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Local Start-Up To National Brand: Family-Owned Sugarland turns 10
Friday, March 1, 2024


Distilleries are one of Tennessee’s biggest drivers of economic growth, accounting for $3.5 billion in impact and 30,000 jobs across the state, according to a study by Tourism Economics.

One local distillery that’s helping fuel that growth is celebrating its 10th anniversary in a few weeks and I was hoping we could work together on this story that runs the gamut of entrepreneurship, food/bev, tourism, entertainment, and more.

Sugarlands Distilling Company turns 10 years old on March 9. We’d love to work with you to tell the story of this local, family-owned business with national reach that employs hundreds throughout East Tennessee.

The lowdown!

 •A decade ago, running a distillery was just an idea Ned Vickers was exploring at
the prompting of his wife, Jessica.
•Ten years later, Sugarlands welcomes over 1.4 million people yearly to its
Gatlinburg distillery.
•The distillery is TripAdvisor’s top-rated distillery experience in the world and last
year was named the top craft spirits tasting room in America by USA TODAY 10 Best
•Vickers is a University of Tennessee alumni and tapped his college friend, Greg
Eidam, to help start Sugarlands.
•Eidam is Sugarlands Master Distiller, creating over 30 products over the past ten
years, many of which have won prestigious awards at spirits competitions nationwide.
•While the company has grown, Sugarlands still prides itself on being an East
Tennessee company and sources most of its ingredients from the area.
•The company employs hundreds throughout East Tennessee between its
Gatlinburg distillery, its production facility in Kodak, and its officers in West Knoxville.
•Sugarlands has also remained committed to giving back to its local community.
such as hosting an auction to help the Northview-Kodak Fire Department buy a new fire
truck in 2022 and a benefit bash last fall supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
• In total, Sugarlands has donated over $1 million to local and national charities
through its Moonshare program.

Join Us! Sugarlands will host a 10th Anniversary celebration at the Gatlinburg distillery on Saturday, March 9, from 10a.m-10p.m, featuring new product releases, celebrity appearances, live music and more.

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