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Our Team
At Ashton Creek, the art of winemaking is a revered family affair. The Thibault family patriarch spent decades in aviation, exploring wine and viticulture during his travels around the world alongside Ashton Creek's first-generation winemaker, Alan Thibault. Blending their entrepreneurial and artisanal spirits, the Thibaults planted their first vines in 2006 on the 9 acres along Route 1 that we now call home, and thus began the journey of crafting exceptional wines and experiences to share with our community and beyond.
Lori
Owner
Lori Thibault is a Managing Partner at Ashton Creek Vineyard, where she brings heart, hustle, and hands-on experience to every corner of the business—from grape stomping to payroll. With a background in business studies from Pennsylvania and Shippensburg University, Lori has played a key role in shaping the vineyard’s growth and resilience, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beyond the winery, Lori treasures her roles as “Mom” and “Nana” and loves spending time with family, whether at work or home. She enjoys swimming, pickleball, sudoku, reading, knitting, and the occasional Instagram scroll. Rooted in adaptability and a deep love for people, Lori believes Ashton Creek’s true strength lies in its team and the welcoming, family-first atmosphere they create for every guest.
Kirk
Owner
After a 25-year career as a commercial airline pilot, Kirk Thibault began a new adventure—starting a farm winery with his wife and three children. As his flying days began to wind down, the vineyard took root and slowly grew into a thriving family business. After retiring from commercial aviation, Kirk returned home full-time to manage grape production and help run the day-to-day operations of the farm. From
vineyard care to harvest, he plays a hands-on role in every step of the process.
Though most of his time is now spent among the vines, Kirk continues to fly part-time in private aviation. Whether in the field or in the air, he brings a deep love for the work.
Alan
Director of Wine
Alan Thibault is the Director of Wine at Ashton Creek Vineyard in Chester, VA, where his love for farming and winemaking comes to life. A Virginia Tech grad with further training from Cornell and UC Davis, Alan helped launch Ashton Creek with his family in 2016, focusing on estate-grown fruit and regenerative agriculture. His approach is hands-on and heart-led—whether he's tending grapes, wrangling sheep, or crafting award-winning wines.
Alan believes that less is more in winemaking, favoring timing and minimal intervention to create wines that are both sustainable and expressive. Outside the vineyard, he enjoys skiing, working the land, and spending time with his wife Maria and their daughter. His mission? To connect people to the land through exceptional farm-to-table experiences—one thoughtful bottle at a time.
Maria
Director of Marketing & Events
Maria Thibault is the Director of Marketing & Events at Ashton Creek Vineyard, where she blends her background in hospitality, sales, and communications with a love for crafting memorable experiences. A Radford University graduate, Maria found her true calling in the wine and events world, joining the ACV team full-time in 2022. Since then, she’s been instrumental in growing and managing a thriving events calendar for both Ashton Creek and Riverside Vines, always bringing warmth, authenticity, and attention to detail to everything she does.
Raised around wine culture and now married to the winemaker, Maria’s connection to the vineyard runs deep. She’s driven by curiosity, growth, and the joy of helping people celebrate life’s special moments. When she’s not planning events, you’ll find her traveling, enjoying good food, and spending time with her family—especially her kids, who inspire her daily to work hard, stay grounded, and dream big.
Alyssa
Chef
Alyssa Godfrey is the culinary force behind the kitchen at Ashton Creek Vineyard, where she combines creativity, leadership, and a deep love for food. With a background in Psychology and over a decade of experience in retail management, Alyssa brings both heart and strategy to the table. She first discovered Ashton Creek as a customer after moving to Virginia—and now, as Chef, she’s the one creating the
flavors that keep guests coming back.
Known for her adventurous spirit, Alyssa finds joy not only in the kitchen but also on the water—whether paddle boarding, kayaking, or exploring Virginia’s vibrant winery and brewery scene. Her cooking philosophy is all about empowerment: helping others find freedom and confidence through the creative process of making food. From baking and pickling garden-grown produce to designing fresh, thoughtful menus, Alyssa infuses everything she does with passion, purpose, and just the right amount of spice.
Kyle
Event Chef | Culinary Artist
Chef Kyle Taylor Peckham brings a world of flavor and finesse to the kitchen, with experience in some of the country’s top restaurants—including Michelin-starred establishments and high-end sushi bars. From leading kitchens in Las Vegas to crafting elegant Japanese-inspired dishes, Kyle is known for his creativity, precision, and deep passion for the culinary arts.
Now bringing his talents to Ashton Creek, Kyle creates thoughtful, elevated menus that showcase both his skill and love for great food. With a growing interest in wine pairings and a flair for unforgettable dining experiences, he’s all about making meals that are both delicious and memorable—shared with warmth and a personal touch.
Lu
Venue Coordinator
Lucivan “Lu” Helring Ferreira is an Event Coordinator with a passion for creating unforgettable experiences and a talent for blending creativity with care. Originally from Brazil, Lu brings a background in HR and event design, along with a sharp eye for detail and a natural ability to bring people and ideas together. His journey into the wine world began with a love for event planning, which led him to Ashton Creek Vineyard—where he quickly found a new passion and a perfect fit.
Known for his warmth, dedication, and team-first mindset, Lu believes that every detail matters and takes pride in making each event feel personal and seamless. When he’s not planning weddings or tastings, you’ll likely find him at the gym, traveling, at a concert, or spending time with family and friends.
Jessica
Manager | Wine Professional
Jessica Bono is a passionate and seasoned wine professional with over a decade of experience in the industry. Her journey began in 2013 as a tasting room attendant, where she quickly fell in love with the world of wine. Eager to deepen her knowledge, she pursued advanced sommelier coursework at The Wine School of Philadelphia, earning her certification from The National Wine School. Since then, she’s embraced
every opportunity to grow—from guiding guests through wine experiences to working hands-on during harvest and cellar seasons.
Jessica is known for her approachable, team-centered leadership style and her ability to create spaces where both guests and staff feel valued and inspired. Her enthusiasm for “the juice” is matched by her dedication to collaboration and continuous learning. Outside of work, Jessica loves exploring the outdoors and city life with her dog, Atlas, finding new breweries and restaurants, and spending time with her family whenever she can. Her warm personality and commitment to the craft make her a beloved part of Ashton Creek.