Today we’d like to introduce you to Mckenzie Higginbotham
McKenzie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was raised on a small farm in Ohio, where my parents instilled in me a deep love and respect for the land. Our days were spent tending to a diverse array of crops and animals, immersing ourselves in nearly every aspect of farming. It was a life both enchanting and demanding, one that fostered a strong work ethic and an enduring appreciation for family.
My grandparents visited the farm daily, often accompanied by their dogs. Their presence was a constant reminder that everyone brings unique talents to the table and that work, when approached with joy, can be deeply fulfilling. This philosophy now shapes the way we run our vineyard. We take great pleasure in welcoming guests, especially those who bring their dogs, as it evokes fond memories of our farm days. The values of family, hard work, and stewardship of the land have been woven into my very being, forming the foundation of who I am.
Much of my childhood was spent immersed in farm life—riding dirt bikes, playing with friends, and caring for animals. Yet, after graduating high school, I felt compelled to explore a different path. I left the farm behind in pursuit of new experiences, believing my future lay in the city. At Loyola University Chicago, I studied both English Literature and Biochemistry, while my brother pursued Information Technology at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, my parents relocated to Virginia, marking a new chapter for our family.
In 2008, during a visit to my parents’ home, my mother posed a deceptively simple yet profound question to my brother and me: “What do you truly want to do with your lives?” We responded with generic answers, listing the jobs we held at the time. But she pressed further, urging us to dig deeper—not just in terms of careers, but in envisioning the kind of life we wished to build. She encouraged us to write it down, and to our surprise, our answers were strikingly similar. Each of us—my parents, my brother, and I—expressed a shared desire: to work closely with the land, to engage meaningfully with people, and most importantly, to be together. From this realization, our family mission statement was born: “Enjoy Earth. Enjoy Life. Enjoy People.” With these guiding words, the idea of owning a vineyard took shape—a place where we could cultivate the land, foster community, and create something lasting together.
Once the blueprint for our vineyard was in place, it was time to carve out our roles. With a foundation in science, I pursued further education in Enology at Texas Tech University, honing my craft to become the Head Winemaker. As a super taster—blessed with an extraordinary number of taste buds—I was uniquely equipped to blend the precision of winemaking science with the subtle artistry of flavor creation.
My brother, with his background in art and technology, brings his creative vision to life, overseeing everything from design to hardware. My father, the stalwart farmer from Ohio, continued his legacy as our vineyard manager, ensuring the land thrived. And my mother, ever the pragmatic force, took on the less glamorous but equally vital tasks of accounting and human resources. While each of us held different expertise, we found that our diverse skill sets were precisely what the business needed, allowing us to contribute in our own distinctive ways. Together, we collaborate, honoring and respecting each other’s strengths.
Juggling our corporate careers, family obligations, and additional schooling while nurturing a fledgling business proved no small feat. It took seven years of tireless effort—clearing the land, tiering the slopes, planting vines, and building the vineyard—but every challenge was a step toward something greater. In 2015, we finally opened our doors to the public, and for the past decade, we’ve been immensely grateful to serve our community and share in this remarkable journey.
Our passion for sustainability was one of the driving forces behind this venture. Long before environmental stewardship became a trend, we practiced sustainable farming as a way of life. Over the years, we have embraced two fundamental lessons: first, to honor and replenish the land that sustains us, and second, that success begins long before the harvest. Many of the methods we employed in the 1980s—cover cropping, composting, and rainwater harvesting—remain integral to our operations today. Advancements in technology have only strengthened our commitment, allowing us to incorporate innovations such as soil and tissue sampling, thermal imaging, and cutting-edge winery techniques. These practices enable us to maintain the health of our soil without reliance on external chemicals, preserving the land for generations to come.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey has been far from smooth. Each year brings its share of challenges, some inevitable, such as weather disasters or global epidemics. Yet, it is the self-imposed obstacles that have left the deepest mark.
I’ve encountered significant challenges and missteps in areas such as event planning, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the customer experience, and wine selection.
Understanding the region’s wine preferences revealed that the stereotype of Georgians favoring only sweet wines is far from accurate. In reality, our community boasts a refined palate, a deep appreciation for the complexities inherent in fine wine, and an eagerness to expand their knowledge. To cater to this enthusiasm, we have introduced immersive experiences, such as intimate winery tours and sensory-focused group events. Building upon these initiatives, we are excited to launch comprehensive wine education classes this year, aimed at empowering individuals with foundational knowledge to deepen their connection to wine, refine their tastes, and discover their unique preferences.
Through it all, I have learned to remain steadfast in my core values, honor the unique character of the region I serve, and deeply understand and prioritize the needs of my customers.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Fainting Goat Vineyards & Winery?
Fainting Goat Vineyards & Winery is a family-owned and operated endeavor, born from a deep-rooted love for the land and an unwavering passion for crafting exceptional wines.
We take pride in our ability to embrace modern trends while remaining steadfast in the time-honored traditions essential to producing world-class wines. Our vineyard is renowned for its dedication to Bordeaux reds, standing as the only vineyard in Georgia exclusively cultivating these distinguished varietals. Among our most celebrated wines are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot—grapes that pose a formidable challenge in Georgia’s humid climate. However, our high elevation and constant breezes create the perfect environment for these vines to thrive.
At Fainting Goat, we strive to cultivate more than just fine wines—we create an inviting, approachable atmosphere where wine lovers of all levels feel at home. Whether you are a novice or a connoisseur, we offer a diverse selection of wines, engaging classes, and vibrant events designed to bring people together in celebration of life’s finest pleasures. Our name, Fainting Goat, is a tribute to authenticity—encouraging everyone to embrace their unique journey, fearlessly savoring both life and wine.
What fills us with the greatest pride is the impact we’ve made within our community. Our team is the heart of our winery, with many employees who have been with us for over seven years. Beyond our own family, we have built a second family—comprised of sisters, cousins, and even my best friend, who joined our journey several years ago. Their dedication extends beyond our vineyard, fostering a deep sense of community and purpose.
Our success has allowed us to give back in meaningful ways. We’ve partnered with remarkable organizations that create lasting change, tailoring our support to meet their unique needs. A portion of proceeds from our Harvesting Homes wine goes directly to Habitat for Humanity, helping provide housing for those in need. We proudly organize food drives for CARES, toy drives for ACES, and charity 5Ks benefiting Good Samaritan, among many other philanthropic initiatives.
Creativity flows not only through our wines but also in the immersive events we host to celebrate them. Our Drink the Music experience pairs the rich harmonies of music with the nuanced notes of wine in a candlelit setting, while Drinking in the Dark challenges guests to heighten their senses as they identify aromas and tasting profiles in complete darkness. Of course, wine is meant to be enjoyed with joy and laughter, which is why we also host playful events like Adult Easter Egg Hunts, the Great Inflatable Race, and Sunset Concerts.
We welcome visitors seven days a week, offering daily wine tastings, weekend live music, winery tours, and an ever-evolving lineup of unforgettable events.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We proudly welcome partnerships with those who bring a distinctive voice and a shared commitment to enriching the experiences of our valued guests. More than just collaboration, we seek partners who provide meaningful solutions—enhancing the lives of those we serve while fostering genuine connections within our trusted network. Our social media accounts provide an instant connection to interested brands that want to learn more about us or discuss partnerships.
Being one, if not the only, female head winemakers in Georgia, I pride myself on partnering with other female owned businesses. Women’s Wine Wednesdays, events for women hosted by women, allows us to showcase talented females.
Pricing:
- Wine Tastings $15
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.faintinggoatvineyardsandwinery.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faintinggoatwinery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FaintingGoatVineyards
- Twitter: https://x.com/FaintingGoatGA/status/1528033716144115712?mx=2
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiUKHMxxTJPXSGPCbn6shMg
