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
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.
Amber joined Old Farm Winery at Hartland in 2021 as the Tasting Room and Operations Manager. Before transitioning to OFW, she began her career in the wine industry as the Events and Operations Manager at Philip Carter Winery, and their sister location, Valley View Farm. Amber graduated from Virginia Polytechnic and State University with a major in Biological Sciences and a minor in Animal Science. She is currently pursuing her MBA from George Mason University with an expected completion date in 2022.
In addition to raising her two daughters, Ariya and Zoe, Amber owns and operates a Quarter Horse farm in Hume, VA with her husband, Bryan. As an avid equestrian who has grown up in Hunt Country, she jumped at the ability to manage OFW given its historical link to Fox Hunting and obvious impact on Loudoun’s wine industry. Coming from a background of farming and agriculture, she has always dreamed of a career that would allow her to combine her passion for both wine and horses making OFW the perfect fit. Amber’s favorite wine is the 2018 Meritage Reserve.
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.