HENRY COUNTY - Pull into the long driveway at Refinery Hill, past rows of grapevines and cypress trees scattered across the landscape, and you might forget you're in Henry County. With its rustic charm and countryside setting, the 19-acre property feels like a little piece of Tuscany.
It's the kind of place Aaron Castellanos envisioned when he and his wife, Sheena, purchased the property in 2018. And if there's one thing you learn about Castellanos, it's that once he gets an idea in his head, he's determined to make it happen.
First came their catering business, The Grand Gourmet, which has been serving events for more than two decades. Then came Refinery Hill, the event venue. In 2019, they planted their first grapes. Now Castellanos is preparing to open The Winery at Refinery Hill.
Rows of muscadine grapevines stretch across the lush grounds of Refinery Hill, where Aaron Castellanos began growing grapes in 2019. Today, the vineyard is part of his vision for The Winery at Refinery Hill.
He didn't know much about growing grapes when he started. He attended workshops, learned how to prune vines, manage diseases and harvest grapes. Eventually, he decided to try making wine.
His first batch in early 2024 was just a gallon. He forgot about it for four months before tasting it.
“Holy crap, this is good!” he recalled.
He told Sheena they needed to start making wine.
Castellanos admits he's constantly coming up with ideas. His wife, he jokes, helps keep him grounded. He describes his ability to tackle problems and juggle projects as a superpower.
Today, The Winery at Refinery Hill has the equipment to produce more than 3,500 gallons of wine. Castellanos is experimenting with strawberry lemon, blackberry fig and muscadine wines infused with tropical fruits like guava and passion fruit.
But he's just as excited about what the winery could mean for Henry County.
“You don't have to travel to North Georgia if you don't want to,” he said.
Castellanos wants residents to have somewhere close to home to enjoy wine, food, music and time with friends. The Grand Gourmet will provide the food, bringing the couple's established catering operation into the winery experience.
“I visualize a place where the community can come and gather and socialize and have a good time, and not spend a fortune enjoying themselves,” he said.
The winery is awaiting final state and county approvals before opening for wine sales. Castellanos hopes to welcome guests later this year, although January remains a possibility.
He's already imagining additional gathering spaces and overnight accommodations on the property.
For now, he's focused on opening The Winery at Refinery Hill and giving Henry County another place to enjoy without having to leave home.
Plan Your Visit to Refinery Hill
Want to book an event, ask about catering or get on the list for the winery opening? Reach out to Aaron and Sheena directly.
📍 500 Pullin Rd, McDonough, GA 30253
📞 (770) 363-5877
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 refineryhill.com
👍 Facebook: @refineryhill