An Autumn Oasis in the Blue Ridge Foothills: Roo Mountain Vineyards

While most Georgians will have to wait a few more weeks for the crisp bite of autumn to return, Roo Mountain Vineyards offers an early seasonal getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills. Sitting on 250 acres of former farmland in Ellijay, Roo Mountain is a luxurious escape just 90 minutes from downtown Atlanta. With a full slate of signature events in the coming months, Roo is a superior weekend destination this fall.

Roo Mountain Vineyards was founded by tenured Blue Ridge residents with a passion for good wine. Roo harvested its first batch of Petit Verdot and Merlot grapes in 2021. The venue now boasts 8,400 vines on more than seven acres, growing varietals of Petit Verdot, Chambourcin, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Aravelle and Petit Manseng. Roo offers a wide selection of red, white, rosé, sparkling wines and hard ciders all produced on-site.

Interested guests can embark on Roo’s VIP winery tours. The Roo Tour gives guests an exclusive inside look at Roo’s winemaking process. With tastings and small bites along the way, guests will be treated to a walking tour of the vineyard’s tasting room, cabanas, winery and barrel room. Roo’s elevated “Vine and Wine” tour is limited to four people per excursion. Guests will ride in their “Rooserati” vehicle, visiting the vineyard and farm among other stops with exclusive wine tastings along the way. Roo Mountain also offers private event rentals, as well as personalized proposal packages.

Paired with its extensive homegrown wine selection, Roo Mountain also has in-house dining options. The Roost Bistro serves polished Appalachian cuisine with an emphasis on showcasing regional ingredients. Notable dishes include a pan-seared rainbow trout and a braised short rib served with a parmesan risotto. Open Wednesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner, the bistro also serves an exclusive brunch menu on Sundays. Every Wednesday, Roo hosts its special “Peck & Pour” happy hour from 5 to 6 p.m. With a reservation, guests are served three small bites and three wine tasting pours for just $25. Bistro guests can also host up to 12 people with Roo’s private cabana service. For more casual fare, guests can enjoy offerings from the on-site food truck, The Coop.

With the summer heat finally subsiding and a rich schedule of specialty events, fall is the perfect time to visit Roo Mountain. Starting October 16, Roo will begin hosting its Haunted Barrel Room experience. On weekends in October, guests will be treated to four selections of wines or ciders, each paired with a snack and ghost story inspired by local folklore. Interested parties should reserve their spot soon, as the first Friday and Saturday nights are already sold out. Costumes are highly encouraged.

For the holiday season, Roo hosts its Merry Barrel experience starting December 23. Limited to just 40 guests, Roo presents a cozy guided tasting of five wines, four cheeses and a chocolate dessert, each pairing expounded upon by Roo Mountain’s winemaker and in-house cheese expert.

Roo Mountain is committed to unpretentious luxury, offering a myriad of intimate experiences in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills. For a leisurely escape, consider Roo Mountain Vineyards for your next special occasion.