Brunch, Wine, and a Charming Town: A Day in Dahlonega, Georgia

November 7, 2023/Micaela Thomas

Hello, everyone! If you've been keeping up with my adventures, you know I'm always on the lookout for exciting culinary experiences. Recently, I decided to take a break from my usual foodie escapades and embarked on a day trip to Dahlonega, Georgia. This charming town is nestled in the North Georgia Mountains and is conveniently situated an hour and a half north of Atlanta, right in the heart of Georgia Wine Country. So, my close friend and I set out on an exciting journey that started with a mouthwatering all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch at Wolf Mountain Vineyards.

Now, let's talk about the brunch experience because, trust me, it was quite an experience. Wolf Mountain Vineyards knows how to do brunch in style. Every Sunday, they host themed brunches, and the menu changes monthly. This time, we found ourselves indulging in the November theme, a Wild Game and Red Wine Brunch. Now, I'll admit, the concept of wild game dishes might make some hesitant, but I'm all about trying new things. I've seen many people rave about bison meat, especially those fans of Ted's Montana Grill, so I was eager to give it a shot.

We delved into a sumptuous spread that included Bison Stroganoff, Duck Chorizo Eggs Benedict, a pork loin carving station, roasted root vegetables, hazelnut and chocolate French toast, and Buttermilk Fried Quail with Wild Rice. It was a tantalizing mix of flavors that had us savoring every bite. I will say, the Venison Chili didn't quite hit the mark for me; it lacked the richness you get from fatty ground beef, which I'm used to in chili.

To complement our brunch, we sipped on Blood Orange Mimosas and Wolf Mountain Vineyards' semi-sweet house wine, which was so fantastic that I couldn't resist bringing a bottle home as a memento of our visit.

And the sweet ending to our brunch was simply delightful. Dessert offerings included a Caramel Apple Streusel Trifle, House made Cheesecake, Key Lime Tarts, and Chocolate Covered Strawberries, and each bite was a true treat. The flavors were exquisite and the perfect finale to our meal.

After we'd had our fill of these delectable dishes, it was time to explore the charming downtown district of Dahlonega. The moment we stepped into the area, the delightful aroma filled the air and drew us in. Our noses led us straight to Kilwins Chocolate store, where the scent of homemade waffle cones and sweet treats was irresistible. And we couldn't resist checking out the shop with homemade fudge, which was equally tempting.

One shop that stood out during our exploration was the Alpine Olive Tree store, a food lover's paradise featuring ultra-premium olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar. The store boasts an incredible array of flavors, but I ultimately settled on an apricot white balsamic vinegar and Calabrian chili olive oil. I'm already eager to experiment with them in my own culinary adventures!

The general store we visited was a treasure trove of unique finds, from stunning amethyst geodes to intriguing items like switch blades.

Walking through downtown was a welcome activity since we had quite a feast at brunch, and the stroll helped us burn off some of those calories. Overall, our day trip to Dahlonega was a perfect fall day. The vibrant reds, oranges, and golds of the leaves set a picturesque backdrop against the beautiful Georgia fall weather. I'm already planning my next visit, which I'm thinking will be in the spring when the weather warms up. I can't wait to explore the waterfalls, discover more wineries, and perhaps even indulge in a spa day. Dahlonega, you've captured my heart, and I can't wait to return!

i'MIN/ Subtle Flavor (Instrumental Version)/ courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com