There’s a unique network of wineries, farms, and attractions that invite self-contained RV’ers to visit and stay overnight. Lucky for us, Hightower Creek Vineyards in the north Georgia mountains is a part of the Harvest Hosts program.
Harvest Hosts Program
This was our first Harvest Hosts program. Our first trip was fantastic and we’re now big fans of this approach.
The idea is that RV’ers stay for free but support the vineyard, farm, or attraction by making a purchase to support their business.
In the north Georgia area, as of June 2018, there are five wineries that accept RVs for overnight camping as a part of the Harvest Hosts program.
We chose Hightower Creek Vineyards as we knew it would have live music when we visited.
Reach about several other of our Harvest Hosts visits.
(If you are interested in joining Harvest Hosts, follow this link to Harvest Hosts and you’ll receive 15% off an annual membership. A discount code will be displayed at the top of the page.)
Hightower Creek Vineyards
We made arrangements with the owners of Hightower Creek Vineyards in Hiawassee, Georgia to stay a Saturday night at the vineyard.
They had live music Saturday afternoon so asked that we come before the crowds show up.
We got settled in a beautiful shaded spot by a gurgling brook and vineyard.
The vineyard is located in the very scenic north Georgia mountains.
It’s a few miles outside the town of Hiawassee, which is a small town, but has plenty of stores for anything you may need.
There are several lakes and rivers in the area, as well as many hiking opportunities.
There are plenty of things to keep you busy, in addition to sampling the local wine in the vineyards’ tasting room.
The Hightower Creek Vineyards is a beautiful farm.
There are rows and rows of different grape varieties being grown, with a backdrop of the north Georgia mountains.
When we visited in June 2018, the grapes were just beginning to bud on the vines.
The previous years’ grapes delivered!
At the vineyards’ tasting room, we tried several varieties of the vineyards’ wine, including Deliverance – a red similar to a Zinfandel – and our favorite called Chatuga Red – served lightly chilled it resembled a light Pinot Noir.
Delicious on a hot day.
They also had a frose’ – a frozen rose’, which was dangerously good!
Live Music on Saturdays
On Saturdays from 2-5pm, Hightower Creek Vineyards has local music play under their large covered porch.
The deck was busy with everyone enjoying the music and wine tastings.
Hiking at High Shoals Falls Trail
In the Hiawassee area, there are numerous lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and trails so there’s plenty to keep you busy if you like outdoor activities.
We hiked the High Shoals Falls Trail to see two beautiful waterfalls during our stay at Hightower Creek Vineyards.
It’s supposed to be about a three mile hike round trip, but the road into the trailhead was closed when we were there in June 2018 due to a few trees blocking passage.
We ended up adding about 3 miles to our original hiking plans since we had to hike from a distance to get to the trail. Regardless, it was worth it as the views were beautiful.
There are two waterfall vantage points.
The first is at the top of the falls in which there is a pool at the bottom where people go swimming.
There’s also a spot with a rope swing from the top of the falls, but that looked like a risky move.
Further down the trail, you’ll come to a view of the larger and more rocky falls, which are impressive.
There’s an overlook built for easy viewing of the falls.
(If you are interested in joining Harvest Hosts, follow this link to Harvest Hosts and you’ll receive 15% off an annual membership. A discount code will be displayed at the top of the page.)
Final Thoughts on Hightower Creek Vineyards
We really enjoyed camping in a vineyard at Hightower Creek Vineyards. The Harvest Hosts program is such a great opportunity for RV owners to camp in unique locations!
