Today we’d like to introduce you to Yardley Sawyer.
Hi Yardley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey has been shaped by a blend of business, law, and a strong commitment to agriculture and community development. I began my career in business management and financial services, building a foundation in operations, strategy, and growth. I later earned my law degree to better navigate complex regulatory environments and support industry advancement.
Over time, I was drawn to opportunities where I could apply those skills in a more hands-on, community-focused way. Today, I serve as Business Manager at Cades Cove Cellars, CEO of Nine Lakes Wine Company, and President of the Tennessee Farm Winegrowers Alliance. I also serve as a member of the Tennessee Wine and Grape Board and lead the Foothills Wine and Cider Trail.
Through these roles, I’ve focused on expanding market access for specialty crop producers, strengthening agritourism, and building collaborative initiatives that support growth across the industry. My work with Nine Lakes Wine Company includes developing one of Tennessee’s first alternating proprietorship models for wine production—an innovative approach that helps lower barriers for emerging producers and maximizes the use of shared resources.
Across all of my work, the goal has remained consistent: to support agricultural businesses, create meaningful economic opportunities, and foster stronger connections between producers and consumers. Looking ahead, I’m also interested in sharing this experience in higher education, helping prepare the next generation of leaders in agriculture and business.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all—it’s been a rewarding path, but definitely not a smooth one.
Like most work in agriculture and small business, there have been constant challenges. Early on, one of the biggest hurdles was navigating the regulatory side of the wine industry. Between licensing, compliance, and evolving state laws, it takes persistence and a willingness to learn quickly just to operate, let alone grow. That’s part of what pushed me to lean on my legal background more heavily.
Another challenge has been building awareness and demand in a still-developing wine region. Tennessee isn’t always top-of-mind for consumers, so a lot of the work has been focused on education, marketing, and collaboration—helping people understand the quality of what’s being produced here and creating experiences that bring them in.
There are also the day-to-day realities of running and supporting small agricultural businesses—tight margins, staffing, seasonality, and the unpredictability that comes with tourism and farming. Nothing is ever as linear as you plan it.
More recently, working to develop innovative models like the alternating proprietorship with Nine Lakes Wine Company has come with its own challenges. Being early means there isn’t always a clear roadmap, so it requires working closely with regulators, solving problems in real time, and being comfortable operating in some uncertainty.
That said, those challenges have really shaped the direction of my work. They’ve reinforced the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and long-term thinking. It hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been meaningful—and every obstacle has helped build something stronger and more sustainable.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Cades Cove Cellars, we focus on creating an approachable, welcoming wine experience that reflects the spirit of the Smoky Mountains. We specialize in fruit-forward and Southern-style wines that appeal to a broad audience—from first-time wine drinkers to seasoned visitors looking for something unique to the region. What sets us apart is our emphasis on hospitality and experience. We’re not just a place to taste wine—we’re a destination where people can relax, connect, and enjoy something distinctly local. From our wine slushies to seasonal offerings, we’ve built a brand that’s fun, accessible, and rooted in place.
At Nine Lakes Wine Company, the focus is a bit different—it’s about innovation and expanding the industry itself. We are helping pioneer one of Tennessee’s first alternating proprietorship models for wine production. In simple terms, that means we’re creating a platform that allows multiple brands to produce wine under one roof, lowering barriers to entry and giving new and growing producers access to equipment, expertise, and infrastructure that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive. What sets Nine Lakes apart is that it’s not just a winery—it’s an engine for industry growth and collaboration.
Together, these two businesses represent both sides of what I’m passionate about: building strong consumer-facing brands while also creating opportunities behind the scenes for other producers to succeed.
From a brand perspective, what I’m most proud of is the ability to balance authenticity with growth. At Cades Cove Cellars, we’ve stayed true to who we are while continuing to expand our reach and offerings. With Nine Lakes, we’re helping shape what the future of winemaking in Tennessee can look like.
What I want people to know is that our work goes beyond just making and selling wine. We’re focused on building experiences, supporting agriculture, creating economic opportunity, and helping position Tennessee as a credible and exciting wine destination.
What does success mean to you?
Success, for me, has evolved significantly over time. Professionally, it’s about building something sustainable—creating opportunities for others, supporting local agriculture, and helping grow an industry that benefits the broader community. I take pride in the work I do across business development, collaboration, and advancing Tennessee’s wine and agritourism sector.
But at the end of the day, my definition of success is much more personal.
I am a single mother to two adopted daughters from the foster care system, both of whom came to me with special needs and trauma histories. That experience has shaped every part of my life and completely redefined what success means. It is not measured in titles or accomplishments, but in stability, healing, and progress at home.
Success looks like my children feeling safe, building trust, gaining confidence, and achieving milestones that may seem small to others but are incredibly meaningful for them. It’s showing up every day, advocating for them, and giving them the structure and love they need to thrive.
While I am deeply committed to my professional work, my greatest accomplishment is my family. If my daughters are growing, healing, and moving forward in their own way, then I consider that true success. Everything else is secondary to that responsibility and privilege.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cadescovecellars.com
