Back in 1998 Matt Garofalo and his father-in-law, Emilio Alea had a vision to bring an upscale, quality Wine & Spirits shop to Lake Oconee. 

Opening on Aug. 15, 1998 The Oconee Cellar was born in the Salem Walk Shopping Center on Highway 44. After four years of steady growth, Matt decided that the shop needed to grow with the community.  He and his wife Daniela took a big risk and decided to take over the store themselves and move into a larger location next to Publix. 

“This was a big financial risk for us, but we felt moving the store to a bigger and better location was the right move.”  

Sixteen years later, the shop is still growing and has been voted “The Best of Georgia’s Lake Country” for the category of Liquor/Wine Store three years in a row. 

“It certainly is nice to be appreciated in Georgia’s Lake Country. The hard work and dedication of our employees has really helped our continued success,” said Matt. The Oconee Cellar has continued to be innovative in the expansion of their business with programs such as The Oconee Wine Club, The Cellar Rewards Card, & The Oconee Cellar Beer Club, separating them from the competition. The Cellar takes pride in having fair prices, unmatched selection of products, and enthusiastic friendly customer service.  Matt stated, “It is our goal that everyone that comes through our door is greeted properly and finds what they came in to purchase. If we don’t stock their favorite, we will order it. Selecting wine can be intimidating and we believe most people appreciate our very relaxed, simple approach.”

Visit The Oconee Cellar this weekend and help them celebrate 16 years of success at Lake Oconee at their big anniversary sale on Thursday, Aug. 14 through Sunday, Aug. 16. Listen to the radio for their ads, check the local papers, or go to their website (www.theoocneecellar.com) for all the details.

Sales will include: large discounts on some of their most popular liquors, 16 percent discount on purchases of 12 or more bottles of wine, and 16 percent discount on their full line of premium cigars.  Z97 will be live on location Friday afternoon and Dock 103.9 will be live from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday. Also, on Saturday there will be free refreshments from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., so stop by, enjoy some refreshments and stock up on your favorite refreshments.   

“This is a perfect time to stock up for the upcoming Labor Day Weekend and the first college football games of the season.  Other surprises are sure to pop up. Many thanks to all of our loyal customers and if you have just moved to the Lake area, we invite you to stop by this weekend and check out our selection located right next to Publix on Highway 44 in Greensboro.”