Episode 9: Georgia – Premium Wines in the Peach State

Eric Miller of Yonah Mountain Vineyards takes Wine Across America on a journey to Georgia. Just an hour and a half northeast of Atlanta, Yonah Mountain Vineyards has been crafting first-class wines since 2009. Eric discusses the vineyard’s unique high-elevation terroir, their commitment to vinifera over muscadine, and how their wines stand up to top global counterparts through regular blind tastings.

Did you know?

• Georgia is home to the first native American wine grape, the Scuppernong, a variety of muscadine. Early settlers were making wine from this grape as far back as the 16th century!
• During Prohibition, many Georgia winemakers switched to distilling moonshine to survive—some of today’s wineries have deep family histories in both wine and spirits!
• Prohibition wiped out production for decades. The industry didn’t begin to fully recover until the late 20th century.
• The state now has over 70 wineries, with most concentrated in the North Georgia mountains region.