The People
MEET THE HICKOX FAMILY
THE WINERY AT BULL RUN'S FOUNDERS & 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 farm near Chantilly and 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."
By his senior year in college, Jon decided to start his own business and spent the next 16 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 settled in Arlington, VA where they live today with their beautiful daughters, Delaney and Lilly, (who have wines named in their honor) and two dogs Hunter & Mosby.
MEET THE TEAM
Dean Gruenburg
General Manager of Facilities & Winemaking
Dean arrived on the Virginia wine scene over twenty-five 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. At Bull Run 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
Director of Sales & Operations
Sarah joined The Winery at Bull Run 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 Bull Run wine is the Viognier.
Rebecca Hagy
Marketing & Social Media Manager
Rebecca serves as our Marketing & Social Media Manager. Since first joining Bull Run in 2023 as a Wine Sales Associate, 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; she also assists in operations for our Wine Clubs. Her approach combines analytical rigor with artistic sensibility to develop campaigns that authentically connect with our community. Rebecca’s favorite wine is the Estate Rosé.
Caroline Joy
Events & Operations Coordinator
Caroline joined The Winery at Bull Run in September of 2024. She started with our team as a Wine Sales Associate and has quickly grown her career here. After joining the Events Team and becoming a Part Time Manager in 2025, she has recently been promoted to Events & Operations Coordinator. '
Caroline brings energy, organization, and genuine hospitality to every event she oversees. She is dedicated to delivering flawless events that reflect her clients’ visions, and she always goes the extra mile to ensure every experience is exceptional. Outside of work, she loves spending time outdoors (especially hunting, fishing, and adventuring with her dog Freyja) and cherishes time with her family. Caroline's favorite red wine is the Cabernet Franc Reserve.
Raphaella Henson-Vendrell
Assistant Wine Club Manager
Raphaella joined The Winery at Bull Run in 2022 as a Wine Sales Associate and has since grown into her role as Assistant Wine Club Manager. She brings strong communication, warm hospitality, and a detail-oriented approach to managing member relations, coordinating shipments, and supporting Wine Club events. Raphaella is dedicated to creating seamless, memorable experiences for every member.
Outside of work, she loves to run and coaches youth cross country and track & field. Her favorite Bull Run wine is the Petit Manseng.
Kendell Anderson
Winemaker
Kendell joined the Bull Run 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 Bull Run wine is the Lilly's Viognier.
Wayne Mills
Vineyard Manager
Wayne officially joined The Winery at Bull Run in 2014 after serving as a consultant of the winery throughout its construction. Wayne is responsible for overseeing the grounds and landscaping at the winery, growing grapes, and supervising ten workers in both of our vineyards. Wayne enjoys his ability to constantly grow and be challenged by the elements he encounters in his job.
His previous experience includes 43 years growing plants, 40+ years in the nursery business in Northern Virginia, and running his own businesses for over 35 years. Wayne remains an owner of a Wholesale Nursery on his farm in Fauquier County, a consultant in the landscape, vineyard, and green roof industries, and the owner of Plant Patent #5577, a Dallas Fern that he developed in the 1980s. Wayne is a Certified Greenroof Professional and holds a Master’s Degree from the School of Life and Experiences, College of Hard Knocks. He is a member of the following professional organizations: Virginia Vineyards Association, Northern Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association, and the Virginia Nurseryman’s Association.