We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stuart Anthony a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Stuart, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
You’re right—it is a leap. But Lakeside Valley Vineyards was never just about launching a business. It was about following a vision that felt rooted in the land itself. We stood on that hillside, looking out over the lake and the mountains beyond, and knew this was a place meant to be shared. A place that could offer something lasting.
The risks are real. Young vines take time to establish, and nature doesn’t always cooperate. Our production facility is the cornerstone of Phase One—without it, we can’t bottle or sell a drop. And even once we’re producing, the wine market isn’t exactly wide open; it’s competitive, especially for new names.
But what’s surprised us most—in the best possible way—is the support from other winery owners in the region. You hear “crowded market” and expect elbows out, but what we’ve found is a community that lifts each other up. These are people who love wine, love the craft, and genuinely want to see each other succeed. We absolutely want to make a wine we’re proud to call the best, but it’s encouraging to know we’re not doing it alone. We’ve got neighbors who have our proverbial back.
That kind of camaraderie makes the risk easier to take. It reinforces what we believe: that this isn’t just about wine. It’s about experience, connection, and place. We’re building something people can return to—whether it’s for a glass, a wedding, or a weekend away. And if we stay true to that vision, the rest will follow.
Stuart, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Absolutely. Lakeside Valley Vineyards is the product of both passion and persistence. We’re a family-rooted team with deep ties to this region, and we’ve always had a love for the land, for hospitality, and for meaningful experiences. This project didn’t start in a boardroom—it started with a quiet piece of property in the Appalachian foothills that stirred something in us. It wasn’t just beautiful—it felt full of promise.
The vineyard is still in its early stages, but we’ve already planted over 500 vines, including Crimson Cabernet and two varieties of muscadine. Our tasting room and production facility are in development, and we expect to begin bottling on-site by early 2026. Until then, we’re building our brand through intimate experiences: our Bed & Breakfast, private events, and weddings at the vineyard—all of which give guests a taste of what’s to come.
We offer more than just wine. We offer a place where people can reconnect—with nature, with each other, and with a slower pace of life. Whether you’re sipping a glass on the porch at sunset or celebrating a milestone with family and friends, we want every moment at Lakeside Valley to feel grounded and memorable.
What sets us apart is both our setting and our philosophy. We’re not trying to be the biggest—we’re trying to be the most thoughtful. We only bottle what we love. We value quality over volume, and experience over flash. And while we aim high, we’re supported by a remarkable community of fellow winemakers who’ve welcomed us with open arms.
What we’re most proud of is the feeling people have when they leave—like they’ve discovered something special. That’s the heart of the brand. We’re here to grow something real, and we’re just getting started.
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
Absolutely. We’re right in the middle of the funding journey now, and it’s been both exciting and humbling. We started by investing our own resources to secure the land and begin early development—planting vines, designing the production building, and establishing the Bed & Breakfast. But to bring the full vision to life, especially the production facility and guest cottages, we’ve taken a three-pronged approach: traditional loans, a friends-and-family crowdfunding effort, and a rewards-based campaign that lets supporters invest in future stays at the vineyard.
Each phase of our plan—wine production, guest lodging, and eventual vineyard expansion—has its own funding path. We’re not fully there yet, but we’re making steady progress. The best part has been seeing how many people believe in the vision and want to be part of building it with us.
If you have multiple revenue streams in your business, would you mind opening up about what those streams are and how they fit together?
Yes, ok—and that’s been intentional from the start. While wine will eventually be our core product, Lakeside Valley Vineyards is designed as a destination experience, not just a place to buy a bottle. Right now, our Bed & Breakfast brings in steady income and allows guests to experience the property before our wine production is up and running. We’ve also hosted private events and weddings, which have proven both profitable and a great way to build local awareness.
Looking ahead, we’re developing guest cottages as part of Phase Two, which will open up a whole new stream of overnight and retreat-style bookings. And once we’re bottling wine, we’ll layer in on-site sales, tastings, and eventually direct-to-consumer shipping, where regulations allow. Each element supports the others—it’s about creating a place people want to return to, not just a product to purchase.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Vineyards.com
Image Credits
Stuart Anthony