By Lindsey Clute / Photography by Rich Smith
Relaxation, the perfect glass (or bottle) of wine, and a taste of the good life; that’s what you’ll find at Georgia Winery in Ringgold. From its rich family legacy to its deep Southern roots, Georgia’s first farm winery is setting the bar high with its hospitality, guest experiences, and vibrant offerings.
Family-owned and -operated, Georgia Winery was founded in 1982 when Dr. Maurice Rawlings, Sr., a heart doctor with a passion for farming, purchased 52 acres in the foothills of Chattanooga Valley. After discovering the land was ideal for growing grapes, he set out to plant vineyards and unknowingly established a Southeast staple. Passed down from generation to generation, Georgia Winery continues to honor its heritage with each passing year.
“We specialize in Sweet Southern Wines – bright, fruit-forward wines that taste just like the fresh fruit right off the vine,” shares Tara Taymore, CEO and granddaughter of Rawlings. “What makes our wines truly unique is that we use grapes native to our area and the United States. These grapes aren’t imported from overseas; they naturally flourish in our Southern climate.”

Tara and Jesse Taymore
From muscadines to blushes to decadent sangrias and more, each sweet sip is indicative of the company’s organic operations. “We follow the path nature intended,” Taymore says. “Grapes are naturally harvested in the fall, just before winter arrives, which means their juice would traditionally ferment in cooler temperatures. We honor that process by fermenting our wine as cold as possible to lock in the fullest, freshest flavor.”


