About Us

Since 1984, east metro Atlanta residents have found their wines in a quiet district known as 'Smoke Rise,' at a store bearing the same name as the area. Smoke Rise Bottle Shoppe and its staff have taken care of their customers with a tried and true philosophy of excellent customer service and a selection that has received local recognition and awards.

Named 'Gwinnett's Best' for 'Best Wine Selection' in a Readers' Choice Award by Creative Loafing's Gwinnett Loaf in 1998, this store is situated east of Atlanta, off Highway 78, just before the east main entrance to Stone Mountain Park.

Owners Greg Wilson and Earl Wilson and their staff have all been educated in strong, basic wine knowledge with five members attending The Wine School in Atlanta. Greg is a member of the Georgia Alcohol Dealers' Association (GADA). He spent 20 years at his previous store before purchasing Smoke Rise Bottle Shoppe in 2006 with a commitment to build East Atlanta's premier retail fine wine and spirits facility.

Earl Wilson spent over 30 years at 3 previous stores before purchasing Smoke Rise Bottle Shoppe in 2006. He shares his extensive knowledge in the liquor industry with his son and all his staff. Greg and Earl bring their passion for fine wines and customer service to Smoke Rise to maintain the store's reputation as one of Atlanta's top wine stores.

Heading the wine department is Pat Hardwick, Wine Buyer and Manager, who has been with the store for nineteen years. Pat takes pride in keeping abreast of the latest vintages and wine offerings available in Atlanta, and stocks them at fair prices. Pat began in retail beverage service in Aurora, Illinois, and progressed in wine knowledge and service skills upon moving to Atlanta in the early eighties. He joined Smoke Rise Bottle Shop in 1987.

Bob Nunamaker, Operations Manager, has been with Smoke Rise Bottle Shop for over 15 years. He is a valuable asset to the store and is in charge of the administrative management of the business. He is responsible for scheduling, billing, insurance, and website maintenance of Smoke Rise Bottle Shoppe. He also communicates store happenings, events, and new arrivals with weekly email newsletters to customers.

You can find Smoke Rise Bottle Shoppe by exiting Hugh Howell Road off Highway 78 East and turning right at your first intersection at Lilburn-Stone Mountain Road. If you look up to your right, sitting on a little hill is the free standing building with plenty of parking. Pat Hardwick can be found Monday through Friday until 5:30 pm (EST), with other members of the wine staff providing service in the evenings and Saturdays.