Rising Stars: Meet Shanie Mattox of Sandy Springs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanie Mattox.

Hi Shanie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
After working in the Audiovisual field for 30 years, I had enough and wanted to try graphic design for a change. While trying to get that off the ground, I came to work for Beer and Wine Craft part-time. But then I discovered that I loved the challenge of doing something completely different and more importantly – with no grouchy customers, so when Joe Keenan, the previous owner, was ready to retire, I bought the store and the hidden winery within.
Since then, I’ve tried to create a comfortable environment for people to come together and learn not just what they like, but how to savor every sip, and even how to make their own wine.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The major struggle I’ve faced since buying the winery has been the slow-down in the market. Sales have never returned to what they were pre-Covid, which is still a factor today. Homebrewers are now able to find craft beers on just about every corner and as a result have largely stopped making their own. You have to really enjoy the process of mastering a new recipe to get into the hobby.
Likewise, wine making seems to be a big mystery to many people who haven’t attended a class or come in to see the process. Actually, one of the things I hear most is “I had no idea you were here,” since we are kind of tucked back a block away from City Springs and still trying to get new customers to find us.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Having a background in graphic design has been an unexpected advantage to having the winery. By creating all of our advertisements, wine labels, and signage we have saved a lot on marketing expenses. Plus, it gives me the ability to create custom labels for our customers’ weddings, business meetings, and special events, adding another service to the mix.
As far as the tasting room goes, we are most proud of our Private Reserve which was a custom blend concocted by Joe. It has won three silver medals in competitions so far. Also, we are considered a Georgia Farm Winery, which means 40% of the juice we use is grown in Georgia, so we have some curious blends from these grapes. Our Manifest is a great, smoky red that we are currently looking for a steak restaurant to discover.

Pricing:

• Bottles run between $24 and $30 each
• Wine kits run from $100 to $250 for 30 bottles
• Classes are $50 per person
• A Wine Tasting experience is $20 per person

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.SandySpringsBoutiqueWinery.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandyspringsboutiquewinery/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandyspringsboutiquewinery
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@beerandwinecraft