Ian Somerhalder, best known for his role in The Vampire Diaries, has fully embraced farm life alongside his wife, actress Nikki Reed, and their family.
While he acknowledges that running a farm is no easy feat, he believes the lifestyle fosters a deep sense of respect and balance—something he says many people in urban areas don’t fully understand.
In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, the Brother’s Bond Bourbon co-founder shared his perspective on the contrast between rural and city life.
“It’s a lot of work,” Somerhalder admitted. “But the reality is, especially with the recent fires in California, I feel a deep connection to this way of life. I grew up in Louisiana, so it gives me a sense of balance.”
He pointed out that a significant percentage of Americans live on farms and appreciate that lifestyle, even if urban dwellers may not relate to it. However, he believes there is an essential connection between the two, as city residents still benefit from the high-quality produce and goods that come from rural communities.
“While heavily populated urban areas may not fully understand this way of life, they still reap the benefits,” he explained. “It’s this amazing cycle of commerce, business, and mutual respect that I love.”
Moving Away from Hollywood for a Simpler Life
Somerhalder and Reed made the decision to leave Los Angeles behind in 2019. Now, they live on their farm with their two children and nearly 20 animals, including cows, mini-donkeys, and goats. In 2023, he spoke to E! News about how much he preferred farm life over his previous Hollywood lifestyle.
“Walking through the farm with kids, dogs, and family—everywhere you go, you’re picking fresh produce right off the trees, bushes, or from the ground, feeding everyone as you go. It’s an incredible experience,” he shared.
The couple enjoys growing herbs like rosemary and lavender while raising their daughter, Bodhi, and their one-year-old son. Despite the demanding work that comes with managing a farm, Somerhalder finds joy in observing how all the animals coexist harmoniously.
“It’s unbelievable to see these incredible creatures living together—it’s really special,” he said. “We’re farm people. We produce most of our own food, and I live in my cowboy boots.”
Shifting Focus to Business and Bourbon
Although Somerhalder stepped away from acting over five years ago, he has been deeply involved in business ventures, particularly his bourbon company, Brother’s Bond, which he co-founded with his Vampire Diaries co-star Paul Wesley. The duo launched the brand in 2021, but the idea had been in the works for years.
“Paul and I spent eight years on Vampire Diaries, and by season two, we were already talking about launching a bourbon,” he revealed. “Our characters bonded over bourbon on-screen, and we bonded over it off-screen.”
The hit series aired from 2009 to 2017, starring Somerhalder alongside Wesley, Nina Dobrev, Candice King, and Kat Graham. Since then, Somerhalder has been focused on his business ventures, recently attending Fred Minnick’s New Orleans Bourbon Festival before Super Bowl LIX.
A Vision for Community and Economic Growth
Beyond bourbon, Somerhalder believes deeply in the power of food, beverage, and community to strengthen the economy.
“There are challenges in the food and beverage industry, but the community it creates is incredibly strong,” he explained. “I truly believe we can rebuild this country through soil, food, beverage, and community. That’s how we win—economically and socially.”
He also emphasized how industries like agriculture and food production contribute to improvements in education, water systems, and recreational programs across the country.
“This isn’t about politics—it’s about people, about Americans, and about whiskey,” he said. “It’s an exciting time, and I can’t wait to see where it leads.”
