Today we’d like to introduce you to Donna Lann.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
We started Woodfeather in 2020 with a simple goal—to make wines that feel comfortable and familiar, the kind you’d open at a family dinner or share with friends without overthinking it. I’ve always believed wine doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive to be meaningful. It should fit into everyday life and be something you enjoy coming back to.
For me, a lot of that starts in the vineyard. I spend my time caring for each vine, watching how it grows and learning from it year after year. It’s a hands-on, ever-changing process, and I truly love being out there, shaping and nurturing something that will eventually bring people together. The vineyard teaches patience and humility—you’re always adapting and growing alongside it.
In the winery, Jim brings his years of experience from the restaurant industry, carefully pulling out the best qualities from each grape. We work closely together, and every bottle really reflects our land, our values, and the care we put into the process. Woodfeather has always been about more than just making wine—it’s about honoring the land, supporting our community, and believing in this little corner of Tennessee. When someone chooses our wine, they’re supporting a dream and becoming part of a story that starts in the vineyard and ends around a table with good food and good company. We opened our first Tasting Room in October ’25 in Chapel Hill TN and are excited to be part of the community offering wine flights, wine by the glass and bottle. There are lots of events throughout the month including Live Music on Saturdays.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would say that anything worth doing is worth the struggles of the journey. We have navigated growing grapes and continue to learn each season how to improve our processes to produce the best fruit possible- every great wine really starts in the vineyard. We have worked closely with the University of TN specialists and AG extension agents to further our knowledge of growing in TN . We also are members of the Tennessee Wine Growers Association which has been a wealth of knowledge and support.
We have also had to learn the art of winemaking and all of the processes and equipment required. We learn and become more efficient each year, but there is always more to know. This is the excitement of the business. Jim has a saying that really sums it up- ” Success in Aspirational, Failure is Educational”
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Jim and I have had full careers in other fields before opening Woodfeather Farm Winery and Vineyard. We feel like through that we bring a unique experience that sets us apart.
Jim spent many years in the restaurant industry as a cook, manager and wine educator. He was involved in opening several restaurants and brings both his passion for food, wine and experience in opening a small business. He has also work in IT putting processes in place to maximize efficiency for many large companies.
Donna is a musician and educator, spending her previous career directing and teaching students K-12. She brings the importance of continuing education to the Woodfeather team and provides resources and connection within the community together to continuing both growing the business as well as those who work at Woodfeather.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
We have learned that it is ok not to know how to do everything- there are people and resources out there that will help you along your journey. From navigating all of the licensing and permitting to learning how to prune grapevines to making quality wine- you can not get discouraged by the setbacks. They are an opportunity to improve your skills and be more efficient. We have often joked that our mission statement,ent should be “There has to be a better way to do this”. This “mission statement” has carried us though so steep learning curves for sure.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.woodfeatherfarm.com
- Instagram: @woodfeatherfarm
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodfeatherfarm/
