Apple Works Winery
As its name indicates, Apple Works Winery is located on what was previously an orchard in the early 1990s. In 2002, Kevin Behnke, owner of Behnke Estates, acquired the picturesque Apple Works Orchard. At its new home, Apple Works Winery and Behnke Estates set out to produce more than just apple-related products. With a commitment to honor the property’s rich history, the Apple Works name remained. It’s with great passion, and relentless dedication, that the Behnke family sets out to produce some of the fines wines from America’s Heartland, and the world. Apple Works Winery and Behnke Estates produces a wide spectrum of wine from warm-climate, barrel-aged red wine all the way to sweet, white wines.
Author: Caroline Porsiel
Caroline Porsiel is a master distiller and liqueurist based in East Ellijay, Georgia. She founded House of Applejay, a fine spirits and liqueur distillery, in 2022 with her mother, Sabine, crafting award-winning products like Applejay from Ellijay, Mt. Frozen Knob Vodka, and Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. The distillery won a 2024 Best of Georgia Award and a 2025 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. As a founding member of the AMBRU Campaign, launched in 2020, Porsiel advocates for the global recognition of American Brandy and Rum. She continues to drive innovation in the craft spirits industry from her active distillery in the heart of Georgia’s apple country.
