Griffin, GA |
If you’re looking to experience some of the best wines not just in the U.S. but across the globe, you might not think to look in Georgia—but you should. With more than 120 wineries and vineyards now operating across the state, Georgia’s wine industry has become one of the region’s fastest-growing agricultural sectors.
And with that growth expected to continue, events like the New Wine Grower Symposium have become an invaluable resource for those looking to break into the business.
“You have to be licensed federally, state, and locally,” says Jane Miller, a veteran Georgia wine producer. “You have to have a license to sell your wine and to distribute your wine. So there’s the legal part. You have to file taxes every month—that’s the bookkeeping part. And then there’s the physical fact that growing grapes is not easy.”
While winemaking may not be simple, Georgia’s climate offers many advantages similar to those found in some of the world’s top wine-producing regions.
“The northern latitude is the mainland United States and Europe—Sicily, North Africa,” Miller explains. “The southern latitude is Chile and Argentina, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand. We have the temperature, the climate, the soils—everything you need.”
Unlike two decades ago, today’s new growers have access to a strong support system built by industry veterans eager to share their experience.
“When my husband and I started in 2006, people wanted to keep it to themselves,” says Miller. “But over the years that has totally changed. Everybody’s opened up. All the new people are friendly and would give you the shirt off their back. They really want to help—because what one winery does helps the whole industry. A rising tide raises all boats.”
Demographics in Georgia’s wine industry are changing too. Miller says more young families are choosing to come back to the land and start vineyards of their own.
“When we started twenty years ago, this industry was full of retirees starting a second career,” she says. “But today, I’m seeing young people with babies coming back, buying five or ten acres, and starting small vineyards. And believe me, the consumers in Georgia are really interested to come and see what you have to offer.”
Beyond its reputation for quality wines and agritourism experiences, Georgia’s wine industry is leaving a much bigger footprint on the state’s economy than many people realize.
“It’s over fifty million dollars a year,” Miller says. “We employ not just the people at the wineries but the surrounding restaurants, gas stations, hotels, and more. It’s an expanding economic impact for the state. And our legislature is starting to understand that and beginning to give us some help.”
By: Damon Jones