Residents of Forsyth County vocally and repeatedly lament the gentrification creeping into their once-rural community. Yet, in the same breath, they’ll request an extra layer of prosciutto on their charcuterie board and comment negligently about how seamlessly it complements the aged port and Gruyère. After a meal of locally sourced steak, they adjust their Carhart beanies and order the handmade dragon fruit cheesecake. The irony isn’t lost on them; it’s simply savored along with the finer things that have found their way into their evolving hometown.
One of those finer things is Stoney J’s Vineyard, located near The Collection at Exit 13.
Nestled in a shaded arbor, this sprawling estate feels like a rural retreat, yet offers the amenities and elegance of the city right at visitors’ fingertips – a living metaphor of the community in which they live. Indeed, when asked what inspired them to establish the first vineyard in Forsyth County, the DeNardo family, owners of Stoney J’s, reflect on the untapped potential they saw in the area. They wanted to create something that wasn’t just another business but a destination—a place where people could gather, relax, and indulge in real sophistication in their own backyard.
Opened in 2021, Stoney J’s Vineyard began as two houses and a barn, but the DeNardos saw more. They developed the tasting room, planted grapevines, and turned the property into a country club styled sanctuary, offering a much-needed place of respite in a community that increasingly represents the concrete jungles they resist.
Muscadine Wine, Sounds Divine
The vineyard specializes in Muscadine grapes, a nod to Southern tradition and a practical choice for the region’s climate. “Muscadine is as Southern as it gets,” says Emily McAfee, director of marketing. They proudly grow eight varieties of the grape native to the Southeast. The vineyard produces four wines from these Muscadines, leaning into the sweeter side of the spectrum, with a popular Sangria among their offerings. While many North Georgia vineyards attempt to grow Cabernet Sauvignon and other grape varieties that struggle in this region, Stoney J’s focuses on a more robust grape better suited to Forsyth’s warmer climate.
The process of winemaking at Stoney J’s is a labor of love, starting each fall with the grape harvest. “We pick the Muscadines from mid-September to mid-October, usually over several weeks,” Emily explains. The grapes are weighed, crushed, and then allowed to ferment in tanks. After fermentation, the wine goes through a process called racking, which involves moving the wine from one container to another to leave the sediment behind. While Stoney J’s also offers other wines, the juice for these comes from outside sources. That said, the same careful process is applied from fermentation to bottling. “Sometimes we add tannins to bring out different flavors of the grape,” McAfee notes, underscoring their commitment to crafting wines with depth and character.
Culinary Offerings
Stoney J’s kitchen offers an Italian culinary experience that rivals the sophistication of its wines. Their food menu, anchored by authentic wood-fired pizzas, showcases intentionally selected organic ingredients. The pizzas, made with Italian flour, homemade sauce, fresh mozzarella, and seasoned olive oils, are crafted in an imported Italian wood-fired oven. This method imparts a light, crisp crust and a distinctive flavor that brings patrons back time and again. The Margherita, with its San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and Parmigiano Reggiano, combines simplicity and elegance, while the Prosciutto and Arugula pizza adds a touch of indulgence with its layers of fresh mozzarella, Fontina cheese, and shaved Parmigiano Reggiano.
For those seeking variety, the menu also features expertly crafted small plates and sandwiches. The Bavarian Pretzels served with a hot cheese dip, offer a comforting start, while the Charcuterie Board, brimming with assorted cheeses, Italian meats, and an olive medley, invites a more leisurely exploration of flavors. The Porchetta sandwich, with its roasted pork and provolone on a toasted Italian roll, delivers a satisfying, robust bite. Each dish at Stoney J’s is a reflection of the vineyard’s commitment to quality and taste, making the dining experience as memorable as the wines it complements.
A Vision Realized
Like any small business, Stoney J’s has faced its share of challenges, from navigating the complexities of county regulations to managing the expectations of a diverse clientele. “The obstacles are the same as any small business,” Emily states, “but dealing with the county has been particularly tough. The permits, taxes, and fees add up, making it an expensive endeavor.” Another challenge has been maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere while ensuring the safety of children on the property. “Our outdoor space feels like a park to kids, which is a huge liability. We’ve had to adjust our approach to clientele, which hasn’t always been easy.” Despite these hurdles, the DeNardos are proud to provide a space where adults can unwind and enjoy the company of friends without the distractions of daily life.
Stoney J’s Vineyard has quickly become a hub for community events, offering live music every Saturday and Sunday, as well as a variety of creative classes. “We’ve done everything from hat-bar classes to candle-making and paint-and-sip events,” the family says, pointing out that these activities provide an opportunity for guests to tap into their creative sides while enjoying the vineyard’s offerings. “We’re even looking into bourbon-tasting classes. It’s all about finding that kid at heart.” The vineyard’s events, from St. Paddy’s Day celebrations to Halloween parties, have become cherished traditions, bringing together people from across Forsyth County to celebrate, socialize, and build connections.
Integrating local culture and community is at the heart of Stoney J’s mission. “The events are the best way we do that,” Emily explains. “We aim to create a sense of community where strangers join together and form relationships.” The vineyard has hosted everything from bingo nights to fundraisers, drawing a diverse crowd that includes everyone from young professionals to retirees from the nearby Orchards 55-plus community. “We love watching little communities form,” She says, emphasizing the importance of fostering connections in a rapidly growing county.
“The growth in Forsyth County is a good thing,” Emily observes, noting that as the area develops, there’s a growing demand for local businesses like theirs. “People seek out places that are different—unique, family-owned spots that offer something you can’t get from a chain.” This shift toward supporting local businesses has been a boon for the vineyard, which prides itself on being a small, family-run business in an area that’s increasingly defined by its community spirit.
The aesthetic of Stoney J’s Vineyard is a blend of rustic charm and understated elegance, creating an atmosphere that’s both welcoming and refined. “We wanted to create a place where people feel comfortable, where they can relax and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings,” Emily remarks. Yet they also provide that touch of elegance to heighten the senses. The vineyard’s design reflects this vision, with a tasting room that feels like a cozy retreat and outdoor spaces that invite visitors to linger and savor the experience.
Looking ahead, Stoney J’s has ambitious plans for the future. The vineyard is expanding its events calendar, with an emphasis on community involvement and charitable giving.
A notable example is their partnership with Jesse’s House, a local shelter for teen girls escaping violence, which includes a series of fundraising events leading up to Harvesting Hope in September. “We’ve expanded the event to run from Thursday to Sunday,” McAfee explains. “It’s a great opportunity to bring people together for a good cause.” The event will feature everything from hat bar classes and author signings to a silent auction and live music, with all proceeds supporting Jesse’s House. “We’re excited about what the future holds,” the family says, “and we’re committed to making Stoney J’s a place that not only serves great wine but also enriches the community.
Conclusion
Stoney J’s Vineyard isn’t just about wine; it’s about creating a space where people can come together, relax, and enjoy the finer things in life. As Forsyth County continues to grow and evolve, Stoney J’s stands as a testament to the power of small businesses to shape the character of a community. With its commitment to quality, community, and Southern hospitality, this special vineyard is poised to become a beloved institution in North Georgia for years to come.
