Add Us As A Trusted Google Source 3494 Lee Hwy, Weyers Cave, VA 24486 | Phone: (540) 453-4168
3494 Lee Hwy, Weyers Cave, VA 24486 | Phone: (540) 453-4168
Dianna Rankin is a wine industry veteran with 18 years of experience and a lifelong connection to Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. The 2026 President of the Nelson 151 Craft Beverage Trail, she joined the Afton Mountain Vineyards team in February 2025 and brings deep expertise, a carefully built team, and a genuine love of great wine to every post she writes.
Damien Blanchon is the General Manager and Chief Winemaker at Afton Mountain Vineyards in Afton, Virginia, where he has crafted award-winning wines since 2007. Born in the Beaujolais wine country of France, Damien brings over 42 years of winemaking knowledge to the Blue Ridge Mountains — and a deep commitment to sustainable, biodynamic farming. He was named Virginia Grower of the Year 2025 by the Virginia Vineyards Association and won the 2025 Monticello Cup for his 2024 Albariño. A recognized Wine Industry Leader by Wine Business Monthly, Damien writes about Virginia wine, terroir, and the art of the vine.