Out of the more than 11,000 wineries in the U.S., fewer than 1% are Black-owned. Among that small number is Stonecrest’s Arabia Mountain Vineyard. The family-owned vineyard is nestled at the foot of the mountain where 18 ½ acres of sprawling land have been transformed into rolling hills and green valleys dotted with palm trees, natural streams, and a breathtaking landscape with panoramic views that is the home to the only wine grape vineyard in the metro Atlanta area.
It’s a labor of love that began over 30 years ago at the hands of CEO and founder Tim Starks. When he acquired the land, Starks initially intended for it just to be a tree farm, but he and his family have transformed it into a place that not only grows grapes but also a legacy for all.
Starks co-owns the vineyard with his sisters Cheryl Starks-Pickens and Marvis Starks-Zanders. His 80-year-old mother, Shirley Starks, aka Grandma Tiny, is often seen helping around the vineyard. So much so that her passion and hard work have been celebrated with a dedicated area at the highest point of the vineyard named “The Belvedere at Tiny’s Peak.”
“I want to do something that will leave some type of legacy for my family, and particularly my grandkids. So this, to some degree, is a legacy project,” Starks said.
Stepping onto the vineyard’s soil, it’s easy to see why people often describe wine as a bridge between individuals, culture, and the passage of time. Every bit of the vineyard is rooted in history and intentionality, with a purpose to provide tranquility and moments of joy with every step. From the pond and waterfall that gently stream between looming trees to the communal fire pit and the beginning stages of many other projects, Starks and his family are creating a haven for years to come.
Starks’ love for agriculture is far from new, and it’s a tradition that has been passed down through generations. As a child, he grew up working on his grandmother’s farm and embraced his love for the outdoors throughout the years. He started his own contracting business at 21, became the first Black irrigation contractor in metro Atlanta, and later transitioned to a landscape contractor. It was years later, during an inspiring trip to Napa Valley, California, that the vision of Arabia Mountain Vineyard began to form.
He shared that he knew very little about vineyards and had never met any Black vineyard owners, but like many of the things he’s accomplished in life, he stepped out on faith. The Starks family founded the vineyard in 2018, planted the first grape vines in 2020, opened the grounds for venue rental in 2024, and celebrated their second harvest festival along with the help of volunteers in the same year.
Since the vineyard’s opening, Starks said the community has embraced the slice of paradise. For many Atlanta-area residents, visiting a vineyard requires a drive up to cities in North Georgia, but Starks wanted to create a home away from home in his own backyard. It’s a venture that he hopes opens the doors for more possibilities, especially for the Black and agricultural community.
“Folks have been so gracious and so kind. They thank me, especially young people, who initially, I was like, for what? And they said, for creating this so we don’t have to go to other parts of the city. We don’t have to drive an hour and a half, two hours; it’s in our community, it’s in our neighborhood. It’s kind of a big deal. And also, just to see someone who looks like me doing it.
“Seeing how much the people enjoy it and appreciate it, that’s very rewarding. It allows me to utilize my gifts and talents, and agriculture is something that, for the most part, has died.”
Black farmers have historically been subjected to systemic racism and discrimination, losing more than 12 million acres of farmland due, in part, to discriminatory government policies and unfilled promises of land redistribution. In July, the USDA ended support for Black farmers, citing President Trump’s executive orders. Arabia Mountain Vineyards is registered as a state farm. When Starks founded the vineyard, he said DeKalb County had to write new ordinances to allow the farm to exist because no other farms exist in the county. However, these challenges haven’t deterred Starks.
“It can lead to some frustrations, if you allow it. I don’t allow it,” Starks said. “We’ve dealt with it for many years. We are a resilient people, and that’s why I think for a lot of us right now, it doesn’t move us at all. I’ve got a friend of mine, and one of his sayings is, ‘There’s no hill to a high stepper.’ In other words, I’ve been here before. We’ll get past this just like we got past everything.”
Arabia Mountain Vineyard offers a variety of offerings, such as vineyard tours, wine tastings, couples experiences, and different events that promote wellness. The dedication poured into the vineyard and its guests that come down its gravel path is seen quite clear during these events as the family, especially the Starks sisters and Grandma Tiny, make every effort to ensure each and every guest is taken care of.
Starks’ vision for the vineyard is still a work in progress, with many construction plans in the works. In the next five years, he hopes to finish those plans, which include a dedicated building for a winery, a cafe, a stage for live performances, tucked-away cabins for overnight bookings, and a greenhouse. Starks also sells his five varieties of wine grapes to other Georgia winemakers and plans to create their own bottles in the future.
Starks hopes that Arabia Mountain Vineyard will further promote diversity in the wine industry and strengthen the community.
“What I hope to do is to encourage others. If not to follow this dream, then whatever dream, but to be an example of that. I do hope that others will follow suit, and we can create a community like they have in North Georgia. There is some value to the community, and that’s why I said I hope that others will buy into it and maybe do the same thing.
“I’m not doing this because there are no others. I’m just doing it because this is what I desire to do.”