The Hickox Family, Owners
The son of a career naval officer completing his service in Washington D.C., Jon Hickox moved to Fairfax County, Virginia as a young boy in 1982. He always preferred to spend time outdoors hunting, fishing, camping and scouring the woods & fields for Civil War relics and Native American artifacts. Many summers and weekends were spent on a friend’s family cattle farm right here in Aldie (right across Route 50 from this very farm.) Through working on the farm and spending time outdoors, Jon developed a deep spiritual bond with the land and the people who lived and worked there. He was also deeply affected by witnessing firsthand the slow destruction of farmland associated with the rural crescent that encircles the DC metropolitan area. Through these combined experiences Jon has gained an appreciation and respect for the land, history, and people associated with this passing of “Olde Virginia.”
In 1993 Jon graduated from Robinson High School and then attended George Mason University to study business, math, and history. While attending college, Jon worked as a project estimator for a remodeling firm where he would learn more about home construction, architecture, and the hard knocks of business.
Meet the Old Farm Team
CJ Evans joined the Old Farm Winery at Hartland Team as the Tasting Room Manager in December of 2021. CJ comes from 10 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry working in almost every aspect of the business from dishwasher to managing front of house operations. Most recently, CJ’s focus has been in management of local small businesses including his family’s restaurant located in Centreville, VA and our sister winery, The Winery at Bull Run. CJ thrives in this environment as he enjoys connecting with local patrons and providing them with an authentic, welcoming atmosphere, always greeting his guests with a friendly smile and top-notch customer service.
Outside of work, CJ enjoys exploring local wineries, breweries and hiking trails accompanied by his best friend who happens to be his rescue dog, “Stark”. CJ also enjoys travelling and collecting unique items from each place that he visits to remind him of his experiences and those that he shared them with. CJ’s genuine and infectious enthusiasm toward his work as well as his “can-do” attitude make him a perfect fit for the role of Tasting Room Manager. He looks forward to building an equally enthusiastic team and being involved in many exciting opportunities and challenges as Old Farm Winery at Hartland continues to grow and evolve. Be sure to introduce yourself to CJ during your next visit to Old Farm Winery at Hartland! CJ’s favorite Old Farm Wine is the Hard Apple Cider.
Ashton Lough started making wine for Old Farm Winery at Hartland in 2020, but his career in Winemaking began in 2008. Ashton is responsible for all aspects of our winemaking which takes place in a state-of-the-art production facility located in Centreville, VA at The Winery at Bull Run. Ashton has worked as a winemaker since he graduated from the University of Georgia with degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and currently serves as Head Winemaker at the Winery at Bull Run where he manages production for custom crush clients that include several local wineries.
Throughout his career in the wine industry he has received numerous awards including best winemaker, four years in a row. He says it took him 43 years to figure out where his passion lies, and it’s in being a winemaker—“Making wine is the only job I’ve ever had in which I haven’t thought about doing something else.” Ashton’s favorite Old Farm wine is the 2020 Tally-Ho.
Wayne Mills officially joined Old Farm Winery at Hartland in 2020. Wayne is responsible for overseeing the grounds and landscaping, and recently planted 5 acres collectively of Vidal Blanc, Petit Manseng and Alberino at Old Farm in April of 2021. Wayne expects full production of these varietals in 2023. In addition to management of the grounds at Old Farm Winery, Wayne oversees vineyard operations for Rock Mill Vineyards, established in 2014 which now includes a total of 63 acres and 11 varietals spread throughout northern and central Virginial regions. His previous experience include 40+ years in the nursery business and is an owner of a Wholesale Nursery on his farm in Fauquier County as well as a consultant in the landscape, vineyard, and green roof industries. Wayne is a member of the following professional organizations: Virginia Vineyards Association, Northern Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association, and the Virginia Nurseryman’s Association. Wayne’s favorite Old Farm Wine is the 2020 Cabernet Franc.
Julie Harper has been apart of Old Farm Winery at Hartland since its beginning, and consults with clients looking to host weddings, corporate, and social events at the winery. Julie’s decade of experience in the events industry from planning weddings and celebrity events to non-profit fundraisers helps her to effectively lead our events & sales team.
Julie and her husband Jason are dog parents to four fur babies, Sunny, Bailey, Joey, and Sully. She volunteers for dog rescue organizations in her spare time, lending a hand in her area of expertise by helping in marketing, planning, hosting fundraisers and maintaining donor relationships.
Her favorite part of the job is meeting new clients and the personal relationship she creates with her clients. Listening to her clients’ needs paired with her leadership and excellent customer service skills enable her to think outside the box to help achieve her clients’ goals. Julie’s favorite wine is the Tally Ho.
Rachael Ulsh joined Old Farm Winery at Hartland in 2021 as the Marketing Manager. She’s responsible for managing the winery’s social media accounts, advertising, newsletter distribution, and guiding creative direction. Rachael’s 5+ years of experience in digital marketing helps her effectively lead our brand initiatives.
As a graduate of the University of Virginia, Rachael fell in love with all the wineries Charlottesville had to offer. She was even more immersed into wine culture when she spent a year in Bordeaux, France as an au pair after graduation. Rachael enjoys coaching outside of work, and is currently an Assistant Varsity Coach for the Independence High School Field Hockey Team – a school just 5 minutes away from Old Farm Winery! Rachael’s favorite Old Farm wine is the 2020 Rosé.