We had such a great visit at Starview Vineyards with owners Brett and Regina Morrison! 🍇 They were so welcoming, and our Class of 2027 young professionals came away with a lot to think about.

Brett and Regina moved here from Pennsylvania and bought Starview in 2013. Before that, they both worked at a winery, and Brett was there for 16 years, starting back in high school! As one student wrote, "I could tell when Brett walked through the door that he is that type of person," someone willing to put in the work. 👏

🍷 Brett makes all of Starview's wine himself and walked the class through the whole process, from growing the grapes to bottling. Quality always comes first, so along with their own grapes, he brings in high-quality grapes from places like Washington when needed. Our students were amazed at how much year-round care the vines take. One reflected, "It is not just a typical nine to five, it is their livelihood. Their dedication and work ethic is admirable."

🌎 As part of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, Starview welcomes visitors from all over, including a guest from Australia just days before our visit! Business really took off after COVID as people were eager to get out and explore. One student shared, "Seeing people from all over the world in such a small county is really something to be proud of!" Another added, "I would love to be in a business like that where people from all around the world come straight to me."

🎶 Starview is so much more than a winery. Live music, lunch, cookie decorating, paint parties, an event center, and an Airbnb all help bring people through the doors. As one student put it, "We keep hearing how important it is to get your business involved in the community as much as you can."

🎨 And they truly support local. The paintings and driftwood art displayed throughout Starview were all made by local artists and small businesses. It gives those artists a place to be seen and makes Starview feel like a true reflection of our area. One student noted, "I think it is important for businesses to support small businesses rather than corporate ones." I loved that they picked up on that!

💛 Brett and Regina give back outside the vineyard, too. Regina is the president of the Cobden Elementary PTO, and they're both involved in the Cobden Lions Club. What a great example for our students of business owners who invest in the place they call home.

💼 Brett and Regina also talked about how much they value good employees who are willing to work hard. One student wrote, "That is what I hope to be and what I hope I am now!" I can't tell you how much that made me smile.

🌱 Another student summed up the day beautifully: "I think what I got most out of this visit was how people learn to make their business better as they grow over the years."

Thank you, Brett and Regina, for opening your doors and sharing your story with us. If you haven't been out to Starview yet, put it at the top of your list! 🥂

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