Since opening her wine shop in 2005, Ms. Garrison has continually garnered respect and praise for her wine steward expertise and customer satisfaction. Today she is nationally recognized as a leading wine consultant and expert on food and wine pairings.
Before founding her shop, Ms. Garrison worked in the retail and wholesale wine industry, developing lasting relationships among the clients she served. She decided to branch out due to a personal desire to carve her own path and improve the customer experience for wine consumers.
Ms. Garrison describes her shop as "a toy store for adults," where she
takes pride in introducing her customers to wines and other complementary items in a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere. She sends out a weekly newsletter with recipes and food pairing ideas for select wines to enhance customer loyalty and satisfaction. In addition to a wide selection of wines, Shiraz Fine Wine & Gourmet also offers fresh fish, meat, fruit, veggies, and bread. Customers can also shop for candles, cookware, and other kitchen items.
In pursuit of her higher education, she completed her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature in 1998 at the University of Georgia, where she also studied drama. During her college years, she developed a deep love for cooking and ultimately decided to pursue a career in the food and wine industry.
In addition to running her shop, Ms. Garrison also serves as a wine consultant for fine-dining establishments and importers. She has additionally written numerous articles on wine for several top magazines. In 2020, her shop was named the Top Beer and Wine Store in Northeast Georgia, and she received Leading Specialist in Food & Wine Pairing in the US in 2021 & 2022. She is currently expanding her knowledge base of Middle European wines, and has recently begun offering online sales options.
She enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, and spending time with her two nieces. Her beloved dog, "Backup, " is a constant companion in her life. She is also a volunteer and supporter of Project Safe, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting victims of domestic abuse.
For more information, visit www.shirazathens.com and www.shirazathome.com.
