Guys from the DIY Network. It has a crow’ s nest sleeping loft, a comfortable living room, a chic shower, and even a tiny dishwasher.
Bear Claw Vineyards
Ott Vineyards and Winery
OTT VINEYARDS AND WINERY
230 Henry Evans Rd., Ellijay, GA( 706) 273-1891 | ottvineyards. com
Sitting on 20 acres with mega views of the North Georgia Mountains is Ott Vineyards and Winery, owned and operated by husband and wife Mike and Lee Ott. Both work tirelessly in the tasting room and tending to the acres of French-American hybrid and European vines. Mike started his“ life in dirt” with a successful Florida cut-greenery business at age 17. Fast-forward to 2007 and Mike’ s farming knowledge led him to design, build, and plant in North Georgia at then-startup vineyards Cartecay, Engelheim, and Ellijay River. A shoulder injury landed him in rehab, where a special physical therapist named Lee fixed his shoulder and then stole his heart. And Ott Vineyards is the happy result.
The Otts have truly done it all at their vineyard: cleared, fenced, dug, pruned, harvested, and constructed the gorgeous tasting room and outdoor areas along with the barn at the back of the property that has an upstairs area that may someday be a rental unit. Mike says working in the vineyard isn’ t work for him at all; rather, it’ s his favorite place to be. The dirt truly is his life.
What you can bring: Dogs on leashes are welcome in the outdoor areas, along with outside picnic items.
Bonus: The Otts are currently constructing a rental cabin on the edge of the property, with views of the vines, that will be perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic getaway. They hope to add another rental cabin in the future.
Fun fact: Ott Vineyards and the surrounding Ellijay community support each other in many ways. Mike, Lee, and adorable manager Kelly Buckley offer open-mic nights on Tuesdays when locals get $ 5 glasses of wine. In turn, locals and other guests help with harvesting and netting the vines and join in potluck dinner nights.
Don’ t miss: There’ s great indoor and outdoor seating with panoramic views, plus a cute gazebo for live music and other events. Make a point to stop in the gift shop while you’ re there; it’ s brimming with delightful gift items made by local artisans, yummy jams and jellies, and other goodies. nwgeorgialiving. com | 27