Bill and Leslie moved to the Ozarks in 2010. Both originally from Chicago, they opted to uproot their city life and move to rural Missouri after being gifted eight acres of land in Brighton. This small farm allowed them to pursue their dream of founding an animal rescue. Eden Animal Haven, an all-cat, cage-free animal shelter became the first of its kind in Southwest Missouri. The Sawyer’s love for rural life grew and they quickly found their own shelter and solace at 7C’s Winery in Walnut Grove.

When they made their big move in 2010, the majority of their focus was on readjusting to their new home and developing a new business. They enjoyed their spare time traveling all over Missouri and soaking in the tourism the state has to offer. Both Bill and Leslie love visiting all types of wineries and even participated several years in the Missouri Wine Loyalty and Passport Programs.

“We just love Missouri wineries,” Leslie says. “Each winery has its own personality and its own story. Each setting is beautiful and different.” Leslie says learning the history behind them is their favorite part.

The Sawyers had visited 7C’s Winery prior to their move and absolutely loved it. This made it one of their favorite places to visit once they were settled in. They could even bring their dogs, which made it the perfect place to go enjoy their weekends. Friendships were quickly made with other winery-goers which turned into group social outings, clubs and lots of live music enjoyed together with friends.

Bill and Leslie became easy friends with Dwight and Jean Crevelt, the owners of 7C’s Winery. The Crevelts had parallels to the Sawyers. They had also moved to Southwest Missouri to follow their business dreams and they started their businesses around the same time. Their pups even became best pals – the Sawyer’s Dachshund, Cara, and the Crevelt’s Labrador, Coco, had a Missouri winery love story of their own.

“I cannot remember a time coming to the winery without at least one dog,” Leslie joked. Eve and Jackson are their other dogs, but Kara visits the winery the most. She is let off her leash, greets everyone and acts like she owns the place. All kinds are comfortable at the beautiful, rural setting at 7C’s Winery.

In 2015, Bill was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer and needed immediate expert care in Texas. After his recovery and return to Missouri, Leslie and Bill went to 7C’s Winery to celebrate. “It was the only place he wanted to go,” Leslie said.

Bill and Leslie became engaged and started of thinking of places to hold their ceremony and celebration. They both quickly suggested 7C’s as the place that best represented their relationship and love, and where they wanted to celebrate their union. Bill and Leslie reached out to the Crevelts to see if weddings were an option at the winery. Weddings weren’t previously held there but Dwight was quick to say "We would love that!”

On October 1, 2016, Bill and Leslie got married and held their reception at the winery. It was just as they had imagined. They started a trend of many beautiful and unique weddings that have been held since at 7C’s Winery.

“Each is very different and do it yourself,” Dwight said. “They are all very special and we’re glad they want to celebrate here. However, I will never forget Bill and Leslie’s special day.”

This Missouri wine country love story transcends romance. Friendship, support, hospitality, and memories allowed the Sawyers to grow new roots in the Ozarks. They made their own addition to the history of their local winery. Their foundation sets the stage for other Missouri wine love stories to come.

Tag us on social the next time you visit 7C’s Winery with #missouriwine or @missouriwine.