Rob Cox

Winemaker & Vineyard Manager

Rob Cox has a B.S. in Business Administration from Frostburg State University with a concentration in Marketing.  After graduating, Rob continued his education at the University of Maryland pursuing a degree in Agronomy with a concentration in soil science.  As a life-long leaner, he is currently continuing his education in winemaking through the distance learning program at UC Davis.

Rob is a passionate winemaker who brings considerable experience to the Philip Carter team in the areas of wine production and vineyard management.  He has made five vintages of wine in Virginia starting with the 2005 vintage.  His soil science background and hands-on philosophy in the vineyard have helped him gain a reputation as a leader in vineyard management among winemakers.

Jessica Fansler

Tasting Room Manager

Born in Virginia and raised in Fauquier County, Jessica already possesses an affinity for what has become Virginia’s wine country. As a Virginia Tech graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, she is an educated people-person, as well as an avid learner when something interests her, such as wine! Although her career is just beginning, Jessica has an extensive background in exceptional customer service and satisfaction.

Jessica has been a member of the Philip Carter Winery team since September, 2008 and has since then gained quite an appreciation and love for Virginia wines and their future. As tasting room manager she hopes to make Virginia wines your favorite and Philip Carter Winery your favorite place to be!

Matthieu Finot

Master Wine Consultant

Matthieu Finot was born in Crozes Hermitage in the Rhone Valley.  From a family of viticulturists and wine lovers, Matthieu was predisposed to continue his family's pursuit of winemaking.  He first studied viticulture and oenology at Beaune, in the heart of Burgundy.  After successfully receiving his advanced BTS degree, Matthieu worked in many different wine regions around France including Rhone Valley, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Provence, and Jura.  Matthieu then wanted to gain world-wide experience.  He worked in Italy and South Africa before settling in Virginia.  Since arriving in 2003, Matthieu has worked with wineries throughout the state.  He also teaches classes on winemaking and taste analysis at Piedmont Valley Community College. When not at the winery, Matthieu likes to play rugby, rock climb, cook, snowboard and drink wine with his friends.

Donna Johnson

Events Coordinator

Originally from New York, with a background in community and children’s theatre, professional theatre and music, Donna brings the love of performance to wine country.  Reaching out into the community at large, finding artists, authors and musicians to display their talents at Philip Carter Winery is simply second nature to her. 

Introduced to the wine industry in 2001, she has found that its rewards and education have continued to claim her attention. As Events Coordinator, weddings, elegant wine dinners and special events of all kinds are also her domain.  Donna considers it to be a privilege to meet with prospective brides and grooms, to coordinate with charities that wish to hold a benefit, and to be a part of the planning for anniversary and birthday celebrations.  Above all, it is her hope to capture guests with professionalism, friendliness and ease of communication.

Richard “Dick” Zweber

Director of Offsite Events

Dick Zweber is a Wisconsin native, navy Vietnam veteran, and a Virginia resident for the past 41 years.  He brings over thirty-five years experience to Philip Carter in the areas of hospitality and sales.  A charter member of the Philip Carter team in 2008, Dick shifted his focus in 2009 to concentrate on introducing Philip Carter wines to the outside world as Director of Offsite Events. 

He is grateful for the many new PCW friends made during the festivals and events in 2009, and it is his sincere hope to see all of them in 2010 as the Philip Carter family continues to grow. 

Fairfax and Cortoman

The Philip Carter Mascot Wine Dogs

Fairfax (Shih Tzu) is the little princess of the winery.  A happy and playful companion, she welcomes guests to the winery with joy and a refreshing energy for life.  On any given day in wine country, it is not uncommon to find her hiding in the vineyard for a game of hide and seek or chase with her buddy Cortoman, or just relaxing on the patio as she overlooks the rolling vineyard and magnificent Blue Ridge Mountain views at Philip Carter Winery.   She is a lovable little friend and a true blessing to the winery and our family.

Cortoman (American Mastiff) is named after the estate of Robert "King" Carter, who owned over 300,000 acres in Virginia during the 1700s.  A true Virginia Gentleman, Cortoman is a gentle giant that is kind, strong, and loyal.  He is dressed in a magnificent brindle coat and presents with a regal presence.  In the tasting room, he welcomes each guest with gracious, Virginia hospitality.  As a steward of the vineyard, he protects the landscape and oversees with care each vine on the Philip Carter estate, and in the cellar, whether it steel or oak, he stands tall to guard each vessel's most precious contents; namely, fine Virginia wine.