My Peak Journey

My passion for vanilla extract has its roots or “pods” in my lifelong treasuring of local, fresh, pure foods.

From the time I was small, I trekked behind my mother to pick wild berries or peaches, and my sister to visit local bakeries that crafted exquisite pastries and bread.

Appreciation for fair trade and ethical business practices grew the more I understood the value of eating local, the importance of supporting local farms, and the need for fair wages for farm workers at home and abroad.

After moving to the Charlottesville area, I discovered the joy of belonging to an entrepreneurial, artisan food community—a place where many food entrepreneurs care deeply about sustainability and quality.

So…I set out to produce an exceptional vanilla extract or none at all.

Owner Beth Sims

About the Name

“Set apart, untouched,” describes The Peak, a mountain in the Virginia Blue Ridge which stands alone, almost completely detached from the main crest, providing a “pure” wilderness experience as there are no maintained trails.

We believe Peak Mountain vanilla extract is “set apart” from other extracts, truly pure and untouched, as the two ingredients are certified organic and undiluted by water (the highest volume ingredient in most extracts) and sugar. Most extracts use a lesser quality alcohol, which can produce a harsh flavor note.

In addition, our vanilla beans contain the highest level of vanillin producing “Peak” flavor.

Try it and see if you agree that Peak Mountain vanilla extract earns its name!