Family owned since 1984
Nestled in the heart of Round Hill, Virginia, Williams Gap Vineyard is a family-owned estate spanning over 200 acres, with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our vineyard offers a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for any occasion, whether you’re savoring a glass of wine, enjoying a craft beer, or celebrating a special event.
At Williams Gap, our passion lies in cultivating exceptional grapes and creating an unmatched setting to enjoy them. With over 40 acres under vine, our vineyard thrives in ideal soils and a climate perfectly suited for our diverse selection of varietals. We proudly grow seven red vinifera varietals—Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat, Nebbiolo, and Syrah—alongside six white varietals—Chardonnay, Viognier, Vidal Blanc, Petit Manseng, Albariño, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Since 2009, our grapes have been a sought-after ingredient for Virginia winemakers. In 2019, we launched our own wine production, culminating in the opening of our Tasting Room in April 2021. To complement our wines, we also offer a selection of locally crafted beers, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a beer lover, or simply looking for a beautiful place to unwind, we invite you to experience the best of Williams Gap Vineyard.
Our Team
Jack Sexton, DVM
Owner
Jack, a Northern Virginia native, has dedicated over 40 years to caring for animals as a veterinarian at McLean Animal Hospital. A longtime wine enthusiast, he took his passion a step further in 2006 by establishing a vineyard on a piece of land he had owned since 1983. Since then, he has balanced his time between veterinary care and cultivating exceptional grapes. Jack and his wife, Jeanne, have been happily married for over 35 years. Together, they have three children—Caroline, Jeb, and Jamie—and share their home with two beloved dogs, Henni (a Welsh Corgi) and Dixie (a Pudlepointer). When it comes to wine, Jack’s favorite is the Williams Gap 2019 Red Blend, a testament to his dedication and love for winemaking.
Bridgette Smith
General Manager
Bridgette joined the Williams Gap team in February of 2021 with a background in Virginia winery tasting room management at four wineries in Northern Virginia. While Bridgette’s career began with a focus on sales, she quickly fell in love with Virginia wine when she was offered a part-time position with a winery in Loudoun County. Shortly after starting her weekend position there, she climbed the ladder and joined the management team. She is WSET Level 2 Certified and passionate about using this certification to educate those around her in professional and personal settings. Bridgette strives to ensure every guest has the best experience possible and that each person who visits us learns something new about Virginia winemaking.
Fabio Pepe
Winemaker
Fabio joined the Williams Gap team in 2025 after spending two years immersed in the Virginia Wine industry. Originally from Italy, he studied Viticulture and Enology at the University of Florence before completing a double master’s degree in Winemaking, Marketing, and Wine Business through the University of Udine (Italy) and Geisenheim University (Germany). He also holds the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines and the Italian Sommelier Diploma. Fabio has worked with a wide range of grape varieties across renowned wine regions in France, Germany, Italy, and New Zealand, gaining valuable global experience before settling in Virginia. At Williams Gap, he brings a thoughtful, research-based approach to both viticulture and winemaking. In his free time, Fabio enjoys cooking, hiking, traveling, and reading scientific papers on viticulture and enology.
Vanessa Ray
Tasting Room Manager
Vanessa Ray joined the Williams Gap team in the spring of 2025, bringing a strong background in fine dining and tasting room management. With a passion for thoughtfully curated moments and warm, genuine hospitality, she is dedicated to creating experiences that are both welcoming and memorable. Vanessa’s mission at Williams Gap is to foster a thoughtful vineyard experience that gives her team true purpose while offering guests meaningful connections and beautifully curated moments centered around Williams Gap wines. She has a particular love for bold red wines, and her personal favorite is the 2022 Tannat – an expression she believes perfectly reflects the vineyard’s character and craftsmanship.
Jimmy Barnett
Farm Manager
Jimmy joined the Williams Gap team in August of 2020, bringing with him a strong foundation in agriculture and a lifelong passion for farming. Raised on a 3,000-acre beef cattle farm in Georgia, he worked alongside his family from a young age, gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of farm life. After relocating to Virginia in 2017, Jimmy transitioned through various roles—including tree trimming and HVAC—before returning to his agricultural roots at Williams Gap. Since joining the team, he has immersed himself in viticulture, learning the intricacies of grape growing and vineyard management. He operates and maintains a wide range of vineyard equipment and plays a vital role in year-round vine care. Known for his reliability and team spirit, Jimmy is always ready to lend a hand—whether in the vineyard or the tasting room. He currently resides in Round Hill with his wife, Laura, along with their dog, Molly, and cat, Snowflake. Outside of work, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending quality time with family and friends.