Arrive & make yourself at home
Arrive near Blairsville, have dinner and prepare for an early mountain outing. Save directions and check the Brasstown Bald road, weather and facility notice before leaving the valley.
Start with the season
Walk the steep 0.6-mile Summit Trail in the cooler morning or use the seasonal shuttle if it is operating and your group needs the alternative. Descend, hydrate and eat before the winery afternoon.
Wine is always in the plan
After lunch, make Living Water Winery & Vineyard the anchor of your tasting day. Add Odom Springs Vineyards if the opening hours, journey and your group’s pace fit comfortably. Read the wine selections and visitor policies before reserving. This route works across the year when the venues are open; confirm the current schedule, arrange a sober driver and keep dinner unhurried.
One more local experience
Choose a short downtown visit or check the dated Hiawassee fairgrounds calendar. If a lake event is your main draw, give it a separate half-day rather than squeezing it into departure morning.
Keep the route comfortable
This route concentrates on Blairsville. Treat Hiawassee and Young Harris as an alternative base rather than adding every lake and winery to one day.
Summer planning notes
Summit weather changes quickly, parking can fill and staffed services are seasonal. Bring water and layers, and choose a shaded or indoor tasting option in the afternoon.
If the weather changes
Use Blairsville dining and shopping when summit conditions are unsuitable, with winery visits as the steady part of the plan.
Suggested itinerary by Wine of Georgia. Seasonal activities and annual traditions are ideas, not confirmed events for every date. Check the dated calendar and each operator before booking.
- Vogel State Park
- Brasstown Bald access and Summit Trail
- Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds & gardens
- Downtown Blairsville
Reviewed September 21, 2026. Confirm operating hours, prices, policies and availability with the venue before traveling.
