Tourism is big business for Northeast Georgia. Between Lake Lanier and the mountains, the beauty of the local area draws thousands of visitors who then spend money at area restaurants, shops and hotels.

And a growing sector of that industry is now giving local economies a bigger boost. Agritourism includes attractions such as wineries and corn mazes, which Northeast Georgia has aplenty.

"Wineries have become a real attraction and an avenue for economic development," said Doug Paul, co-founder of Three Sisters Vineyards in Dahlonega. "People aren't just coming to the winery. They're also spending money in other places in the community - they're staying in local hotels, gassing up at local stations and even buying food if they decide to rent a cabin."

The University of Georgia Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development and the university's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences recently conducted a survey of the state's wine industry.

According to the survey, the wine industry draws more than 167,000 visitors to local communities each year, with more than 80 percent of visitors traveling up to 100 miles to reach their chosen destination. Once there, visitors are spending more than $13.4 million annually on lodging, fuel and in restaurants, among other things.

With a winery, spa, eateries and an inn, executives at Chateau Elan in Braselton say they have seen this trend firsthand.

"The vineyards are a huge draw," said Doug Rollins, Chateau Elan vice president of sales and marketing. "Most of the visitors through the winery will have lunch in Cafe Elan or join one of the culinary demonstrations in the Viking Culinary Studio."

Fishing tournaments also have proved an important agritourism draw.

The FLW Outdoors' Forrest Wood Cup fishing tournament, parts of which were held in Hall County in August, drew fishermen, their families and fans.

"What that said was dollar signs for the tourism side of things because all the hours that dad is on the water, mom and the baby are shopping and going to local attractions and retailers," Stacey Dickson, Lake Lanier Convention and Visitors Bureau president told The Times.

Fishing tournament organizers estimate the event brought about 100,000 visitors with a statewide economic impact of about $28 million.

Even seasonal activities such as the corn mazes in Dawsonville, Cleveland and Alto can be big agritourism draws.

According to officials with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, agritourism attractions like festivals and fairs can do a lot to bring outside funds into a local economy.

When it comes to the economic impact of the state's wine industry, insiders say wineries have yet to reach their full potential.

"There are around 46 different wineries throughout the state - you can really make a week out of visiting some of the different locations," Paul said.

"When you go to other wine regions, the local people and establishments really support their product. When Georgians go out to eat, or are looking for something to sample, I want them to think Georgia wine."