OUR STORY
1912
The Sexton family’s farming roots trace back to 1912 with the birth of Byron Sexton, a hardworking mountain farmer. Like many farmers of his time, Byron began his agricultural career growing tobacco, which was one of the region’s most common and dependable crops at the time. Farming in the Blue Ridge Mountains required resilience, creativity, and an unwavering work ethic—qualities Byron encompassed. He also had his eyes toward the future and the courage to try something new…
The Beginning of a Farming Legacy
1960
In 1960, Byron Sexton made a decision that would change the future of his family—and help shape an entire new industry in Ashe County. After learning about the potential of Fraser fir Christmas trees, Byron was advised to plant a small trial plot of just one acre “to see how it goes.” But Byron believed in the opportunity before him and had a much bigger vision. Instead of one acre, he ambitiously planted 80 acres of seedlings. At the time, commercial Christmas tree farming in the region was still in its infancy. Byron’s bold decision made him one of the early pioneers in the industry that would eventually make Ashe County known nationwide as the Christmas Tree Capital of the United States. Those tiny seedlings planted in the mountain soil would grow into not only beautiful Christmas trees, but a thriving family business spanning multiple generations.
A Bold Leap into Christmas Trees
1970-1988
As the Christmas tree business continued to grow, Byron’s son, Kenneth Sexton, made a life-changing decision of his own. Kenneth quit his management position and moved back home to Ashe County. Together, Byron and Kenneth helped strengthen the foundation of Sexton Farms and played a role in the rapid growth of the Christmas tree industry throughout the region, including helping to found the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association Fir Promotional Committee, an effort that would help elevate the fraser fir to national prominence. The success of the Fraser fir helped put Ashe County on the map and created opportunities for many local farming families.
A Family Business
2000’s
As the new millennium began, the next generation stepped forward to continue the family business. Brothers Greg and Jimbo Sexton continued the family farming legacy alongside their mother, Joann Sexton, Greg’s wife Robin, their three sons, and their uncle Tim Sexton, the youngest of the second generation. Working together as a family has always been at the heart of Sexton Farms. From planting and pruning to harvest season, each generation contributes its time, energy, and passion to keep the farm thriving. The Sexton family believes that farming is more than a business—it’s a heritage that connects past, present, and future.
A Third Generation Steps Forward
2005
During the mid-2000s, Greg and Robin Sexton developed a new interest that would eventually lead to an exciting new chapter for the family. Together with friends, they began experimenting with homemade wine, learning the art of fermentation and discovering the creativity behind winemaking. What started as a fun hobby soon turned into a deeper passion. The Sextons began planting grapevines and exploring the possibilities of growing and producing wine in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
A New Crop
2008
The family’s Christmas tree tradition continued to evolve with the next generation. Greg and Robin’s sons, Andrew, Matthew, and Thomas Sexton, shared the same innovation as their great-grandpa, Byron, and envisioned creating a place where families could experience the magic of Christmas. Their idea was simple but special: a choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm centered around family fun, complete with a cheerful snowman mascot named Frosty. Over time, Frosty’s has become a beloved holiday tradition for families throughout the region. Each season, visitors return year after year to walk the fields, choose the perfect tree, and make lasting memories. If you’ve visited Frosty’s, you might recognize a familiar landmark—the very same barn that would later become the winery.
A Fourth Generation Dream
2022
Old Barn Winery officially opened its doors on July 4, 2022, with a celebration that reflected everything the Sexton family values most: family, friends, good music, and great wine. The winery is open every day for guests to enjoy the mountain views and the surrounding area that the family has been enjoying for years. They continue to grow Christmas trees, grapevines, and their families. They are now welcoming their 5th generation into the world, and Greg and Robin love nothing more than spending time with their grandbabies.
Old Barn Winery Opens Its Doors
cheers