Vienna Barger: A Pioneer in Spirits and Sustainable Agriculture
Vienna Barger is the co-founder and COO of Southern Distilling Co. in Statesville, NC
In the heart of Iredell County, North Carolina, a remarkable woman is not only making waves in the spirits industry but also partnering with her husband, Pete to champion regenerative agriculture and supporting local farmers. Vienna Barger, co-founder, and COO of Southern Distilling Company, is leaving an indelible mark on both her community and the international stage. As we celebrate International Women’s Month, it’s only fitting to shine a spotlight on her inspiring journey from public health to spirits.
Building on the Past, Pioneering the Future
Vienna's journey began in Orange County, California, where she was immersed in the ethos of multi-generational family business ownership. However, it wasn’t until she teamed up with her husband, Pete, that they embarked on their entrepreneurial venture. After a decade of exploration, Southern Distilling Company was born—a startup bourbon and rye distillery with a robust and scalable business model.
In 2013, Vienna made the bold leap from a distinguished 15-year career in public health to the world of spirits, and she hasn’t looked back since. Her commitment to innovation and excellence has propelled Southern Distilling Company onto the global stage, earning international awards and forging partnerships with esteemed entities like the Carolina Panthers and the Charlotte Football Club/Tepper Sports.
Cultivating an Environment for Growth
Vienna’s impact extends beyond product development; she has spearheaded initiatives to position Southern Distilling as one of the nation’s largest privately-held, family-owned-and-operated bourbon distilleries. Under her leadership, the distillery’s production capacity has surged, with plans for further expansion on the horizon. What’s more, Southern Distilling sources the bulk of its grains from within 20 miles of Statesville, championing regenerative agriculture and supporting local farmers.
Celebrating An Industry Leader
As we reflect on the contributions of women in various fields this International Women’s Month, Vienna Barger’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the power of perseverance, innovation, and passion. Her journey from public health to spirits exemplifies the transformative potential of following one’s dreams and forging new paths. With Vienna at the helm, Southern Distilling Company continues to push boundaries, redefine industry standards, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and distillers alike. Cheers to Vienna Barger, a trailblazer in the spirits industry and a beacon of female leadership.
Crafting Success and Community: The Woman Shaping Statesville's Spirit Industry
You won't want to miss Vienna Barger on the Discover Statesville podcast, Crafting Success and Community: The Woman Shaping Statesville's Spirit Industry where she speaks about her journey, their award winning spirits and things to come for this destination business right here in Iredell County.
