News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tori Dunston, Director
E-mail: director@georgiawineproducers.org

Georgia Legislature Designates March as Georgia Wine Month via Senate Resolution 511
Georgia Wine Producers (GWP) Executive Board Extends Gratitude for Support

Atlanta, GA - Raise a glass to Georgia wine! Senator Gooch of District 51 led the sponsorship of a resolution to make March 2024 Georgia Wine Month. Senate Resolution 511 was officially passed on February 26, 2024, and recognizes the history, achievements, and economic impact of the Georgia wine industry. Members of the GWP were proud to visit the capitol for the momentous occasion.

SR511 sheds light to all that the wine industry truly means to Georgians. When the colony of Georgia was founded in 1733, one of the intentions for the colony was the farming and production of wine. Prior to prohibition, Georgia had the sixth-largest viticultural region in the United States. Today, Georgia now has two American Viticulture Area designations and has received the Best Wineries in America award. Georgia’s wineries also had nearly 300,000 tourist visits and contributed more than $5 billion to the state’s economy from vineyard-related activities in 2022. Beyond its economic prowess, Georgia’s wine industry champions environmental stewardship, promotes sustainability practices, and diversifies the state’s agricultural economy. The growth of wineries in rural areas has facilitated the reclamation of large tracts of land for productive farming purposes.

GWP Board member, Shannon Newby with Newby Vineyards, said “At its best, Georgia wine uses the factors of climate, topography, and the sensibilities of the Southeast to coax the highest expression of what we have to work with into something that transcends and exceeds the characteristics of this region.” Board vice president, Bill Cox of Cox Vineyards, added “The recognition of the Georgia Senate by naming all of March Georgia Grape and Wine Producers Month is a source of great pride. The Georgia wine industry has been striving to compete and achieve the highest standards and can stand in comparison to any wine region in the world. With our rapid growth, and continuing efforts for excellence, soon I expect we will become a region others will measure themselves against.” GWP Treasurer, Tristen Vanhoff of Accent Cellars, continues “March being Georgia Wine Month perfectly coincides with Georgia Wine Highway. Those of us in the industry are working tirelessly to expand and elevate Georgia’s offerings. We are proud of what we do and are honored by the State of Georgia recognizing our work and passion in this industry. We are grateful for this resolution and are looking forward to the further awareness that can be raised by it. We hope this recognition is another step for wine enthusiasts and consumers to take pride in our state and support the local vineyards and wineries, thereby supporting the great state of Georgia.”

The GWP extends their heartfelt thanks to Senators Steve Gooch, Bill Coswert, Clint Dixon, John Albers, and others for their steadfast support in elevating our industry.

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Georgia Wine Producers is the premier statewide industry association representing farm wineries and vineyards in Georgia, fostering the growth of commercial wine production through increased public recognition and consumption of Georgia’s wines made with locally sourced grapes and fruits, resulting in investment, revenue & jobs in Georgia. This recognition further solidifies Georgia’s position as a hub for wine enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

If you would like more information about the Georgia Wine Producers, please contact Tori Dunston atdirector@georgiawineproducers.org.

Photos are provided upon request.

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https://dor.georgia.gov/alcohol-tobacco-1/alcohol-tobacco-regulations

The Georgia Wine & Grape Commission is seeking nominations for consideration for appointment to the Georgia wine & Grape Commission. The Georgia Wine & Grape Commission was created during the 2019 Georgia legislative session at the request of the Georgia wine producers. The Commission was created to support Georgia’s growing wine industry by eventually being able to provide financial support from assessments on product marketed for research, education, and promotion of Georgia produced wine. The assessment will be authorized by the approval of the producers of a Wine & Grape Marketing Order at a later date. 

The Georgia Wine & Grape Commission Board is be composed of five Georgia producers. These individuals will serve terms of three years and can be considered for reappointment if they choose. The terms of Gary Engle, Simone Bergese, and Eric Seifarth are expiring this year and can be reconsidered for appointment. Simone Bergese has chosen not to be considered for appointment for another term. Nominations can be from the individual seeking the appointment, a person nominating another person, or a nomination from an affiliated organization. Nomination forms can be found at 

agr.georgia.gov/cpf

Or emailing – andy.harrison@agr.georgia.gov.

Nominations are due no later than Friday May 26^th. 

For more information contact Andy Harrison at the above email or call at 404 710 1196.

Wine Grape Commission Nomination Form .pdf

Our #WineWednesday Member Spotlight this week is Accent Cellars in Dahlonega, Georgia. Visit their socials and website to stay up to date and plan a visit. https://www.accentcellars.com

A note from the winery:

From our family to yours...

Accent was founded on the principle of bringing people together around good friends, family and a great experience.

Accent is a true family business founded by husband and wife, Tristen & Katie Vanhoff, and brother Tyler Barnes. Together Tristen & Tyler craft the wines, while Katie creates the art that brightens up our walls of Accent.

We aim to not be your typical estate winery, but instead wish to craft wines onsite from quality grapes sourced from all around Georgia, and the country. We identify the highest quality and most interesting varietals to craft wines that we ourselves want to drink, and in those which takes a sip can taste that our full hearts went into every bottle.

Accent's goal is to celebrate a healthy relationship between man and nature through hand crafted wines made with fruit sourced from farms in Georgia, California, Washington, Texas, and beyond.

Our passion is rooted in the privilege of being a part of the shared experience of enjoying a good bottle with good friends.

So grab a picnic, some good company, a bottle of wine, and settle into the good life!