Feel the crunch of amber leaves underfoot. Sip award-winning wines as mountains blush in autumn hues. This is fall travel the Good Grit way—authentic, soulful, and warmly indulgent.
Words by Christiana Roussel
Nestled just two hours north of Atlanta, Rabun County is a short trip that offers something for everyone. This is the place where couples, solo travelers, road-trippers, and wine travelers can enjoy the rolling hills showing off their most breathtaking autumn colors. Here, the boutique wineries of the North Georgia mountains offer more than just fine pours—they offer a season of reflection, connection, and quiet celebration.
Among the standouts is Stonewall Creek Vineyards, a family-owned delight perched on 25 acres of gold-lit slopes. Founded in 2005 and lovingly stewarded by Mark and Sandi Diehl since 2018, this vineyard has earned high praise. Sandi shares, “Don’t miss our annual Harvest Stomp on September 20th, where guests can participate in a unique grape stomping activity and create a souvenir t-shirt.” Stay to play bocce ball, disc golf, or just enjoy live music each weekend on the outdoor patio.
Just a whisper away, 12 Spies Vineyards is a hidden gem crafting both sweet and dry expressions—its new Pinot Noir a revelation for red wine enthusiasts. Stroll through rows of vines framed by fiery maples, and let the cool mountain breeze temper each sip. 12 Spies Vineyards is a place that captures the essence of autumn: bold, crisp, and unfailingly comforting.
Not far off, Tiger Mountain Vineyards showcases the depth of Georgia’s wine scene with seven varieties of red grapes and two white. And at nearby Terra Incognita Vineyard, thousands of acres of protected forest surround the mountaintop property, where unsurpassed views of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains make it an ideal place to spend a fall afternoon.
Beyond wine, Rabun County’s accommodations beckon with pastoral charm. Julep Farms, with its rocking-chair porches overlooking meadows and gardens, welcomes guests to savor farm-to-table meals seasoned by fall’s bounty. Or linger at Beechwood Inn, where fresh local produce and honey make breakfast something extra special, and the innkeepers’ warmth rivals the golden sunrise that filters through century-old windows.
Nestled just two hours north of Atlanta, Rabun County is a short trip that offers something for everyone.
The centerpiece for any autumn retreat? Lake Rabun Hotel & Restaurant. A century-old lodge near the water, its intimate dining room radiates cozy elegance. In the fall, menus feature pecan-encrusted trout and hearty harvest soups that pair beautifully with local varietals and a view of leaves dancing across the lake.
Travelers who crave adventure will discover that Rabun’s vineyards are gateways to scenic escapes. Take a late-morning stroll to nearby cascades—Holcomb Creek Falls or the iconic Tallulah Gorge—and return by midday, cheeks flushed, to a wine-and-cheese pairing under a hive of golden foliage.
To fully embrace the spirit of fall in the mountains, take a wine tasting tour to all four wineries with a local shuttle service, or book a private hiking excursion with local outfitter Shady Creek Expeditions. From crisp morning hikes through rhododendron tunnels to sultry evenings by fire pits with mulled wine in hand, this is a season made for savoring.
Plan your fall escape: Make time for leisurely winery tours, woodland trails, and artisanal meals served slow and warm. Rabun County’s vineyards and inns don’t just offer a getaway—they offer an invitation: to slow down, sip deeply, and let autumn leave its mark on your soul.
