Ott Vineyards and Winery

About Ott

When Michael was 15 years old and got his first cow, he knew he wanted to be a farmer.  At the age of 17, he became the youngest entrepreneur in the fern (cut foliage) industry when he opened his own fernery in Deland, Florida. Starting with 3 acres and quickly grew to 31 acres. 

After 32 years, Mike decided to make a change and headed to Ellijay, Georgia where he was appraoched by several individuals looking to get into the vineyard business.  His skills quickly became highly sought after.  He soon built Cartecay Vineyards, Engelheim Vineyards, Ellijay River Vineyards and consulted with Chateau Meichtry where he injured his shoulder.  He soon came to North Georgia Physical Therapy where Lee was working as a Physical Therapy Assistant. 

Having previously been injured and rehabbing there herself, she found helping other recover from injury very fulfilling.  Mike fell for Lee instantly and after 5 months of physical therapy, Mike finally asked Lee on a date and that was that.  Mike's dream of owning and operating his own vineyard quickly became Lee's passion as well.  Together they have build Ott Vineyards and Winery from the ground up, clearing the land, planting plants, setting posts, running wire, hanging trellis systems, pruning, training, harvesting, and finally making their own wines with the help of Engelheim Vineyards and Chateau Meichtry.  Mike still assists with both vineyards as well as caring for Ott and continuing to consult on new vineyards such as Roo Mountain Vineyards and many more.  Mike and Lee finally realized their dream by opening their tasting room in 2018 with the production of their first two wines. Ott now offers a full line of red, white, and rosé wine as well as muscadine wine from Still Pond Vineyard. 

Ott Vineyards and Winery is located on 20+ acres with one of North Georgia's most beautiful mountain views at 180 degrees.  We currently have 8+ acres of French-American hybrids and Vinifera grapes including: Serval Blanc, Traminette, Vidal Blanc, Chambourcin, Lenoire, and Cabernet Franc.  Ott is family owned and operated. You will often see Michael and Lee both in the vines and in the tasting room. 

We are open 7 days a week with live music on Saturdays and Sundays as well as special holidays and for special events.

Tuesday night is our famous Open Mic Night from 5pm to 8pm.  Our Open Mic Night has been going for three years and counting. 

Ott Vineyards and Winery has local food trucks available on some weekends as well as a picnic cooler with prepackaged items available.  We also welcome our guest to bring a picnic.  Check out of gift shop area for Official Ott merchandise like jams, jellies, slushy mix, t-shirts, tanks, hoodies, and more.  We also have handmade gift items from local artisans and artists.