Gilmer County

Friday, May 23, 2014

After the Fannin County tour we eased next door to Gilmer.  We've been coming here for years!  Cartecay is part of the apple season "grocery triangle."  From mid-summer to mid-winter we come up here at least monthly to get mass quantities of apples and produce from BJ Reece, flip down Clear Creek Road to Mountain Valley Farm for grass fed beef, heritage pork, eggs, and then rebound to Cartecay Vineyards.  This a trip that I love to make.  It's peaceful, the people are nice, and the products are amazing!

Cartecay Vineyards

5704 Clear Creek Road
Ellijay, GA 30536
706-698-9463
cartecayvineyards.com
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The photo is of the back of the tasting barn because there was a van parked in the front unloading the new stock of Mercier Orchards hard cider which they begin offering this weekend.

The CV on the menu next to the wine indicates that it is a Cartecay product, the rest come from Habersham, who also bottles Cartecay's wines.  Tastings are $8 for 5 and you get to keep the glass.  It was busier than usual when we showed up, but the bartender was more than capable of keeping up.

There is an outside patio away from the barn for musicians which are booked through the summer and fall.  On pleasant days they move the tastings out here and it is a nice way to spend time.

Did I mention they also have dogs?  Little Dude and I wandered the grounds and he played with dogs getting some energy out.  We cruised through Amicalola Falls State Park on the way home to say "Hi" to the rangers and snakes in cages at the ranger station.  The falls are very impressive!  They have a lodge at the top of the mountain and cabins if camping is not your thing.  http://gastateparks.org/AmicalolaFalls