About The Staff

Greg Wilson

President-Owner: Greg spent over 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. He and most of his staff are graduates of the Atlanta Wine School or ‘L’ecole Du Vin (The Wine School). Greg brings his passion for fine wines, spirits, and craft beers to Smoke Rise to maintain the store’s reputation as one of Atlanta’s top retail stores. He is also on the executive board of directors of GADA(Georgia Alcohol Dealers Association).

Patrick Hardwick

General Manager and a “L’ecole Du Vin” graduate: Patrick has worked in the wine and spirits industry for over 25 years. He has managed Smoke Rise Bottle Shoppe since 1987 and has earned a reputation as one of Atlanta’s most knowledgeable wine buyers. Pat also keeps abreast of craft beers, which has helped Smoke Rise to become one of the best “craft beer stores” in the state.

Eddie Stephens

Manager & Wine Specialist: Eddie has been with Smoke Rise Bottle Shoppe for over 8 years and uses his great knowledge of wines to help the customers with all their needs. Eddie is a graduate of “L’ ecole Du Vin”(The Wine School). He is also a manager and handles many duties at the store.

Dominic Simao

Manager & Spirits Specialist: Dominic has just come on board with Smoke Rise, however he spent over 14 years with another store in the Atlanta area. Dom has a vast knowledge of all categories here and is able to help patrons in all areas. He is also a manager and handles many other duties.

Mike Kamin

Beer Specialist: Mike has been with Smoke Rise Bottle since 2008 and brings his passion for craft beers to the store. Mike studies all the latest beer literature at his disposal and works diligently to keep informed on all(new and seasonal) beers that come into our marketplace.

Chrissy Watkins

Graphics Designer & Customer Relations: Chrissy has been with Smoke Rise since 2006. Chrissy helps create all the signs and graphics throughout the store and also is responsible for much of the computer related duties. She also does much of the work for the newsletter as well as assisting customers at the front counter with all their needs.

Jerry Reed

Assistant Manager & Beer Specialist: Jerry joined Smoke Rise in 2007 and brings his passion for craft beers to the store. Jerry stays up to date on all of the new beers and also helps with many managerial duties.