In the heart of Georgia, where rolling hills meet endless rows of lush vines, a powerful story of love, loss, and legacy is unfolding. Today, there are more than 183,000 people living with Alzheimer’s in the state of Georgia alone, and for Dr. Darlene Williams, that number carries a deeply personal meaning.
Dr. Williams is the owner of Roberts Vineyard, a thriving Black female-owned winery and agri-tourism destination that stands as both a testament to resilience and a tribute to her late husband, JD Roberts. Three years ago, JD passed away after an eight-year battle with dementia, leaving behind not only a vineyard but also a legacy of strength and love that Darlene now proudly carries forward.
A passionate health enthusiast, spa owner, and community leader, Darlene describes her husband’s illness as the most difficult experience of her life. She watched a once vibrant and active man slowly fade before her eyes. Before his diagnosis, JD spent his days joyfully tending to his vineyard, caring for his muscadines and scuppernongs with patience and pride. At the time, Darlene admits, she never imagined that the rows of vines he planted would one day become her sanctuary.
When JD passed on July 23, 2022, Darlene made a promise to herself and to him—to keep his dream alive. With determination and faith, she immersed herself in learning everything she could about viticulture. She sought expert advice, enrolled in classes, and worked tirelessly to nurture the same vines her husband once cared for. Her dedication paid off.
Today, Roberts Vineyard has blossomed into a stunning destination complete with a beautifully designed tasting room that welcomes visitors from near and far. The vineyard produces ten distinctive wine selections, each crafted with care and meaning. Among the most beloved are CamJay, named after her grandsons Cameron and Jayden; Ruby Red, honoring her grandmother; and Cachet, a loving tribute to her daughter.
But Darlene’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there. She recently collaborated with her grandson Jayden, a senior football player, to launch a muscadine-enriched energy drink—a fresh twist on the fruit that started it all. Her innovative approach continues to draw visitors to the vineyard for events, tastings, and seasonal picking experiences where guests can enjoy muscadines and scuppernongs straight from the vine.
As one of the few Black female-owned USDA GAP Certified Vineyards in Georgia, Darlene takes pride not only in her winemaking achievements but also in preserving the memory of the man who inspired it all. Through her efforts, she has joined the small but growing community of Black winemakers who are reshaping the face of the wine industry.
Beyond her work in the vineyard, Dr. Williams serves as a board member for the Middle Georgia Regional Coalition Board for Dementia where she advocates for greater awareness, resources, and education for caregivers and families affected by dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association, a leading organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research, offers free educational programs both online and in person—resources Darlene now passionately promotes. She often reflects that having access to such support would have made her caregiving journey less isolating and more informed.
Today, she shares practical tips and compassionate advice with others navigating similar paths, encouraging caregivers to seek help, practice self-care, and remember that love and patience are the most powerful tools in their hands.
Dr. Darlene Williams has transformed her pain into purpose, creating a place where every bottle tells a story and every vine honors the past. Through Roberts Vineyard, she continues to pour love, legacy, and hope into every harvest—keeping her husband’s spirit alive, one vintage at a time.
Visit www.robertsvineyard.com to explore the wines, events, and story behind this remarkable vineyard. Stay connected on Facebook (DRVineyard) and Instagram for updates, tastings, and seasonal experiences that celebrate life, love, and legacy.
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