Cartecay Vineyards, Ellijay, Georgia

“Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards; there it enters the roots of the vines, to be changed into wine; a constant proof the God loves us, and loves to see us happy.”

Benjamin Franklin

After thoroughly enjoying exploring the historic town of Ellijay, Georgia which is located in the eastern part of Gilmer County in the cartecay region. We stopped in the Cartecay Wine and Craft Store on the square and enjoyed tasting their wine. When we asked about their vineyard, we were encouraged to check it out so since it was close we thought we would go and see it. It was an easy fourteen minute drive through the beautiful rolling countryside to the vineyard.

The first thing we noticed when we pulled into the parking area was the beautiful old barn. We parked and went into a nicely refurbished tasting room that featured a pretty bar that was built from a black walnut tree on their farm. The inside of the tasting room was an eclectic mix of paintings, unique items, and various items for sale such as T-shirts, candles, coasters, and more. There also was a lounging area with a fireplace which has to be super cozy in the winter when the fireplace is blazing.

We ordered a glass of wine and stepped out on the back covered patio of the barn which had seating and tables set up. What a perfect spot to sit and gaze at the vineyard while enjoying our wine. There also was a small babbling creek with picnic tables and hammocks to lie on nearby under the shade trees. We walked up the dirt road to look at some of the grape vines in the vineyard and saw all the beautiful clusters of grapes that were thriving in the North Georgia mountains.

The Lykins moved to Gilmer County in 2002 and bought an abandoned farm that sat vacant for years. Before then, the farm was used for growing corn and hay as well as raising cattle, hogs, and mules. This farm was the perfect location, elevation, and climate for growing grapes. They went through a lot of legal hoops to start this winery as there were many people in the county that did not want alcohol to be made or sold. When they finally got all the approvals, this would become the county’s first winery.

Cartecay Vineyard was founded in 2007. They planted their first four acres in 2008 and then four more the following year. The vines were planted on west facing slopes which gave them maximum sun exposure. During the first few years the Lykins focused on the farming side of the vineyard. They had no equipment for making wine so in 2010, when they had their first harvest, they went to Habersham Winery in Helen, Georgia and asked them to process their grapes and make their wine out of their specifications. By 2013, they were able to do the entire process from growing to bottling to selling the wine right at their winery.

They grow a variety of grapes to include, Vidal Blanc, Traminette, Norton, Catawba, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Cardonel. They had planted Merlot but the crop got taken out by disease. All the wines are made from 100% Cartecay grapes that grow well in the southern Appalachian Mountains.

After we enjoyed our wine and bought a bottle of their Norton Red Dead Head, we strolled out to the parking lot. A chimney was standing behind another patio with a covered stage on the side where they have live music. The chimney is from the original house, circa 1890 and looks stunning with the vineyard in the background. There is also a wooden bridge that you can walk over to go to the vineyard. Both areas would be great places to take pictures.

We enjoyed out visit to this vineyard and loved their wines. If you are ever in Ellijay, make sure you stop in as this vineyard. They have great wines and it’s a beautiful area to come and relax. They are open seven a week. Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 12:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Check them out at: www.cartecayvineyards.com.

Bye for now.