Craft Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries That Put Georgia on the Map
Just a short drive east from Atlanta, Decatur offers an urban craft beer scene that perfectly blends Southern charm with innovative brews. At the heart of this vibrant town, Three Taverns Craft Brewery stands out with its focus on farmhouse ales and barrel-aged beers that nod to traditional European styles while embracing local ingredients. Visitors can enjoy a tasting flight in the rustic taproom, sampling everything from tart saisons to robust stouts. The brewery’s outdoor patio fills with lively crowds during warm spring and fall evenings, making it an ideal time to soak up both the complex flavors and the friendly atmosphere. Its proximity to downtown Decatur also means you can easily explore the town’s historic square or catch a show at the Decatur Performing Arts Center afterward.
Heading southeast toward Savannah, the coastal city known for its historic charm also harbors a burgeoning spirit scene. Ghost Coast Distillery, located just minutes from the city’s famed riverfront, crafts small-batch spirits with an emphasis on Southern botanicals and local ingredients like peaches and pecans. Visitors can take a guided tour through the distillation process and sample their signature vodka and rum in a stylish tasting room adorned with nautical touches echoing Savannah’s port heritage. Fall and winter months bring a cozy vibe to the distillery, especially when paired with nearby riverfront strolls amid the moss-draped oaks and historic architecture Savannah is famous for.
Further south, near the vibrant college town of Athens about 70 miles northeast of Atlanta, Terrapin Beer Company has become a cornerstone of Georgia’s craft beer identity. Known for their Hopsecutioner IPA and ambitious barrel-aged series, the brewery’s taproom is a hub for locals and visitors alike. The expansive Beer Garden provides a lively setting with picnic tables and occasional live music during the summer and early fall. Athens itself is a cultural hotspot, so pairing a brewery visit with a walk through downtown’s colorful street art and independent shops makes for a full day of discovery. Springtime brings pleasant weather perfect for lingering over a pint outdoors while soaking in the town’s creative energy.
In the scenic foothills of the North Georgia Mountains, Dahlonega claims a special place in the state’s wine history as Georgia’s first official wine region. Just over an hour north of Atlanta, this small town is nestled among rolling vineyards and historic gold rush sites. Frogtown Cellars offers tastings of their locally grown Vitis vinifera grapes, blending traditional European winemaking with Appalachian terroir. Visitors can tour the tasting room, which provides sweeping views of the vineyards and Blue Ridge Mountains beyond. Late summer and early autumn, during grape harvest season, is the best time to experience the vineyards in full flourish and witness winemakers in action, making it a perfect seasonal escape from city life.
Near the vibrant city of Augusta, about two hours east of Atlanta along the Savannah River, SweetWater Brewing Company has made its mark with an environmentally conscious ethos and bold flavors. Their brewery in the Augusta Riverwalk district welcomes guests to explore their flagship brews, like the 420 Extra Pale Ale, and seasonal releases infused with Southern ingredients. The scenic riverwalk trail invites visitors to combine a brewery visit with a leisurely riverside stroll, enhanced by the nearby Augusta Canal National Heritage Area’s historic locks and towpaths. Springtime is especially delightful here, with azaleas and dogwoods blooming alongside the water, creating a perfect backdrop for enjoying craft beer outdoors.
In the heart of Macon, just over an hour south of Atlanta, Blue Sky Brewing Company represents the city’s growing craft beer renaissance. Positioned near downtown’s revitalized Cherry Street district, the brewery offers a cozy yet modern space where visitors can sample a rotating selection of brews inspired by classic styles with a Southern twist. Macon’s rich musical history, linked to legends like Little Richard and the Allman Brothers, provides a cultural pulse to complement the tasting experience. Autumn, when the weather cools but the city’s lively festivals are still in full swing, is ideal for pairing craft beer with nearby live music venues and historic walking tours.
Finally, tucked in the foothills of the Appalachian Trail near Clayton, about two hours northeast of Atlanta, Chateau Meichtry Vineyards combines boutique winemaking with breathtaking mountain views. This family-owned winery cultivates a variety of grapes suited to the cooler microclimate, producing crisp whites and elegant reds that reflect the unique terroir. Visitors can enjoy tastings on the veranda overlooking the valley, making it an inviting spot for a relaxing afternoon. Spring and early summer, when wildflowers bloom across the hillsides and the air is fresh with mountain breezes, bring out the best in both the wines and the panoramic scenery. It’s a peaceful retreat that highlights a less-explored side of Georgia’s wine country.