Hightower Creek Vineyards in Hiawassee: A Relaxing North Georgia Wine Escape From Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta and craving a quiet, scenic escape to the North Georgia Mountains and wineries, Hightower Creek Vineyards in Hiawassee is a low-key, charming option that feels worlds away but is still realistic for a day trip or relaxed overnight.

This guide walks you through what to expect, how to get there from Atlanta, and how to fit Hightower Creek into a North Georgia wine-country outing.

Where Is Hightower Creek Vineyards and Why It Appeals to Atlantans

Location:
Hightower Creek Vineyards is located just outside Hiawassee, Georgia, in Towns County near the North Carolina border. It’s in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains, north of Helen and Cleveland and east of Blairsville.

From Atlanta, you’re looking at a 2–2.5 hour drive depending on your route and traffic. For many Atlantans, it’s appealing because:

• It’s quieter and less commercial than some of the bigger wineries around Dahlonega.
• The setting is mountain-rural, with rolling hills, vines, and a laid-back tasting room.
• It pairs easily with Lake Chatuge, Brasstown Bald, and scenic mountain drives for a full day or weekend.

If you like the idea of a small vineyard with a personal feel rather than a big, event-heavy winery, Hightower Creek often fits that preference.

Driving From Atlanta: Routes, Timing, and Day-Trip Planning

Typical Drive Time From Atlanta

• Approximate distance: 110–120 miles (one way, depending on your starting point)
• Typical drive time: About 2–2.5 hours from Midtown or Downtown Atlanta in light-to-moderate traffic
• Best window to leave Atlanta:
  • Morning: 8–10 a.m. to avoid worst rush-hour traffic
  • Return: After 7 p.m. or plan to come back on Sunday midday if staying overnight

Common Routes From Atlanta to Hiawassee

You have a few main options; all are scenic once you get north of metro Atlanta.

1. Via I‑85 / I‑985 through Gainesville (popular, straightforward)

• Head I‑85 North → I‑985 North (turns into GA‑365 / US‑23)
• Continue past Gainesville, then follow signs toward Cleveland and Hiawassee
• This route balances speed with mountain scenery and is familiar to many North Georgia travelers.

2. Via GA‑400 North (more familiar to Northside Atlantans)

• Take GA‑400 North until it ends near Dahlonega
• Connect through smaller highways toward Cleveland → Hiawassee
• Good if you’re starting from Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, or Cumming.

Driving Tips for Atlantans 🍷🚗

• Roads into Hiawassee are curvy, two-lane mountain roads; plan extra time if you’re not used to mountain driving.
• Check weather if you’re going in late fall or winter—mountain areas can stay cooler and wetter than Atlanta.
• If you plan to taste wine, consider:
  • Rotating designated drivers
  • Booking a local driver or tour from nearby towns like Helen or Cleveland if you’re staying overnight

What to Expect at Hightower Creek Vineyards

Hightower Creek is often described by visitors as casual, comfortable, and unpretentious. It’s less about big events and more about relaxing with a glass of wine overlooking the vines.

Setting and Atmosphere

• Rural vineyard setting with picturesque mountain backdrops
• Tasting room that feels more like a cozy countryside spot than a large commercial venue
• Outdoor areas (often decks or patios) where you can sit, talk, and enjoy the breeze

If you’re used to the bustle of Atlanta—crowded patios, busy bars, loud brunch spots—this can feel like a genuine breather. Expect quiet conversations, fresh air, and slower pacing.

Wine Style and Experience

While the exact lineup can vary, North Georgia mountain wineries typically feature:

• Hybrids and regional grapes well-suited to the Appalachian foothills climate
• A mix of dry, semi-sweet, and sweeter wines to appeal to a wide range of tastes

At Hightower Creek, you can generally expect:

• Tastings: A flight of several wines poured by staff who can explain the differences and suggest pours based on your preferences.
• By-the-glass or by-the-bottle options: Nice if you want to linger with a particular favorite.

You don’t need to be a wine expert. Staff are used to Atlanta visitors who are simply curious and want to try something local.

Practical Details for Planning Your Visit

While specific policies can change, here’s how to think about planning from Atlanta.

Hours, Reservations, and Seasonality

• Hours: Wineries in this region typically open late morning to early afternoon and close by early evening.
• Reservations:
  • Weekdays: Often more relaxed; walk-ins are usually more feasible.
  • Weekends: It’s wise to check ahead—call or review posted guidelines—to see if reservations are recommended for tastings or larger groups.
• Seasonal differences:
  • Spring and fall are especially popular for foliage and milder temps.
  • Summer can be warm, but cooler than Atlanta and pleasant in shaded outdoor areas.
  • Winter can be quiet and peaceful, with a different kind of charm, but outdoor seating may be limited by weather.

Food, Kids, and Pets

Policies can vary, but many small North Georgia wineries follow roughly similar patterns:

• Food

  • Some offer cheese boards, light snacks, or small bites.
  • It’s important to check whether outside food is allowed; some wineries welcome picnic items, others restrict it.

• Kids

  • Many North Georgia wineries are family-tolerant but still geared primarily toward adults.
  • If you’re coming from Atlanta with children, it’s worth confirming:
    • Whether children are allowed in all areas
    • If there is suitable outdoor space where kids can sit quietly

• Pets

  • Some vineyards allow dogs on leashes in outdoor spaces, but not always indoors.
  • Call ahead if bringing a pet; rules may differ based on local health codes and weather.

Sample Day Trip Itinerary From Atlanta

Here’s a simple outline for an Atlanta-based day trip that includes Hightower Creek Vineyards and a taste of the North Georgia Mountains.

If you prefer a more relaxed pace, consider booking lodging around:

• Hiawassee
• Young Harris
• Helen
• Cleveland or Blairsville

This lets you spread your drive and tastings over two days.

Pairing Hightower Creek With Other North Georgia Experiences

Since you’re already making the drive from Atlanta, it often makes sense to combine Hightower Creek with another outdoor or mountain-town stop.

Nature & Scenic Add-Ons

• Lake Chatuge (Hiawassee area)
  • Walk along the water, enjoy the mountain–lake views, or have a picnic.
• Brasstown Bald (highest point in Georgia)
  • A short drive from Hiawassee; offers panoramic views of the North Georgia Mountains and, on clear days, beyond.
• Bell Mountain (near Hiawassee)
  • Steep drive up to an overlook with dramatic views over Lake Chatuge and the surrounding mountains.

These are especially appealing to Atlantans who want cooler air and mountain scenery without a multi-day hiking commitment.

Other Wineries and Breweries Nearby

If someone in your group is not a wine drinker, or you want variety:

• The North Georgia region around Helen, Cleveland, Dahlonega, and Young Harris has additional wineries, tasting rooms, and breweries.
• When combining multiple tastings, plan carefully:
  • Limit the number of wineries per day.
  • Build in time for food and water.
  • Stick to a clear plan for who is driving.

Tips for Atlantans to Make the Most of the Trip

1. Time Your Departure and Return
Leaving Atlanta early helps you avoid heavy traffic on I‑85, GA‑400, and I‑285. Aim to be past Gainesville or Dahlonega by late morning.

2. Check Weather in the Mountains vs. Atlanta
Temperatures in Hiawassee can be several degrees cooler than in the city, especially at elevation. Pack layers even if Atlanta feels warm.

3. Build in Buffer Time
Curvy mountain roads, scenic photo stops, and slower small-town speeds can add up. Keep your schedule loose.

4. Plan for Responsible Tasting
Even a few small pours can add up over the course of a day. Atlantans often:

• Share tastings
• Alternate who does the tasting vs. driving
• Or stay overnight in the area to avoid a same-day return.

5. Call Ahead for Current Details
Because smaller wineries can adjust hours, events, or policies seasonally, it’s smart to call before you leave Atlanta to confirm:

• Operating hours that day
• Whether tastings are available
• Policies on food, kids, and pets
• Any special events that might affect crowd levels

How Hightower Creek Fits Into an Atlanta Lifestyle

For someone based in Atlanta, Hightower Creek Vineyards offers:

• A realistic day or weekend escape that doesn’t require a full vacation
• A chance to experience the North Georgia Mountains and local wine culture in a more relaxed, low-key setting than some of the high-traffic wine areas
• An easy add-on to other mountain experiences like Lake Chatuge or Brasstown Bald

If you’re looking to step away from city noise, trade skyscrapers for mountain views, and spend a few hours sipping wine in a quiet vineyard, Hightower Creek in Hiawassee is a practical and rewarding option from Atlanta.