About
The Vino Van, LLC is a family owned and operated company established in 2017, dedicated to cultivating relationships between our customers and the wonderful world of wine, through fun and educational wine tours from Atlanta to various Georgia vineyards and wineries. The Vino Van is a 10 passenger customized Mercedes Benz sprinter. Our wine lovers will tour Georgia’s wine country in 1st class comfort and style. Our excellent customer service and warm, friendly environment is sure to create a buzz through the “grapevine” in the wine community of Atlanta and surrounding areas. Cheers!
Meet Our Founder
Billie Harris-Founder/Vinologist
Billie is a native of Woodville, MS where she acquired first hand, the understanding of dedication and commitment involved in owning a business. She grew up working in her Grandmother’s store (Arbuthnot’s Grocery) from the time she was 10yrs old until she was 18. It unfortunately closed its doors after almost 50yrs, in 1998. It is now a museum and on the National Register of Historic Places as a result of the important role that it and her Grandmother played in the community. It was those humble beginnings that taught her about doing what you love and loving what you do. It molded her into the wife, mother of 4, and now businesswoman that she is today. She currently resides in Atlanta, GA with her family and is very actively involved in several organizations dedicated to improving her community. She is a member of, Arts Chair, and Newsletter Editor for The Atlanta Woman’s Club, the oldest non-profit woman’s organization in Georgia.
Billie begin her wine journey after college (Art Institute of Atlanta), and after being in the workforce for many years. She’s always been a foodie and the go-to person for suggestions of some of the best food Atlanta has to offer. Of course food and wine is a match made in heaven, and Billie found herself intrigued by wine and all that it entailed. She immediately fell in love with the science, history and culture of wine. She began her wine studies at Emory University in 2014 under the teachings and mentorship of Nancy Waldeck, and have received several certificates and accolades along the way, with one of the most notable being the Wine Spirit and Education Trust (WSET) Level 1. Billie is currently registered for the WSET Level 2 in September 2017 at the Atlanta Wine School. She continues to increase her knowledge in many ways, hosting wine tasting pop ups around the city, attending festivals, seminars, and conventions around the U.S., as well as cultivating relationships with seasoned wine makers from around the world to include Joseph Carr, Bryan Page, and Bartholomew Broadbent whom all have encouraged her along the way. Billie is also a member of the Wahoo Wine and Provisions Wine Club (Atlanta, GA), Cooper’s Hawk Wine Club (Jacksonville, FL), and the Sommelier Guild of Atlanta. When asked, “What is it about wine that you love so much?”…with a radiating glow in her eyes, she passionately says, “Wine is Life!”
