ABOUT US

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Hey yall! Hey! 

I'm Ms. Tonii, founder of Vino's Chick Co. and The Winemaking Studio™.

As a creative, I was first curious about winemaking back in 2010. I remember thinking...

"Hmmm...I DIY EVERYTHING...but how do you make THEE WINE?!?!"

Back then, I couldn't find any winemaking classes in Atlanta, so after doing a little research, I ordered a little winemaking kit and went for it.

My very first batch was a Chardonnay, and when I got my first official buzz from wine I made with my own two hands...Whew! You couldn't tell me NOTHING! I was a winemaker!

I immediately started making more wines, experimenting with different fruits and flavors, and teaching my friends how to make their own. Before I knew it, friends were bringing friends, and my little home winemaking parties took on a life of their own.

In 2015, Vino's Chick Co. was officially born, and in 2016 I opened my first commercial studio. My goal was simply to make winemaking fun, approachable, and something everyday people could actually experience instead of just reading about.

Then life lifed.

In 2017, my 21-year-old son, Akeem, was robbed and murdered. It sucker-punched the life out of me. I slowed down a lot but I never completely gave up.

Eventually, I was able to dodge the hovering black cloud, rise  out of the fog and find my way back to the thing that once brought me so much joy.

In October 2022, I opened The Winemaking Studio in Dahlonega, Georgia's wine country. Our ribbon cutting was held on October 14—Akeem's anniversary—just two days after my family and I sat through the sentencing of the men responsible for taking his life. Opening those doors wasn't just another business milestone, it was healing.

Fast forward a bit...

Today, The Winemaking Studio has grown into multiple Georgia locations, including Downtown Lawrenceville, Downtown Macon, and McDonough. Every studio was built with one goal in mind—to create amazing experiences where people laugh, connect, learn something new, and leave proud of what they created.

People often assume I'm some wine expert or sommelier. I'm not. I'm no wine connoisseur, and I definitely couldn't tell you what wine pairs with what food because, honestly... I pair wine with my throat. PERIOD.

I don't spend my days talking about grape growing regions, soil compositions, or wine jargon. I simply love making wine. More importantly, I love showing other people that they can make delicious wine at home using fruit, juice, concentrates, herbs, botanicals, and ingredients that are surprisingly accessible.

Watching someone look at their bottle and proudly say "I Made This" never gets old.

Thank you for supporting this dream and allowing me to share something I truly love.

I can't wait to make wine with you.

Cheers!

Ms. Tonii
Founder, Vino's Chick Co. & The Winemaking Studio™