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can enjoy tastings, wine dinners, educational classes,
vineyard views, and special events while learning the
story behind every bottle, says Sandi Diehl.
Diehl says Stonewall Creek offers an intimate venue for gatherings of up to 50 guests. The event space
is Sandi’s passion, and she loves bringing a spirit of
hospitality to every wedding, rehearsal dinner, and
special celebration, helping guests feel at home as
they mark life’s most meaningful moments.
Owner Mark Diehl transformed a retirement
passion into an award-winning winery that has been
recognized as Georgia’s top winery by James Magazine’s Sippin’ Local readers for three consecutive years
and has earned honors in both state and international
wine competitions.
Yet perhaps the vineyard’s greatest distinction
isn’t found on a trophy shelf. It is the welcoming atmosphere that encourages visitors to linger over a glass
of wine, enjoy mountain views from the patio, and
experience the hospitality that has become a hallmark
of North Georgia wine country.
“For us, Stonewall Creek has always been personal,” said Sandi Diehl. “After years in Atlanta, we
traded city life for the North Georgia mountains and
turned a winemaking passion into a second career.
Retirement did not slow us down; it gave us the opportunity to build something meaningful: an estate
vineyard, a tasting room, an event space, and a community gathering place.
“Our family, friends, neighbors, staff, wine club
members, and guests have all become part of the story.
Harvest days, wine dinners, classes, celebrations, and
casual afternoons on the patio remind us that wine is
most meaningful when it brings people together.”
The Mountains are Waiting for Visitors
What makes North Georgia remarkable isn’t that it
offers one perfect vacation. It offers dozens. One weekend might include hiking to waterfalls before enjoying
dinner at a vineyard. Another might feature Oktoberfest celebrations in Helen, boutique shopping in Blue
Ridge, apple picking in Gilmer County, or teeing off
against a backdrop of mountain peaks in Blairsville.
Each community offers its own story, traditions
and experiences, yet together they create something
greater— a destination where adventure, hospitality,
natural beauty and small-town charm come together
just a short drive from home.
The North Georgia Mountains have long been one
of the state’s greatest treasures. For today’s travelers,
they’re also one of its best-kept secrets— at least until
your first visit.
Cindy Morley is a staff writer for James and James Magazine
Online.
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