Today is drink local wine day.   Now that is a holiday I can get excited about.

There are several wineries in the state of Georgia.  I have an Italian friend, Riccardo Bertocci who deals in wine in his hometown of Cortona, Italy where the University of Georgia has a highly regarded studies abroad program. 

Riccardo learned about the University of Georgia from that program and found his way to Athens where he was graduated from UGA.  In recent years on journeys to Athens, he visited the best known wineries in North Georgia and gives most of them high marks for the wine they produce.

I have a favorite Georgia winery, which is Tiger Mountain Vineyards in Tiger, Georgia.  Tiger is 3.3 miles south of Clayton and has an attractive Red Barn where, in summer, you can enjoy a nice meal paired with Tiger Mountain Vineyard wines.

        Founded by Martha and Charles Ezzard, this winery has an interesting history, literally one of a labor of love.  They and partners, John and Marilyn McMullen, produce very good wines in a mountain setting that is picturesque and charming. Here’s to my favorite local Georgia wine. Selah