In 1880 Georgia was the sixth
largest winegrowing state in the U.S. with almost 3,000bacres of vineyards and nearly 1 million gallons of wine.
But the wine industry died a quick death in 1907 when
the state voted in favor of Prohibition, 10 years ahead
of the rest of the country. The second coming of
viticulture in Georgia was ushered in by Gay Dellinger,
who planted three acres of vinefera and French-Americanbhybrids near Cartersville in 1979. Georgia’s farm wineryblaw was passed in 1983. Georgia now has 22 licensed
wineries.

Georgia has become the wine gem of the south in recent years. It is the United States’ top Muscadine producer and vineyard acreage has more than tripled in the past five years. Some wineries are working with vinifera vines, which tend to do well above 1,300 feet, where Pierce’s disease is more of a moderate concern than a threat. Home to more than twenty wineries, with more in the planning stages, Georgia’s wine industry is on the rise.

There are four reasons to love Georgia wine.

1. Heritage - Sure you knew your ancestors could brew up White Lightin’, but were you aware that the Southern United States used to be a leader in wine production during the early part of the 20th century?  After the repeal of Prohibition, however, the industry in our region never recovered.  California picked up the slack.  I think it’s ’bout time we got back in the game.
2. Economic Development - Diversification of agriculture and products is always a good thing.  But let’s go beyond the availability of wine from Georgia to the accessibility of the wine experience in Georgia.  Tourism is on the rise in the Georgia mountains thanks in part to vintner hospitality.  Tours, wine tastings, restaurants and even overnight accommodations are available for guests of Georgia wineries.  Tourists from Georgia and beyond are taking advantage of the perfect, romantic getaway, complete with a side course of Enology 101 (Wine for Dummies, anyone?).
3. Fine as Wine - Gulfstream aside, it’s not a stretch to say that Georgia is not oft associated with the manufacturing or production of “luxury” goods.  Any entrepreneurial foray into market fineries adds another touch of class to our repertoire.
4. “Local” is the new black - Time Magazine said it; Buy Local Savannah said it; Everyone’s saying it: Local is in.  It’s good for the economy and it’s good for the environment.  The idea of being able to purchase something made in-state that is usually shipped thousands of miles is mind blowing.  Now I can serve an upstate seyval blanc with my greens from the farmer’s market, Savannah Bee Company honey and artisan cheese from Sweet Grass Dairy.  Mmm, mmm good.

So, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for some “Made in Georgia” wine labels. 

excerpts from: georgiawinecountry.com