Crafting Success and Community: The Woman Shaping Statesville's Spirit Industry

As the clink of glasses and the rich aroma of bourbon mark the merriment of International Women's Month, we sit down with Vienna Barger, the trailblazing co-founder and COO of Southern Distilling Company. Her journey is one for the storybooks – from a public health social worker to a distilling dynamo in Statesville, North Carolina, where she's not just challenging the status quo, but rewriting the rules of the spirits game. Vienna's candid recount of her five-year legislative hustle, which has led to an impressive expansion of her craft from a modest operation to an industry titan producing thousands of barrels, is nothing short of inspiring.Amidst the backdrop of clinking ice and the smooth taste of Southern Distilling's finest, we toast to the women who are distilling change in the spirits industry. Organizations like Women of the Vine & Spirits and Bourbon Women are spotlighted, celebrating their role in fostering a community of support and empowerment. Vienna Barger, alongside her partner Pete, pour their soul into every bottle and event, fostering local connections, and championing community causes such as their partnership with Purple Heart Homes. With their eyes set on the future, Southern Distilling's accolades and the Great Race Across America beckon to keep Statesville and its passionate artisans in the spotlight. Join us for a pour of this intoxicating tale of community, craft, and the pioneering spirit of women in the world of whiskey.