The Seasons of the Grape

Tiger Mountain Vineyards cultivates seven varieties of red grapes and two white grapes. Carefully selected European grapes thrive in the sunny days and cool nights of the growing season in Northeast Georgia. Fifteen acres of grapes are planted in two vineyards at Tiger Mountain, with more than eight acres in production. The oldest vines date to 1995.

Vineyard tours are available year-around by appointment: 706-782-9256.

Cabernet Franc : A French grape best known in the Loire Valley. Thrives on the East Coast and grows exceptionally well in Tiger. Makes a superb red wine that has distinguished Tiger Mountain Vineyards in many competitions.

Touriga Nacional : A traditional Portuguese grape, the main grape in port. Likes the altitude and soil of Northeast Georgia and makes a rich, dark red wine that has won numerous medals.

Tannat : A native of the Madiran in Southwest France. Huge, tight grape clusters produce "black" juice with high tannins. Makes an excellent varietal wine.

Malbec : A thin skinned grape which ripens in early fall. A native of Cahors in South-Central France; the main wine grape also of Argentina. Makes a dry, sophisticated red wine that was allegedly a favorite of author Ernest Hemingway.

Mourvedre : A red French grape used mostly for blending. Known for its distinctive blackberry qualities.

Tinta Cao : Used for blending, this unique red Portuguese grape is reliably productive. With its long, vigorous canes, it adds drama to our vineyards.

Norton : Discovered in Virginia during the time of Thomas Jefferson, Norton was once internationally known as Virginia Claret. This rare American grape is in a vitis class all its own, known as vitis aestivalis. Norton is prolific and undisciplined, markedly different from the European vines - yet, like many of them, produces a grape which makes a dry red wine that ages well.

Viognier : An exotic white French grape best known in the Rhone Valley of France. Viognier vines were first brought to Condrieu by the Romans. A grape that requires pampering, Viognier was introduced in the United States 10 or 15 years ago. Grows well on the slopes of Tiger Mountain.

Petit Manseng (Burton Blanc) : Tiger Mountain's newest grape, already an award-winning wine. An ideal East Coast white grape with high sugars and loose grape clusters that allow lots of air and sun for even ripening. This ancient French grape, once used to baptize Henry IV of France, is grown exclusively at Tiger Mountain in Georgia. The tangy crisp wine has a nose of green apple -and is delightful with light cheeses or seafood, especially shrimp and oysters.