Georgia County Government - February 2008 - (Page 20)

Winemaking on the Rise Another lucrative regional business in Northeast Georgia is winemaking, and all officials are enthusiastic about the progress this industry has shown thus far, particularly in the mountain counties of Rabun and Habersham. “Vineyards in Habersham and Rabun counties are thriving,” Hazell notes. “It’s a business that takes a long time; however, there is nothing short term about it. We currently have nine successful vineyards in Georgia, and eight of them are in the Georgia Mountains region. Not every county permits onsite winetasting – such as Habersham – but this could change with a referendum. For now, their tasting facility is in White County.” “Georgia’s ‘wine country’ is on the rise,” Lewis adds. “We have the same soil conditions and terrain, including seasonal temperatures, as northern Italy and the Napa Valley region of California, some of the foremost wine-producing regions in the world. Chateau Elan, just south of the region, perhaps Georgia’s most well-known winery currently, grows its grapes in the Georgia mountains region. “Most winemakers here are not allowed to sell their products in local grocery stores because they lack the required volume. Only two have the volume – Habersham and Chateau Elan,” Lewis concludes. A hospitality-oriented side business having grown out of the wineries has been hosting business functions, weddings and the like in the lovely facilities and grounds winemakers have brought to the region. In Rabun County, Tiger Mountain Vineyards and Persimmon Creek Vineyards offer facilities for special functions as well as very good wines to the public. Spreader technology that delivers maximum coverage at a reasonable price. Pull Behind For Turf Fertilizer/Lime Spreader Cricket 2 to 3 Ton Precision Spreader Ground Wheel Driven Stainless Steel Mesh Chain PTO or Hydraulic Driven Spinners 16.5 x 16.1 Flotation Tires 15” Ground Clearance Better Built Better Price Better Coverage Gravel Spreader Grasshopper 5 to 7 Ton Precision Spreader Ground Wheel Driven Stainless Steel Mesh Chain PTO or Hydraulic Driven Spinners 21.5 x 16.1 Flotation Tires 23” Ground Clearance 470 S. Wayside Street P Box 630 .O. Cornelia, Georgia 30531 1.800.282.3570 20 361694_Barron_Bro.indd 1 GEORGIA COUNTY GOVERNMENT 1/4/08 3:33:02 PM http://www.barron-bros.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Georgia County Government - February 2008

Georgia County Government - February 2008 Contents President's Message County Matters Regional Focus on the Georgia Mountains: Rabun, Habersham and Stephens Counties DNR Commissioner Noel Holcomb Solid Waste Management in Georgia: New Challenges Ahead Essential Elements of Negotiating Professional Service Firm Contracts The Walker County Courthouse at LaFayette Extension News: Partnerships are Key to Conservation Education Research Corner: Interns: An Asset to Every County NACo News: Counties and Climate Change FAQs Georgia Flag to Travel to All 159 Georgia Counties State Announces Regional Recycling Hub Grant Awards Abraham Joins ACCG Support Staff County Parade ACCG Launches e-Magazine Index of Advertisers

Georgia County Government - February 2008

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