Nestled in the Foot Hills of the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains
Sharp Mountain Vineyards operates on the simple but essential principle that to produce the finest wine, you must begin with the finest fruit. This quest for perfection requires personal attention to every detail, from employing tried-and-true “wine growing” practices to personally harvesting the best grapes and handcrafting the wines.
Ron and Jan Rathgeb began their labor of love in earnest in 1995, planting Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc, Gewürztraminer, Viognier and Pinot Noir. In 2002, the Rathgebs added Primitivo, Trebbiano, and Pinot Gris to the breezy hillsides of their peaceful, 19 -acre Sharp Mountain estate.
At 1,600 feet, Sharp Mountain Vineyards is ideally suited to its purpose. The rocky, alluvial soil is perfect for growing these balanced vines, which thrive on 5 acres of well-drained slopes. The west-facing site provides even, north-to-south exposure to nourishing sunlight, and wider spacing of the plants maximizes air circulation. The Rathgebs regularly remove leaves and thin the crops to maintain the health of the plants and to produce the highest quality grapes. Although these practices lower yield, they ultimately produce more intense and complex wines.
From start to finish, Sharp Mountain Vineyards wines are truly hand-crafted in the old-world fashion. At harvest-time, Ron and Jan choose each grape with care and begin the wine making process utilizing the highest-quality Italian-made equipment. After the destemming and crushing process is completed, the grapes are hand punched twice a day during maceration in stainless steel fermenters and then pressed gently in a bladder press. Finally, bottles are filled under vacuum and corked with an Italian floor corker.
The result is more than a wine: it is an experience.
Sharp Mountain, overlooking Jasper, GA, seems worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city, yet on a clear day you can look down on Atlanta as well as Stone Mountain from its heights. In fact, the Sharp Mountain Vineyards, Georgia Farm Winery, is just a 45-minute drive from Atlanta, making it the perfect venue for a day’s outing. Pack a picnic, enjoy a beautiful mountain drive and join us for a tour and tasting for just $3. Savor your lunch at one of our picnic tables while drinking in the beautiful view – rows and rows of espaliered vines against a backdrop of blue-green rolling hills and a commanding view of Sharp Mountain herself.
Hours:
Thursday through Saturday from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Directions:
US 515 in Jasper after the hospital on the left take the next left at Jasper Jeep on Salem Church Road. Go 4.2 miles following the grape cluster signs.
www.sharpmountainvineyards.net
110 Rathgeb Trail
Jasper, GA 30143
