By Robert Farmer

Okay first things first. In light of recent news about books
being published by authors who simply make things up and claim them as real, I'll
admit: I've never been wine tasting in Georgia. But I'll also
admit, the Wine Highway Weekend they've got scheduled for March 29 and 30
sounds like something I need to do. Yes, wine tasting in Georgia. And what
better way to discover the wines of the Peach State than during an official
event designed to garner awareness for the region's burgeoning wine
industry?
Like California's, Georgia's wine industry has
its roots in the 1800s, before being crushed by Prohibition. But its favorable
grape-growing climate, with steep, well-drained hillsides, excellent soil
qualities, and warm summers, remained. It wasn't long before grape
growers returned and got vines in the ground and by the 1980s, the industry
began to blossom again. Today, the Winegrowers Association of Georgia counts
ten member wineries, located along the Wine Highway, north and west of Atlanta.
During the special event weekend, member wineries and affiliate members will
each feature open houses, including barrel tastings, food pairings, and live
music.
It may be time to start thinking about heading south for
Spring. For information, visit www.georgiawine.com.