January 29, 2025

Trading law for a sustainable wine venture

Sarah Shadonix spent seven and a half years as a commercial litigator after earning her juris doctor from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University in 2006. But her career as a lawyer was far from the outdoor lifestyle she grew up with on a farm, where she enjoyed hiking, hunting and working outside.

Shadonix chose ASU Law for the Arizona sunshine and its tight-nit, growing law school community within a world-class university. There she improved her ability to spot challenges, risks and opportunities — all of these skills would later help shape her business. 

After years in law, Shadonix left her legal career to return to nature and start Scout & Cellar, a wine company.

“Though I became a commercial litigator, I never lost my love for the wild and the joy of things straight from the earth,” she said. “I dreamed of reconnecting with nature and spent as much time outside as possible.”

But when she entered the wine industry, Shadonix realized most commercial wines were far from natural. “Commercial practices prioritize efficiency and profit over authenticity,” she said. “Wine is agriculture, a product of nature, not industry. I believed it should reflect the wild beauty of the land.”

A more sustainable way to create wine became front and center for her company as she developed a clean-crafted commitment, prioritizing natural methods that restore the land. The company uses lightweight, recycled glass bottles, avoids foil and supports sustainable farming initiatives.

Shadonix credits her law school education for much of her success. Courses in contracts and water law taught her the importance of transparency, trust and sustainable resource management. “Contracts taught me the importance of building strong partnerships with farmers and winemakers,” she explained. “Water law opened my eyes to the challenges of resource management.”

Her advice as someone who has built a successful sustainable company is, “Stay true to your purpose. If you don’t stand for something, you stand for nothing. Never compromise on what you believe in — because your purpose is what turns your work into something meaningful.

Written by Crystal Jimenez