Welcome to Doghobble
Doghobble Wine Farm is an 80-acre working wine farm nestled atop the Dahlonega Plateau in the heart of Georgia’s wine country. We’re more than a winery, we’re a celebration of indigenous grapes, sustainable farming, and authentic farm life where wine, animals, and community come together.
At a Glance:
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Location: 10 Roy Grindle Road, Dahlonega, GA 30533
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Size: 80 acres on the Dahlonega Plateau
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Established: 2020
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Founders: Sam and Robin Zamarripa
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Philosophy: Indigenous grapes, sustainable farming, family-friendly hospitality
Who Founded Doghobble Wine Farm?
Doghobble Wine Farm was founded by Sam and Robin Zamarripa, both Georgia natives with deep roots in the state and a shared passion for wine, agriculture, and creating meaningful experiences.
Sam and Robin’s vision was to create a place that honored the natural landscape rather than fighting against it, growing grapes that thrive in Georgia’s climate, integrating animals into a sustainable farm system, and welcoming guests to experience authentic farm life alongside exceptional wine.
Why Is It Called “Doghobble”?
The name Doghobble comes from Leucothoe fontanesiana, a native evergreen shrub commonly called “doghobble” that grows wild throughout the North Georgia mountains.
This hardy plant thrives in the acidic soils and shaded forests of our region, much like the resilient grape varieties we’ve chosen to cultivate here. The doghobble shrub is known for its ability to adapt and flourish in challenging conditions, which perfectly captures our farming philosophy.
Why This Name Resonates:
Rather than fighting against our environment with grapes that struggle in Georgia’s climate, we work with plants, both vines and native flora, that are naturally suited to thrive here. The doghobble represents resilience, adaptation, and belonging to this landscape.
Just as the doghobble plant has deep roots in the North Georgia ecosystem, we’re building something meant to endure here for generations, rooted in place, adapted to our environment, and authentically Georgian.
The name also reflects our commitment to celebrating what’s native and indigenous rather than chasing what’s fashionable elsewhere. We’re proud to grow grapes and make wines that could only come from this specific place.
The Legend of Doghobble
A legend born from the mist, mystery, and untamed spirit of the Appalachian Mountains.”
What Makes Doghobble Unique?
A True Working Farm
We’re not a tasting room with a few decorative vines. Doghobble is an active, 80-acre agricultural operation where wine production integrates with animal husbandry, sustainable land management, and regenerative farming practices. When you visit, you’re stepping onto a real farm, complete with sheep, chickens, alpacas, donkeys, goats, and guinea hens, all playing important roles in our ecosystem.
Indigenous Grape Focus
While many wineries include a few hybrid varieties alongside traditional European grapes, Doghobble has made indigenous and French-American hybrid grapes our primary focus. We’ve committed to mastering varieties like Norton, Lomanto, Chambourcin, and Catawba, grapes specifically bred to thrive in challenging climates like ours. This isn’t a compromise; it’s a celebration of what grows best here.
Family-Friendly Philosophy
Unlike many wineries that discourage or restrict children, we’ve created spaces specifically designed to welcome families. Our outdoor Pavilion is intentionally family-friendly, allowing parents to enjoy wine while kids explore the farm, see animals, and experience agriculture firsthand. We believe wine culture and family culture can coexist beautifully.
Integrated Experience
Wine, food, animals, and landscape aren’t separate offerings at Doghobble, they’re woven together. Our wood-fired pizzas from Embers complement our wines. Our animals contribute to vineyard health. Our pawpaw grove produces rare North American fruit. Every element connects to create a holistic farm experience.
Commitment to Place
We’re deeply rooted in the Dahlonega Plateau, not just geographically but philosophically. Our wines express this specific terroir. Our farming practices work with (not against) this environment. Our hospitality reflects North Georgia warmth and authenticity.
Our Philosophy
At Doghobble, we believe:
- In Working With Nature, Not Against It
We chose grapes that thrive naturally in our climate rather than forcing unsuitable varieties to survive through intensive intervention.
- In Sustainable, Regenerative Agriculture
Our farm animals aren’t decoration, they’re integral to our agricultural system, managing vegetation, fertilizing soil, and contributing to a healthy ecosystem.
- In Authenticity Over Perfection
We embrace the beautiful imperfections of real farm life. Our animals roam freely. Our seasons bring different experiences. Our wines reflect vintage variation and terroir rather than industrial consistency.
- In Sharing the Experience
Wine tastes better when enjoyed in the place it was grown, surrounded by the vines, animals, and landscape that created it. We invite guests to be part of our farm, not just consumers of our product.
- In Community and Connection
Doghobble exists to bring people together, over a glass of wine, a wood-fired pizza, the sight of baby lambs in spring, or a sunset view over the vineyard. We’re building community, one visit at a time.
The Doghobble Story Continues
What started as Sam and Robin’s dream has grown into a vibrant farm and gathering place, but the story is far from finished. Each vintage brings new wines. Each season brings baby animals. Each year brings new friendships forged over shared glasses and shared experiences.
We’re still learning, still growing, still discovering what our land and vines can produce. And we invite you to be part of that ongoing story.
Whether this is your first visit or your hundredth, whether you’re a wine connoisseur or have never tasted anything beyond grocery store bottles, whether you come for the wine, the pizza, the animals, or the view, you’re welcome here.
Come discover what makes Doghobble special. Come grow with us.
Connect With Doghobble
Visit Us:
598 E Main Street
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706.725.4125
doghobblecellars@doghobblevineyard.com
Business Hours:
Sunday-Thursday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Friday-Saturday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Our Other Locations:
Doghobble Cellars:
Doghobble at Dillard:
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