About Sandy River Distillery, Inc.

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Mark Sterling Smith – Founder, Sandy River Distillery

A visionary entrepreneur and craftsman, Mark Smith has spent more than three decades building, creating, and reviving businesses that shape the cultural and economic fabric of Prince Edward County, Virginia. From his early years constructing custom homes and resorts through Mark Smith Construction, to pioneering Sandy River Outdoor Adventures, Mark’s work has always centered on craftsmanship, community, and the pursuit of meaningful experiences.

But out of tragedy came rebirth. After a devastating fire that destroyed part of what he had built, Mark refused to stand still. From the ashes rose Sandy River Distillery—a symbol of resilience and renewal. Built by hand and grounded in local grain and craftsmanship, the distillery represents both a personal and regional comeback: honoring Virginia’s agricultural roots while blending modern innovation with old-world spirit.

Today, Mark leads a thriving destination where bourbon, food, and adventure intertwine—from the Barrelhouse Kitchen’s woodfired pizzas to the luxury glamping resort and the copper stills turning grain into award-winning bourbon. His mission is not just to build businesses, but to create lasting experiences that celebrate the land, the people, and the power of starting over.

Tyler Steinruck – Administrative Manager

Tyler Steinruck serves as the Administrative Manager at Sandy River Distillery, where he keeps daily operations running smoothly while also assisting with distilling and bartending. Known for his sharp mind and steady demeanor, Tyler brings a blend of precision and creativity to every task. 

He began his journey with Sandy River Outdoor Adventures as a facilitator, where his strong work ethic, math skills, and natural problem-solving abilities quickly earned him a promotion to the distillery team. Today, Tyler is an essential part of Sandy River’s growth and a valued member of the close-knit crew that makes the distillery a true local gem.

Candice Smith – Operations & Creative Director

Candice Smith is the heart behind the scenes at Sandy River Distillery, overseeing operations, office management, and the creative direction of the brand. As co-owner, she brings a keen eye for design and detail, helping shape the distillery’s visual identity—from logo and branding concepts to website updates and social media storytelling.

Her balance of organization and creativity keeps the business running seamlessly while ensuring every guest experience and online interaction reflects the warmth, authenticity, and craftsmanship that define Sandy River Distillery.

Shannon Dunbar Wilson – Head Mixologist

For the past three years, Shannon Dunbar Wilson has led the cocktail program at Sandy River Distillery, crafting innovative, seasonal drinks that celebrate Virginia’s flavors. Drawing inspiration from local farms and the distillery’s own spirits, Shannon creates cocktails that are both elevated and approachable, blending artistry with authenticity.

Before joining Sandy River, Shannon honed her craft in the service industry at renowned establishments such as The Wine Cellar in Farmville, VA, and The Baker’s Crust in Richmond. Her background in hospitality, creativity behind the bar, and passion for locally sourced ingredients make her an integral part of the distillery’s identity—where every drink tells a story of place, season, and spirit.

 Mark and Candice Smith both grew up in Saint Maarten, a 36 sq mile island in the East Caribbean, where they initially met and bonded over their love for travel and adventure. They have been able to experience countless different cultures with their own traditions when it comes to distilling spirits.  Their love for travel and adventure and taste of food and drink, have led them to honor each culture, with the spirits that derive from each country they visit.  The shipping containers on our property represent exploration of the places we’ve been, representing the imports and exports of the world's diversity and what better way than by taste of spirits. We are striving to bring unique spirits to the heart of Virginia, test the boundaries of traditional products, create and import any and all that taste delectable.