Q U A L U S I
Vineyards
STORY AND PHOTOS BY: AMANDA MORRIS
HIDDEN AWAY near the
intersection of Cobb,
Paulding, and Bartow
Counties lies the expected fields and
greenery of the countryside. But what
passersby might not know is on that
beautiful land lies a beautiful and tasty
vineyard, Qualusi Vineyards. Acres of
grapevines and a newly-opened tasting
room give customers a way to relax
while enjoying locally-grown wine.
Located in Acworth, off Dabbs Bridge
Road, this little taste of wine heaven sits
peacefully, still only minutes away from
the hustle and bustle of US-41 and I-75.
Qualusi Vineyards is a family-run
business, operated by Bob and Jenny
Gilbert, along with their daughter and
her husband, Emilee and Derik Gilbert.
Emilee coincidentally married another
Gilbert, so her married and maiden
names are the same.
Each of the four owners brings their
own expertise. Bob and Jenny, who at
one time operated a flower farm on the
property, work in the vineyard and help
in the tasting room. Emilee, with a
background in food and beverage, is in
charge of marketing and events. Derik
will be the full-time winemaker once the
winery is complete. Like many small
businesses, their job titles overlap and
everyone helps out wherever needed.
“Everyone has their own skillset and
everyone’s skillset works well together,”
Emilee said.
In 2017, the Gilberts planted vines
on this land that have been in the family
for more than 50 years. In 1963, Emilee’s
grandmother, Betty Gilbert, bought 500
acres of land. “She actually bought it and
didn’t tell my grandfather about it. She
showed up one day and was like ‘Hey, I
bought 500 acres today.’ She paid $50 an
acre for it,” said Emilee. Over the years,
the family sold many acres, but the
family still owns 80 acres, with 20 of it
devoted to the vineyard. “I live on the
property - me and my husband and our
kids have a house, as well as my parents
10 COBB LIFE | MAY 2020