Gary Engel is the owner and operator of Engelheim Vineyards, LLC. He holds a Masters’ degree in National Security and Strategic Studies with a focus on the Middle East from the United States Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. Prior to creating Engelheim Vineyards, LLC, Gary’s work experience was as a United States Army Officer (Retired Colonel) for 28 years and was a Senior Operations Director and Vice President for the Anteon Corporation and General Dynamics Information Technology Corporation for 11 years. In 2010, Gary and his family moved to Ellijay, Georgia so that he could manage and grow Engelheim Vineyards, LLC.

Gary’s daughter, Katie serves as our Director of Operations. Katie holds a master's degree in leadership and school administration which makes her perfect to organize and lead Engelheim. She is responsible for coordinating with our Tasting Room Manager, Vineyard Manager, and Event Director and provides a high level of synchronicity to our operation. Katie’s big personality and smile shine at Engelheim!

Aspen is our Events Director and Wedding Planner at Engelheim Vineyard’s event center, “Venue In The Vines”.  She has been with us since August 2023.  Aspen stepped into this role and took it by the reins.  Some of her most notable accomplishments thus far include doubling the bookings for 2024 and successfully executing the first Bridal Expo/ Open House for Venue In The Vines.

When she finds time to enjoy a glass of wine and wind down, she prefers Engelheim’s Cabernet Franc for it’s "perfect balance of both fruit and spice”.

Gary’s daughter, Emily (who is newly engaged) jumps in and assists Engelheim and Venue in the Vines wherever she is needed. She resides in Vinings, with her two beloved kitties. She is currently working on her Masters in Social Work and dreams of opening a Women’s Wellness Center at Engelheim one day where she hopes to offer holistic healing, spa services, and counseling. Emily also serves as the Director of Government Relations and Member Services for the Georgia Ready Mixed Concrete Association.

Alesia graduated from Kennesaw State University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science. Her love of the outdoors, fitness and animals makes her a perfect fit for our clientele at Engelheim Vineyards! Her positive attitude, love of the North Georgia Mountains and expertise in fine wine make her an asset to the team! Fun fact, Jeni Springer and she are sisters and make a wonderful dynamic duo in our tasting room. Also, Alesia was married at our beautiful venue, Venue In The Vines, in September 2023. 

Jeni became an addition to our tasting room in July 2020.  She lives in North Georgia with her beloved Siberian Huskies and husband, Bob. In 2010, she began volunteering for a local nonprofit Siberian Husky rescue, MUSH Rescue. She now manages this organization to help displaced Siberians in the community and surrounding areas. Her big heart and sense of humor are sure to bring a smile to those around her. Fun fact, Alesia Du Preez and she are sisters and make a wonderful dynamic duo in our tasting room.

Bio Coming!

Kimberly has worked in our tasting room since August 2020 and is a lover of wine, family, and interior design. She has ample experience working in her family business, decorating for events and weddings, and enjoys fixing up her seasoned home in downtown Ellijay where she resides with her husband and son.

Bio Coming!

Bryan is one of our winemakers, vineyard, and

tasting room associates. He has been with Engelheim

Vineyards for 3 years. 

While not working, Bryan likes to go hiking, planting and caring for trees, playing sports especially baseball (Go Braves!), and

flying.

All the wines are a labor of love for a winemaker but Doxology is his favorite wine. “I love the complex, bold blend, with a little aging in a bourbon barrel.”

Bio Coming!

Bio Coming!