This fall, stay at Chateau Elan Winery and Resort for a Harvest Getaway that steps off the beaten path between the trellises, reconnects with nature, and rejuvenates the soul. Explore vineyards and winemaking in Braselton, Georgia, where Southern charm meets French luxury.
From Grape to Glass
The harvest season is the most important time of year for vintners and wine lovers because the picking of grapes is the first step in wine production. Each rotund, juicy grape represents potential. And all that sweetness and sugar is packaged neatly in clusters, just waiting to be harvested from the vine and bottled as a Chateau Elan vintage.
Serenity Hike
Step away from the everyday — and your screen — and look out from your luxurious hotel room window as the mists rise toward a new day’s sunrise. Grab a fleece jacket and a warm cup of coffee from Le Petit Cafe and dare the morning chill on the Serenity Hike as birds begin to sing. This guided 1.5-mile loop around the vineyards starts at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday and is the perfect opportunity to observe the morning dew, bees and the Georgia sun working together to create Chateau Elan’s bounty.
Tastings & Tours
Mother Nature's work is finished, and now it is time for the winemaker to go to work. The award-winning winery is open daily for guided tours and tastings. The Chateau Tour & Tasting includes a behind-the-scenes look at the winery vat, production rooms, and bottling line. Then one of the senior wine stewards guides you through the entire winemaking process, from grape to glass. After the tour concludes, enjoy a guided tasting of five, winemaker-selected vintages.
Relax & Rejuvenate
Surrounded by nature and endless activities, the Chateau Elan Winery and Resort is a truly unrivaled experience. Eight delicious dining options, a full activities and events calendar, 45 holes of championship golf, and a restorative spa will all rejuvenate the mind, body and soul on your Harvest Getaway.
Explore Braselton
Your winemaking lessons complete, next let your feet wander from grassy rows to tree- and brick-lined sidewalks, a vintage-styled trolley trip, antiquing, or the racetrack.
Historic Downtown Braselton
Braselton, Georgia is a small town with big charm, and the heart of Braselton, Historic Downtown Braselton, is a quaint, walkable city center with locally owned restaurants, bars and boutiques. Located in the newly restored historic Braselton Brothers Department Store mercantile, The 1904 is a collection of shopping and dining spaces with an active live entertainment and events calendar that make it a hotspot downtown. The Town Green is host to seasonal festivals and events including monthly Farmers Markets, a Medieval Faire, and Holiday Celebrations.
Braselton Trolley
Hop aboard the vintage-inspired Braselton Trolley on Fridays 4 to 11 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. for a fun, fare-free ride around town. The Braselton Trolley is a great way to see the area, shop or dine. Or purchase tickets for a trolley tour. At the time of this posting, there are two tours: Explore Braselton Trolley Tour and the Historic Downtown Braselton Tour. Check back in November for tickets to the seasonal Holiday Lights Trolley Tour.
Braselton Antique and Artisan Festivals
Braselton is well known in the antiquing community for its festivals in April and October, which bring more than 300 vendors showcasing their handcrafted, repurposed, home decor, jewelry, soaps, primitives, artwork, pottery, and collectibles. There are also Art-Tiques markets in February, June and August with more than 150 vendors. Treasure seekers and pickers will find plenty of entertainment, too, including food trucks, live music, and shopping and dining downtown. If you love antiques, plan your getaway weekend during one of these festivals.
Motorsports Adventures
If the smell of racing fuel in the morning revs your engine, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta has an excellent fall lineup of spectator events including the Atlantic Historic Races in September, Motul Petit Le Mans in October and the SCCA ARRC in November. Caffeine and Octane’s Lanier Raceway offers Karting Experiences and hosts regular Friday night Drifts and other car meets through the month.
More to Discover during Harvest Season
This Harvest Getaway itinerary gets you started, but Braselton has many other attractions, activities and events to discover. Say "oui" to Braselton and plan your escape.