For the last 6 years, the UCCEO team has visited Peachbarn Winery & Café in Alto Pass, owned by Scott & Jenny Schroeder. They purchased the property in late 2019 and faced all of the challenges brought on by COVID in early 2020. It was challenging and scary. Now, 6 years later, the Peachbarn is a fan favorite on the wine trail. With their personal touches, Scott and Jenny have built a low-key, friendly vibe that draws in both locals and visitors alike.
Cobden Jr-Sr High student and UCCEO team member, Grant Miller shares details from our visit below:

“ On Monday, the Union County CEO team visited the Peachbarn Winery and Cafe in Alto Pass, where we were all greeted with rubber ducks that we could take home as souvenirs! Through Jenny Schroeder, we gained perspective on the difficulties one might face when running their own business, such as the cost to have employees and growing grapes.

The things that Jenny taught opened my eyes to are the struggles that an entrepreneur deals with, and made me realize; it is a lot of work. She made me think about struggles with employment, hardships in production (especially agriculture), and the determination one really has to have to be able to adapt to our ever changing economy.

Thank you to Jenny Schroeder for telling us about the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail and about Illinois agriculture in general. “

The AJ Wildcats student and UCCEO team member, Mariel McGrath highlighted this element:

“ Another thing I noticed there was in relation to their cat. They had printed and laminated a paper that warned people of his viscousness and told them of his back story. This is something essential to a business and especially one that is not a large corporation. Fun little things like this allow the consumers to have a good time and be a part of a joke. This piece of paper makes the Peachbarn unique, not all businesses have a cat, let alone a story for his behaviors. People like things that make them feel better or included and this poster does just that.”

Scott and Jenny are making some life changes that include closing the beloved Peachbarn and remodeling the historic barn into their home. The Shawnee Hill Wine Trail, the Peachbarn friends and family, as well as the many repeat visitors that visit the our area are going to miss them. In the six years they have owned the business, they have brought people together for celebrations, music, friendship and more. They have made lasting memories, friends who are like family and planted roots here. We wish Scott and Jenny the best of luck in their future plans and we thank them for sharing their time, their story and the Peachbarn with us for the last six years! ❤️🍑❤️🍑❤️