Working in the City: Georgia Winery

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.”

 

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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.”

Guests can expect a range of ambient environments for every occasion and an assortment of pours for every mood. Whether relaxing in the sunshine, on the shaded patio, or in the tasting lounge, visitors can choose to indulge in a glass, bottle, or flight of sweet, semi-sweet, and dry wines – as well as an artisanal cheese plate, Southern charcuterie board, and more locally inspired small bites to complement their beverage of choice.

For those who wish to bottle their experience to take home, wines are available for purchase at the winery and online, with discounts for purchases of six or 12 bottles. The wines can also be found at select retailers in Tennessee and Georgia.

 

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Other onsite offerings include wine tastings, winery and vineyard tours, a gift shop, and an exciting new addition. “We’ve recently opened our new Georgia Winery Pizzeria, where our Sweet Southern Wines pair perfectly with our rustic, Pinsa-style pizza crust,” Taymore shares. “Each pizza is crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients, creating a delicious pairing for any of our wines – whether you’re celebrating, gathering with friends, or simply relaxing on the porch.”

Beyond offering high-quality fare, Taymore believes in creating a memorable experience for each visitor. “We hope every guest leaves Georgia Winery feeling that our wine is for everyone, anytime,” she says. “Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, stopping by for a casual tasting, or simply spending a quiet afternoon on the patio, we want guests to feel at home and experience the warmth of true Southern hospitality.”

 

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For anyone looking for a place to “wine” down, soak in a picturesque view, and savor the taste of the South, Georgia Winery is a flourishing and welcoming haven.

“We’ve continued to innovate where others play it safe,” Taymore adds. “While most wineries stop at tastings, we’ve expanded with a pizzeria, events, and interactive experiences that blur the line between winery and hospitality. That creativity is what sets us apart across the state and keeps our guests coming back for more.”

 

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However, that dedication doesn’t stop with visitor satisfaction; it transcends into a much larger goal. “I see our work as a contribution not just to our customers, but also to our employees, our community, and even to the broader landscape of small businesses in a tech-heavy, mega-corporation world,” Taymore concludes. “Small businesses bring people closer together. They reconnect us with each other, with the land, with faith, and with the things that make us human. That’s the role I want our winery to play, and it’s a responsibility I’m grateful to carry.”

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