Our Story

---

I'm Ms. Tonii..

Originally from California, I've been a Georgia peach since 2007.

As a creative, I was first curious about winemaking in 2010. I was like, hmmmm...I DIY EVERYTHING but how do you make THE WINE?!?!

Back then, I couldn't find any winemaking classes in Atlanta so after a little research I purchased a lil winemaking kit and went at it! My first batch of Chardonnay was a success and boy was I excited when I felt my first official buzz from wine made by me! Whew! You couldn't tell me NOTHING! I was a winemaker!

I was so excited that I quickly began making more varietals and teaching my friends how to make their own wine. Then with friends of friends wanting me to teach them how to make wine, my Home Winemaking Parties took off from there.

In 2015 Vino's Chick Co. was born and I got my first commercial space in 2016 to host DIY workshops, sell my curated winemaking kits and conduct virtual winemaking classes. But after my 21 year old son, Akeem, was robbed and murdered in 2017, it sucker punched the life out of me. I slowed down much but never quite quit. At some point, I rose out of the darkness and in 2022 I moved my studio to Dahlonega's wine country . The grand opening and ribbon cutting for The Winemaking Studio at Dahlonega was held on the anniversary of Akeem's death 10.14, only two days after my family and I were in court, as the murderers were finally sentenced.

Thank you to everyone who has thus far supported my dream of having a winemaking studio. I'm not a wine expert, connoisseur or snob...just a wine lover turned winemaker who finds joy in sharing with others how they can too make delicious wine at home by using fruits, roots and herbs that are easily accessible.

I look forward to making wine with you soon!

Cheers!