On a romantic whim Stephen and Shannon Mackey took a leap of faith that would forever change the course of their lives. With no background in farming, they purchased an abandoned cattle ranch in Northern Virginia with a dream to start a family and create Notaviva Vineyards, the world s first winery to pair wine with music. With an unyielding commitment to their children and their vision, they embarked upon an entrepreneurial journey unlike any other. While holding down corporate careers, they began the construction of their custom timber frame home, which would double as the tasting room of the winery. During the building process, they were filmed for a reality television show, planted new vines, learned to make wine, and contributed thousands of hours of sweat equity all while living in a small rental home, Shannon pregnant with their second son. When they opened the winery just after the outset of the Great Recession in March of 2008, they also launched their new creative agency to support their young family and farming pursuits. Their story of starting two small businesses while raising a family is a testament to the American Dream. Fundamentally rooted in hard work, tough sacrifice, unwavering tenacity and a deep abiding love for each other, their children and their land, their uplifting tale is proof that no matter how dark the skies may seem at times, we must always believe there is a star watching over each of us.