Wine News Vine: July 1-5

We wish you a wonderful Independence Day. Please see all the events set for this holiday weekend below:

FRESH FROM THE WINE NEWS VINE:
-Updates from Naturally Georgia tasting room, Dahlonega square: Fresh cheese now in stock; last bottles (for now) of some Crain Creek wines; Tiger Mountain Vineyards has "All American Norton" wine sale.
-New wine tasting hours at Montaluce: Monday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m., until 6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Also check new hours for Le Vigne.

WINE & DINE:
-Wolf Mountain's Seventh Annual Father's Day BBQ Brunch. The only thing missing was a designated man cave and, come to think of it, the new tasting room on the ground floor could sub nicely.
-The event: Karl Boegner and team did a wonderful job welcoming guests to twin seatings Sunday afternoon. The barbecue buffet was indeed a manly feast featuring ribs, chicken, sausage with onions and peppers, creamed corn, mac and cheese, three-bean salad, bread and per-biting servings of chocolate chip cheese cake, key lime tarts, banana pudding and chocolate strawberries and white chocolate chip cookies. OK, the strawberries might have deducted a few man points but they were good.
-The verdict: As this was the seventh, we'll hopefully be back for no. 8 next June. It was a wonderful meal in the main dining area or out on the porch. Service was excellent from reservations to seatings to umpteen refills of water and tea. Wine was extra, by the glass (we picked the 2007 Sunset Rosé). Wolf Mountain is known for professional, friendly service and it made the brunch all the more special. The filled dining room was very orderly and the guests included several international couples/families.
-The price: $30 per adult, $15 for kids. Wine and tip are extra. We'd recommend adding a glass of wine into the package or a complimentary tasting but the overall value was fine.
-What's next: Wolf Mountain resumes the 'Tribute to Tuscany' Sunday brunch this weekend with special meals planned in July and August as well (click dining)
-Bottom line: The only thing we'd change is the parking. We did the stairmaster climb from the lower parking lot to the tasting room and then dining room--which was manly on its own. What we'd change: we should have hit the Wolf Mountain 'stairmaster' after brunch to work off all we ate. We'll be back.

INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND:
-Spend the holiday in Dahlonega: The heart of North Georgia's wine country has a huge Saturday, July 4th, planned with parades, fireworks and more. Spend the day at the wineries and get back to the square before 4:30 or so. You'll find all sorts of special events, including hot pizza and brats courtesy of St. Luke's Catholic Church just off the square. For expanded details: Dahlonega.
-Crane Creek, Fourth of July concert with Steel String Session, Saturday, July 4th, 7-10 p.m. $15 for adults; $5 under 21.
-Montaluce, All-American Celebration, July 4-5: Gelato tasting for the kids, Wine U tours, live music, grape stomping.
-BlackStock, Saturday and Sunday, July 4-5: Chicken Cordon Red, White & Bleu Sandwich, Squash Casserole, fresh fruit salad, $12.95 per person (wine, tip not included). Plus: Live music.
-Wolf Mountain, 7th annual Reds, Whites and Bluegrass brunch, July 5th. Regional cuisine and live bluegrass music. $30 per person; wine and tip extra. 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. seatings.
-Tiger Mountain, Saturday, July 4th: wine and special cheeses, live music. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

And while on the Dahlonega Square: Stop in at the Naturally Georgia tasting room and tell owner Vickie Cooper hello from North Georgia Wine Tours/Wine News Vine. It is the most comfortable tasting you'll have all weekend.