A CONVERSATION WITH OWNER TOBY CARMICHAEL
Toby Carmichael, father, city alderman, veterinarian, and owner of TRG Vino Market, has a heart for Acworth. In fact, Toby loves the city so much that he opened a wine market in Downtown Acworth, “as an opportunity to give back to the community which has supported me for the last 30 years.”
We asked Toby about the inspiration behind TRG Vino Market and how the idea became a reality.
After he sold his first small business, Toby began seeking other ways to support the Acworth community. The idea of opening a wine market was happenstance, and “came to fruition as an ability to turn around and give back.” Each month, TRG Vino Market hosts wine tastings and partners with local and Georgia-based charities. To give back, the Market donates 50% of ticket proceeds and 10% of bottle sales to the cause.
The acronym “TRG” is inspired by family names, Toby and his two children: Rachel and Grant.
As the only wine market in Downtown Acworth, what is your vision for visitors and their experience in your store? 
“Our goal is to make it a fun place with a great vibe for people to come in and relax.”
Whether you are exploring, shopping, or eating downtown, TRG Vino Market has what resembles an open-door policy. “We are very restaurant-friendly, meaning that we love for you to come in while you’re waiting to go to another restaurant or stop in afterwards.” Toby encourages you to mix up your next group lunch or afternoon out by ordering your favorite take out to enjoy with a glass of wine in the Market’s warm, fun, and relaxing atmosphere.
Why do people gravitate toward TRG Vino Market?
“Our staff is very friendly, and we enjoy becoming more knowledgeable about different wines just as much as we love sharing them with people that are just learning.”
Toby explained that the Market provides more than just great service. “We’re trying to create an atmosphere where people can find unique things that can’t be found at the grocery store…[wines] you wouldn’t be able to pick up anywhere else.”
Other than delicious wines, what else does TRG Vino Market offer for guests?
“We do charcuterie – so we have boxes, snacks, and other pairing options for people to choose from.”
Many groups use the Market to host birthday parties where they are welcome to bring their own food or choose between the Market’s charcuterie, snacks, and grazing table options.
Tell us more about your events at TRG Vino Market!
“Our events are growing and changing as we evolve.”
The Market hosts a variety of different events such as its “Sip-N-Snack.” This event prepares a selection of wines that are paired with snacks for people to come, taste, and enjoy. Toby and his crew are working on creative ways to showcase their wines based on where they were made. “We have flights of California or Italy so you can travel through flavors with grazing options that correspond best with your glass.”
TRG Vino Market has even been utilized as an educational meeting space. The main goal at the Market is “to make it fun for everyone.” When Toby says “everyone,” he means it. “It’s a family-friendly place and we encourage you to bring your kids.”
How is this wine market unique from other North Georgia wineries and locally focused markets?
“I think the difference is that we are not only incorporating some of the semi-local wines, but we’re really bringing in wines from all over world.” Therefore, TRG Vino Market aims to bring great wine to Downtown Acworth. The Market sources wine from Australia, New Zealand, Italy, France, and Germany with the goal of a widespread menu. As a result of this vast collection, customers can experience quality wines they may not have the chance to try otherwise.
Tell us about your products, what are some fan favorites and where do they come from?
“It’s been interesting that there doesn’t seem to be a true fan favorite. It appears that people come in with their individual favorites, but the fun part is getting them to branch out and try something different.”
The staff at TRG Vino Market listen and learn from their customers, then suggest different flavors and pairings based on what they’ve gathered. Toby says, “we try to incorporate their taste with options from different countries that may have slightly different flavors. It’s fun to play with that and let customers experience different things.”
Surprisingly, Toby’s favorite recommendation for guests is to pair pizza with a bubbly. “It’s a party in a bottle and a party in a box!”
Where is your favorite spot in Downtown Acworth to have dinner?
“It’s too hard to choose just one. The thing about Acworth is we have a full gamut to where you can pick from. Fusco’s makes incredible hand-tossed pizzas, probably the best within a 20-mile radius. I am always looking for new specials to try at Henry’s because their food is delicious, and I’ve lived here so long, I already love everything on the menu.”
Toby has a passion for Downtown Acworth and his love for the restaurant scene is no exception.
“I don’t have to leave my 3-mile radius to have great food. If I want to dress up, I’ll head down to Fish Thyme… I can have great Italian down at Doro’s. Center Street’s wings and burgers are fantastic… We’ve got different nationalities and specialties and it all just depends on what you’re looking for.”