AFTON MOUNTAIN INN
Dianna Rankin is a Shenandoah Valley original. Born in Raphine and now calling Staunton home, she has spent the better part of two decades building a career in the wine industry — and she’s found her perfect fit at Afton Mountain Vineyards.
Dianna’s path to wine was anything but conventional. She began her professional life in Veterinary Technology before discovering her true passion in the vineyard and tasting room world. That pivot turned out to be the right call: she now brings 18 years of wine industry experience and 10 years in management to everything she does at AMV.
Dianna joined the Afton Mountain Vineyards team in February 2025 — a move she calls the best decision of her career. Since then, she’s helped build a strong, talented team around wines she’s genuinely proud to pour and talk about.
Beyond the winery, Dianna is deeply invested in the regional wine and tourism community. She was elected President of the Nelson 151 Craft Beverage Trail for 2026 — a recognition of both her leadership and her commitment to showcasing the incredible producers and experiences that make this corner of Virginia so special.
On a personal note, Dianna is a proud mom of three and has an exciting milestone on the horizon — a grandbaby on the way.
Damien Blanchon was born in Le Péreon, a small village in the Beaujolais wine country of France, where his family’s connection to wine stretches back generations. That heritage — learning the rhythms of the vine from childhood — forms the bedrock of everything he does in the cellar and the vineyard. He joined Afton Mountain Vineyards in 2007, bringing his French winemaking pedigree to the rising star of Virginia’s Monticello AVA. Over nearly two decades, he has elevated the estate into one of the most critically recognized vineyards in the Commonwealth, earning national press, top competition honors, and the respect of his peers across the Virginia wine community.
“I’ve been here for 18 years, and the support that we have, from all the winemakers and the wine world, has been really exceptional compared to lots of other wine regions. This is our strength as we develop and go forward to make better quality wine.”
Beyond the bottles, Damien is a committed steward of the land. Under his leadership, Afton Mountain Vineyards has moved toward biodynamic farming and regenerative agriculture practices — going pesticide-free and working toward formal biodynamic certification. He sees great winemaking as inseparable from great growing.
