The dramatic lifestyle change made by the owners of Downtown Rogers Business Mavis WineCo. caught the attention of Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette Profiles Editor, April Wallace, and Photographer, Charlie Kaijo.

Jeffrey Barnett and Megan McDonald, were busy Hollywood TV and film industry professionals who took breaks each year to visit their NW Arkansas family. The onset of COVID, and the temporary, yet total shut down of TV and film production, gave them a chance to reflect on their California lifestyle and make the move to pursue a well thought out dream of changing careers and leaving the demanding, fast paced entertainment industry to move halfway across the country to Rogers, Arkansas. The Profiles article, found in section D, pages 1 and 2, of the Sunday, January 22 issue explains, "Barnett and McDonald moved to Northwest Arkansas amid the pandemic to open Mavis Wine Co., which since its opening has become Arkansas' first natural wine bar and bottle shop."

The in-depth article shares the couple's passion for and knowledge of natural wine and includes reflections and insight from several of their friends in both Arkansas and California. "the dream of opening a natural wine bar started as just that for Barnett and McDonald," the article explains. "In their long days on Hollywood sets, that was the fantasy they turned to for a little escape when they needed something to think about that wasn't work." Wallace continued. "After roughly five years of planning, they moved across the country to make it happen."

Mavis regulars will probably gain a lot of insight and respect when they delve into the article. Sure, we knew the pair moved to Rogers from California--lots of people have done that. And we couldn't help but recognize the impressive wine bar and botte shop operation that keeps a busy calendar of educational wine tastings, yoga and maker classes, pop-up markets, art exhibitions and artfully curated and executed food and wine pairings.

The couple put in the months of planning needed in advance of their March 2021 opening to provide a an exciting destination location for newcomers and a welcoming and comfortable 3rd Space retreat for their regular clients. Now, as they approach their 2 year anniversary, we continue to peel back layers of their story to learn the dedication and commitment they have for growing not only a business, but a commitment and fascination with a selective segment of the wine industry that focuses on the natural aspects of growing grapes and producing wine that dates back centuries. 

Now, almost 2 years later, the couple continue to attend to the details of educating the NWA community operating the business. 

Take a deeper dive

• Learn more in the profile written by April Wallace, profiles editor, Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
• Listen to the Know the News Podcast hosted by Rusty Turner, Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Editor and April Wallace, Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Profiles Editor

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