Episode 40: From Home Hobby to Award-Winning Winery with Sandi Weddington

Sandi Weddington never expected a simple wine-making kit—an anniversary gift for her husband Steve—would transform their lives. What began as a hobby in 2008 blossomed into Blend of Seven Winery, an award-winning establishment now making an entrance into Downtown Marion after many successful years in Delaware.

Their entrepreneurial journey exemplifies how life's unexpected turns often reveal our most meaningful paths. When Steve's position was eliminated after nearly three decades with the same company, the couple faced a pivotal moment. Rather than viewing this setback as merely a loss, they recognized an opportunity to pursue their passion full-time. Shortly afterward, Sandi's own corporate position was eliminated—another push toward their winemaking venture.

What makes Blend of Seven special goes far beyond their distinctive wines, which include everything from dry reds to a lime-infused variety that "tastes exactly like a margarita." The name itself carries profound meaning—representing both their blended family (Sandi, Steve, and their five children) and their approach to winemaking. This familial foundation extends to their business philosophy, where many wines bear names connected to family members and customers quickly become friends in their warm, welcoming atmosphere.

The Weddington's story offers powerful lessons for entrepreneurs at any stage. "Take a breath, recharge, and redesign your plan" became their mantra through challenges, including a recent property sale that fell through at the eleventh hour. Their ability to maintain perspective—asking "why is this happening for me" rather than "why is this happening to me"—transformed potential disasters into stepping stones. As Sandi advises aspiring business owners: "Don't wait. The younger you are, the more energy and resilience you have." Most importantly, they exemplify the courage to "do it scared," acknowledging fear while refusing to be paralyzed by it.

Visit Blend of Seven at their new location at 146 West Center Street in Downtown Marion, where you'll experience their award-winning wines, homemade baked goods, and the unmistakable warmth that comes from a business built on family, resilience, and genuine connection.

Guest Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blendofsevenwinery

Main Street Reimagined:

Facebook: facebook.com/MainStreetReimagined

The Main Street Reimagined Podcast, Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqfkmF5bRH0od1d3iiYKs3oEn_gvMYk7N



Henry Development Group:

Facebook: facebook.com/henrydevelopmentgroup

Website: www.henrydevelopmentgroup.com

Developing News Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/33110524eb5c/developing-news


Luke Henry:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/luhenry

Facebook: facebook.com/luke.henry.148

#BlendOfSeven #OhioWines #WineLovers #AwardWinningWines #WineryLife #DrinkLocal #SmallBatchWine #FamilyWinery #FamilyBusiness #BlendedFamilyLove #ResilientEntrepreneurs #DoItScared #PassionToProfession #BuiltOnFamily #FromSetbackToSuccess #DowntownMarion #MarionOhio #OhioBusiness #SupportLocalOH #OhioEntrepreneurs #ShopLocalMarion #EntrepreneurJourney