Lyndon Smith

About Lyndon Smith

I am Lyndon Smith, a farmer, winemaker, entrepreneur, and consultant rooted in the South.As co-founder of Botanist & Barrel and DeFi Wines, I have built businesses from the ground up that connect farming, fermentation, and hospitality. From managing spray free orchards to launching tasting rooms, festivals, and new product lines, I understand what it takes to move an idea from vision to execution.My work centers on natural fermentation, regenerative farming, and Southern terroir, but my skill set goes far beyond the cellar. I specialize in helping small businesses and startups think creatively about growth, brand development, and connecting with their community. That means guiding teams through everything from marketing and storytelling to operations, financial modeling, and experiential programming.I thrive in spaces where tradition meets innovation. Whether that is consulting with small farms on adding value through fermentation, advising start ups on sustainable growth strategies, or building collaborative partnerships, I bring both hands on experience and strategic perspective.My goal is simple. To make honest products, support local agriculture, and help small businesses find sustainable ways to grow and thrive. Always open to new collaborations and consulting opportunities.

Experience

1. Co-founder

   Botanist & Barrel

   Jan 2016 — Present · Cedar Grove, NC, US

   Botanist & Barrel is a natural cidery, winery and apple grower - and the first producer of Petillant Natural ciders — in the Southeastern United States, focused on spontaneous and wild cultures. Botanist & Barrel crafts ciders and wines, by way of light-handed winemaking that intertwines old-world methods with modern sensibilities. We raise never sprayed apples on our own farm sites focusing on heirloom and wild apple varieties. Ciders are made using only locally grown, and a minimum sustainably grown, heirloom cider apples, from own estate farms and neighbors.

Education

• University of North Carolina Asheville

  B.S., Economics, Business, Environmetal Policy

  2000 — 2003

Skills

• Editing
• Leadership
• Publishing
• Online Marketing
• Event Management
• Social Media
• Business Brain Mapping
• Brand Development
• Small Business
• Marketing
• E-Commerce
• Business
• Systems Engineering
• Logistics
• Social Networking
• Social Media Marketing
• Wine
• Public Relations
• Digital Media
• Blogging
• Trade Shows