Wineries, Breweries & Southern Drink Culture

Perfect for adult friend groups, couples, culinary travelers, and those looking to sip their way through South Georgia with style.

There’s something special about sipping a locally crafted drink while the sun sets over a small-town street. In South Georgia, every pour has a story—whether it’s wine made from Muscadine grapes, a cocktail crafted with house-made syrups, or a glass of sweet tea that tastes like summer.



The Southern Sips & Spirits itinerary invites travelers to slow down, raise a glass, and explore the region through its favorite beverages. From hidden tasting rooms to rooftop bars, small-town diners to general stores with sweet tea so good it’s worth bottling—this is the toast-worthy side of South Georgia your travelers didn’t know they needed.

Day 1

Ocilla to Richland / Albany

Late Morning: Ocilla, Georgia

Begin your day with a visit to Paulk Vineyards. With over 800 acres, it’s the largest Muscadine vineyards in the world. Known for their sweet, rich wines made from native Georgia grapes, Paulk Vineyards offers a relaxed tasting experience. Sample fan favorites like their Muscadine rosé or blackberry wine, take a stroll through the vineyard rows, and browse the market for jams, jellies, and bottles to take home.

Lunch Stop

Before leaving town, stop for a hearty Southern lunch at The Catfish House, a beloved roadside classic where the sweet tea flows freely and the all-you-can-eat catfish is legendary. From fried catfish platters to family-style sides, it’s a satisfying stop that’s both affordable and authentically local.

Afternoon: Richland Rum Distillery (Approx. 1.5 hrs from Ocilla)

Head west to Richland, home to Richland Rum, one of Georgia’s most acclaimed craft distilleries, named “Best American Rum” by Forbes Magazine. Here, rum is made the old-fashioned way—fermented, distilled, and aged entirely on-site using pure cane juice from sugar cane grown at their own estate. Join a guided tour to learn the distilling process, then enjoy a tasting flight featuring both unaged and barrel-aged rums and complete your visit with a stroll through their beautiful retail store.The setting is rustic, refined, and full of character—ideal for curious sippers and spirits enthusiasts.

Within walking distance of the distillery, you’ll find the M.G. Richardson Bed and Breakfast, a charming, historic stay with wraparound porches, cozy rooms, and true Southern hospitality. For groups looking to linger, it’s the perfect spot to spend the night and soak in the slow pace of this scenic town.

Optional Add-On

Just 20 minutes from Richland, you’ll find Plains, GA, the hometown of President Jimmy Carter. Visit the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, stroll through the quaint downtown, or tour the restored train depot that served as his campaign headquarters.

Evening: Albany Arrival (Approx. 45 mins)

Arrive in Albany just in time for dinner and a nightcap. For an entertaining evening head to The Grille House, a local spot with live music. Or keep it casual with a stop at Harvest Moon, a longtime favorite known for its hand-tossed pizzas, stacked sandwiches, and over 50 craft beers on tap. They also have live music Thursday through Saturday each week.

Overnight

Settle in for the night at one of Albany’s convenient downtown hotels. Whether your travelers prefer boutique comfort or well-equipped chains, they'll find options with walkable access to restaurants, nightlife, and morning coffee.

Day 2

Valdosta Tastings & Rooftop Vibes

Morning: Leisure & Local Coffee

Drive 1.5 hours to Valdosta, where the coffee scene is strong and the atmosphere is relaxed. Start at a locally loved café like Ellianos or Gud Coffee, where you can enjoy a morning latte or brunch-style fare with a Southern twist.

Midday: Historic Courthouse and Jessie’s Restaurant

Come spend some time in beautiful downtown Valdosta to check out the fully restored 1905 Historic Lowndes County Courthouse is a must-see Landmark. Enjoy a 20-minute tour of the historic site, located in the heart of the Valdosta historic district. Learn about the restoration, and area history surrounded by the magnificent architecture.   Stroll across the street and check out Jessie’s Restaurant, a quaint cafe’ and try their homemade pimento cheese sandwich.

Lunch Option

Hit up local favorite, The Smokin’ Pig, in North Valdosta for an authentic deep south barbecue sandwich and their internationally famous banana pudding.

Afternoon: Drive to Vidalia (approx. 2 hrs)

Make your way east to Vidalia, a town best known for its world-famous sweet onions—but also home to sweet sips and Southern hospitality. Ohoopee River Brewing Co is a celebration of local flavor and small-town hospitality. Their seasonal Sweet Onion Ale is a fan favorite—a perfect nod to Vidalia’s agricultural legacy.

Optional Add-On

Have a mix of drinkers and non-drinkers in the group? Consider stopping by Scoops, a downtown food truck with hand dipped ice cream, floats, milkshakes, and more. It's a nostalgic, non-alcoholic twist that still celebrates Southern flavor.

Evening: Wind Down in Vidalia

Wrap up your day with a relaxed dinner at Tree House Grill,  a casual spot for steaks and seafood.

Sip-Worthy Tips

Group-friendly Stops

Paulk Vineyards (Ocilla), Richland Rum Distillery, Georgia Beer Co. (Valdosta), Ohoopee River Brewing Co. (Vidalia), Friends Grille + Bar (Valdosta)

Take-Home Gifts

Muscadine wine from Paulk Vineyards, aged rum from Richland Rum, and merch from Ohoopee River Brewing.

Drive Times

Ocilla → Richland: 1.5 hrs

Richland → Albany: 45 mins

Albany → Valdosta: 1.5 hrs

Valdosta → Vidalia: 2 hrs

Best for

Couples, adult friend groups, culinary travelers, and laid-back leisure seekers

Pro Tip

Many tasting rooms offer non-alcoholic options and local snacks for younger travelers or non-drinkers

Southern Sips & Spirits is less about getting a drink and more about tasting the culture—one glass at a time. It’s the clink of wine glasses at sunset, the hum of live music on a back porch, the clatter of ice in a sweet tea-filled mason jar. And it’s exactly the kind of unhurried, full-flavored experience your travelers are looking for.