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…