Hospitality and Wine Education Leader Joins Virginia Estate as It Continues to Elevate Guest Experiences and Wholesale Presence
April 13, 2026 (Madison, VA) — Early Mountain Vineyards, the Virginia winery at the forefront of the region’s emergence on the global wine stage, today announced the appointment of Peggy Kearns Dean as Sommelier & Brand Ambassador. In this newly created role, Kearns Dean will join the tasting room and restaurant’s management team, overseeing the wine program and helping to shape the next evolution of Early Mountain’s guest experience, while also supporting the winery’s expanding presence in key wholesale markets.
Kearns Dean steps into the role at a pivotal moment for Early Mountain Vineyards, as the winery continues to build on a nearly 15-year investment in Virginia viticulture, winemaking, and hospitality. With a focus on expressing the depth and diversity of Virginia terroir—from the mountain-grown Cabernet Franc and Tannat at Quaker Run Vineyard to the estate’s benchmark bottlings of Petit Manseng—Early Mountain has established itself as both a leader in the region and a gateway for discovering Virginia wine.
In her new role, Kearns Dean will have full responsibility for Early Mountain’s wine program, including staff training, wine service, and the development of wine-centered guest experiences that bring the estate’s vineyard-driven philosophy to life. She will also work closely with the leadership team to support wholesale initiatives, calling on existing and target accounts and representing the winery through tastings, dinners, and strategic events and partnerships.
“Peggy brings a thoughtful, hospitality-first approach to wine that aligns seamlessly with our vision at Early Mountain,” said Jon Ruel, president of Early Mountain Vineyards. “Her ability to create meaningful, memorable experiences for our guests makes her an exceptional addition to our team as we continue to grow our presence locally and nationally.”
Kearns Dean joins Early Mountain Vineyards with a diverse background spanning restaurant hospitality, direct-to-consumer sales, and wine education. Most recently, she served as Sommelier at Pacific Standard Prime Steakhouse in Redondo Beach, California, where she curated a wine program focused on small-production, sustainable, organic, and biodynamic producers, while leading staff training and enhancing the guest experience through thoughtful pairings and service.
Concurrently, she worked as an independent consultant for The Boisset Collection, where she cultivated a loyal client base for luxury Napa Valley and Burgundy wines through personalized service, private tastings, and educational events. Her experience across both on-premise hospitality and direct client engagement gives her a uniquely well-rounded perspective on how consumers discover, learn about, and connect with wine.
Kearns Dean holds the WSET Level 4 Diploma with Merit, one of the industry’s most advanced certifications, and is known for her ability to make wine education both rigorous and approachable. Her approach emphasizes accessibility without sacrificing depth, reflecting Early Mountain’s commitment to welcoming both seasoned collectors and new audiences into the world of Virginia wine.
“I’ve long admired Early Mountain’s leadership in showcasing what Virginia wine can be at its highest level,” said Kearns Dean. “There is a sense of purpose here—not only in the wines, but in how guests experience them. I’m excited to join the team and help create moments that connect people more deeply to the land, the wines, and the broader story of Virginia.”
Kearns Dean’s appointment further strengthens Early Mountain’s commitment to delivering immersive, wine-driven experiences that integrate vineyard, cellar, and table. From guided tastings and the signature Elevation Tasting in the Wine Library to its hyper-local, hyper-seasonal culinary program, the winery continues to define a new standard for hospitality in Virginia wine country.
ABOUT EARLY MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS
Founded in 2012, Early Mountain Vineyards has put Virginia on the global wine map with accolades from Decanter, Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and more. Located in Madison, VA, and spanning 300 beautiful countryside acres, the winery stands on a reputation built on viticultural innovation and quality. Early Mountain has emerged as the gateway to Virginia wine country and a welcome introduction to this newly recognized yet deeply historic U.S. wine region. As the country marks its semiquincentennial, there’s no better time to visit than right now.
Early Mountain Vineyards is located at 6109 Wolftown-Hood Road, in Madison, Virginia, 90 minutes from Dulles International Airport and less than two hours from Washington, D.C. The winery is open Thursday through Monday, from 11am-5:30pm, with extended dinner hours on select dates. For reservations, to purchase wine, or to learn more about the vineyards, the team, and their vision, please visit www.earlymountain.com or call 540.948.9005.
