MEET THE HICKOX FAMLIY, 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.

By his senior year in college, he decided to start his own business and spent the next 25 years building his firm into one of the largest remodeling companies in Northern Virginia from the ground up. While attending George Mason University Jon met the love of his life, Kimberly, who was also a history major. In 2005 they got married and have two beautiful daughters, Delaney and Lilly, and dogs Hunter, Mosby, and Holly-Joyful Hickox. Holly is the model of the big gray dog chasing the fox in the logo you see on our wine bottles. A red fox can still be seen today running across the fields every now and then, representing the spirit of the hunt.

The Hickox’s opened The Winery at Bull Run in 2012, growing the business to be one of the largest and most successful wineries in Virginia Wine Country. After nearly 10 years of perfecting the winemaking, rapidly expanding their Virginia vineyards to over 60 acres “under vine,” and elevating the hospitality experience of visiting a Farm Winery, they acquired 35 acres of land in Aldie, Virginia and got hard at work turning the “old farm” into a modern farm winery. In many ways creating the farm winery business in Aldie, Virginia under the name “Old Farm Winery at Hartland,” is like a homecoming for Jon, going back to his childhood Loudoun County farming roots, where this love for the land all began many years ago.

MEET THE OLD FARM TEAM

Dean Gruenburg
Dean Gruenburg
General Manager of Facilities & Winemaking

Dean arrived on the Virginia wine scene over seventeen years ago when he changed careers and founded Castle Gruen Vineyards and Winery which he owns and operates to date with his beloved wife, Jeanne. He has a true appreciation of all things wine and has worked in every dimension of the Virginia wine industry including 4 years as a board member with the Virginia Wineries Association and independent vineyard/winery consulting services.

He worked for Prince Michel Winery in central Virginia starting as the Vineyard/Winery mechanic for three years then quickly rose to the role of General Manager at Prince Michel before transitioning to The Winery at Bull Run & Old Farm Winery at Hartland. At Old Farm he oversees operations as well as consulting on Rock Mill vineyard operations. Dean is also our winemaker responsible for our Gold Medal Winning Peach wine.

Sarah Pichardo
Sarah Pichardo
Director of Sales & Operations

Sarah joined Old Farm Winery at Hartland in 2021 as part of the private events team. Since then, she has advanced into the role of Events and Sales Manager and now serves as the Director of Sales and Operations.

In her role, Sarah consults with clients planning weddings, corporate gatherings, and social celebrations, while also overseeing the winery’s daily operations. Her extensive background in sales and customer service enables her to lead the team with confidence and finesse.

Her favorite part of the job is building genuine relationships with clients, with her team, and with the many new faces she meets each day. By actively listening to her clients’ needs and combining creative problem-solving with exceptional service, Sarah consistently helps bring their visions to life.

Sarah’s favorite Old Farm wine is the Petit Verdot.

Scott Schwartz
Scott Schwartz
Tasting Room Manager

Scott Joined the Team here at Old Farm Winery at Hartland in March of 2024. He has over 30 years of Hospitality leadership experience in the industry. After earning his B.S. Degree in Hospitality from Widener University, he joined Ruby Tuesday Restaurants and ultimately became a Director of Operations overseeing 11 Restaurants. After 12 years Scott got an opportunity to be part of a franchise group, building a team from the ground up and opened the first 14 Buffalo Wild Wing Restaurants across the state of Maryland. He was the Vice President of Operations for 13 years before arriving here at Old Farm.

Scott believes in building great teams and developing people from within the organization to create opportunities for his staff while providing great customer service.
Scott’s Favorite Old Farm Wine is 2021 Viognier

Rebecca Hagy
Rebecca Hagy
Marketing & Social Media Manager

Rebecca has been serving as our Marketing & Social Media Manager since early 2025, first joining as a Marketing Assistant. Since then, she has advanced to her current role, bringing both creative vision and strategic insight to our brand. Rebecca holds a BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University and is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Marketing at the College of William & Mary.

Rebecca manages all marketing and social media operations for the winery. Her approach combines analytical rigor with artistic sensibility to develop campaigns that authentically connect with our community. Rebecca’s favorite Old Farm wine is the 2021 Viognier.

Kendall Anderson
Kendall Anderson
Winemaker

Kendall joined the Old Farm team in December 2022 and has been working in the wine industry ever since graduating from William & Mary in 2017 with a degree in Kinesiology & Health Sciences. He previously held the role of Cellarmaster at Stone Tower Winery in Leesburg, VA.

“Everything in my life has shaped me to be a winemaker and it is the perfect job for me.”

Kendell’s favorite Old Farm wine is the Viognier

Wayne Mills
Wayne Mills
Vineyard Manager

Wayne joined the Old Farm team 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 Virginia 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 Cabernet Franc.