We were lucky enough to find our about Skywater Georgia Wine Hiking by buying a discounted voucher from one of the prime deal-sites. The deal was for a 3-4 hour easy guided hike, including a light lunch, and then wine tasting at a nearby winery. We delayed until quite close to the voucher expiration, so we were delighted that Dante got back to us very quickly and was able to offer an additional hike date that wasn't showing on the website.
On the day, we found our way very easily to the meeting point in Victoria Bryant State Park, GA. Not all the hikers arrived on time, but Dante waited patiently and we finally headed off with the latecomers in tow. The park is beautiful, and yes - you could absolutely hike it alone, if you have a good sense of direction and a map... but it is a lot more fun hiking with a knowledgeable, intelligent and experienced hiker who can tell you a little something about everything. It is a great way for new hikers to become more confident. The lunch provided was simple and tasty - including delicious salad vegetables and fruit from Dante's own garden, and good quality turkey and wraps. If you read the e-mail confirmation you receive, you'll remember to bring your own water - obviously one guy cannot carry water for everyone hiking (strange that another reviewer thought that would be the case!). The hike lasted around 3hr15.
We convoyed in our cars to the winery - Boutier Winery, owned by a Dutch man and his Irish wife. They are as welcoming and warm as you can imagine any vineyard owners to be, and made us all feel at home, and comfortable asking questions about the wine. Note to wine snobs - these guys do buy in grapes from other parts of the US, as well as grow their own, so it's actually a pleasant tasting experience, unlike Chateau Elan or other Georgia wineries). Dante clearly has worked hard to find the "right" places to take his hikers, and he chose well with Boutier Winery. About an hour and a half later, and we were ready to head home.
We chose to hike with Dante a second time, which was just as great as the first - and we look forward to doing so again in different locations. Thank you, Dante, for giving us such a great experience!
Things you need to know:
- This is a one-man outfit. That means he takes reservations, handles payments, picks out the hike location, works with the winery to get the tasting session reserved, and brings the light lunch ingredients BY HIMSELF. This means you get a much more personalized experience than with any other outfit.
- Dante is friendly, knowledgeable and very socially adept, which means he can bring a group of strangers together and make sure everyone feels involved in the conversation, and comfortable with your new hiking buddies.
- The hike will depend on the group of people who show up. If you come in hiking boots (or even tough sneakers or tennis shoes) and properly kitted out, you'll get a really great hike. If you come in flip-flops and without any water, Dante will have to change the hike to accommodate you, which means you will spoil the hike for everyone else. Think about why you want to hike and please, come prepared!
- Dante is a fascinating guy, and has interest in everyone he meets, seeing the good in everyone and he clearly enjoys seeing what makes people tick. He is one of the most interesting people to talk to about everything from organic farming to process engineering, and many things besides. Show up and ask him a few questions about himself and you will not be disappointed. read more
