CARTECAY VINEYARDS HISTORY
Cartecay Vineyards, located in Ellijay, GA, is situated in the Eastern part of Gilmer County, in the Cartecay region. The region of Cartecay was named by the Cherokee and translates to “Bread Valley.”
April 2007
How We Got Started
Cartecay Vineyards was founded in 2007 when we purchased a Farm dating back to circa 1890. When we acquired the farm it had laid barren for many years, and had been reclaimed by Mother Nature. What once was a farm that grew corn and hay, as well as raised cattle, hogs and mules, was transformed with intensive planning and great care, into what it is today; A bustling vineyard full of life, events and music.
June 2007
Our Terroir
The Southern Appalachians in North Georgia are ideal for growing wine grapes. The elevation, the soil and the climate all combine to produce a unique Terroir that provides for the highest quality wine grapes and subsequently, fine wines.
Cartecay Vineyards has Western facing slopes, which allow for the vines to receive maximum sun exposure, elevations ranging from 1650 ft. to 1750 ft., sloping landscapes to help keep the vines’ “feet” dry and clay loam soils, which are conducive to growing grapes.
April 2008
Our Varietals
Cartecay Vineyards was planted in the Spring of 2008 with two varieties, Vidal Blanc and Merlot. We have since lost our Merlot vines to disease. Our current varietals include; Vidal Blanc, Traminette, Norton (Cynthiana), Catawba, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Chardonel, with more planned.
September 2010
First Vintage / Harvest
We had our First ever Harvest! We picked Merlot and Vidal Blanc, both of which produced great Vintage Wines. Merlot has since succumbed to disease and has been replaced with Petit Verdot. Vidal Blanc has been one of our most popular wines since the First Harvest and can be enjoyed as a Varietal Vintage Wine or as part of many blends we produce.
July 2011
Tasting Barn Opened
The Tasting Barn sits at the foot of our vineyards and in the middle or our two vineyard blocks, the Main Block and the Maple Block. The Tasting Barn is where we conduct most of our on-site Tastings as well as host numerous events; Cork & Canvas, Private Parties and Weddings, as well as Music.
The Tasting Barn is the original Barn, rehabilitated, that was first constructed in circa 1890. It contains all the original wood and character. It is worth visiting us just to see the Tasting Barn. One of our favorite pieces of furniture resides in the Hay Loft’s bathroom, a vanity made from the original barn wood.
September 2012
Inaugural Crush Festival
Our First Crush Festival was held in September of 2012 and has become our biggest and best attended festival of the year. We hold the Festival Annually in the middle of September. Our guests enjoy a great day of Stomping Grapes, Tractor-Trailer Vineyard Tours, Great Music and Food, and of course Wine!
UPCOMING
EVENTS
Live Music with Gregg Erwin
June 10 @ 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Live Music with Craig Hendricks
June 11 @ 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Live Music with David Cheatham
June 17 @ 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Live Music with Brooke Bagwell
June 18 @ 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm
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