Early Mountain Vineyards Achieves Impressive Recognition at DWWA
On June 24, 2025, Early Mountain Vineyards, one of Virginia's premier wineries, proudly announced its remarkable success at the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA), the largest and most respected wine competition globally. This year, Early Mountain secured five prestigious medals, showcasing the winery’s commitment to exceptional quality and innovative techniques in winemaking.
The highlight of the event was the
2022 Petit Manseng, which received a Gold medal and an impressive 95 points—a significant accolade within a field of over 16,000 wines. The DWWA judges praised this particular wine for its unique Virginian character, marked by vibrant aromatics and a rich, refreshing texture. They described it as "texturally gastronomic" and "fabulous." This achievement is noteworthy as it positions Virginia as a rising star in the East Coast wine market.
Winemaker
Maya Hood White has been instrumental in crafting wines that resonate with the local terroir, and her efforts have paid off significantly. The
2022 Petit Manseng, priced at $65, was recognized as one of only two Gold medals awarded to American wineries in the eastern U.S. at this competition—a remarkable feat for any winery, especially in Virginia, where this is only the second Gold medal ever given.
In addition to the Gold medal, Early Mountain received three Silver medals for its prominent red wines:
RISE,
Eluvium, and
Quaker Run Cabernet Franc. Notably, the
2021 RISE, characterized by its dynamic blend of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Tannat, and Cabernet Franc, scored 93 points and is produced only in exceptional years. Likewise, both the
2021 Eluvium and
2022 Quaker Run Cabernet Franc earned 94 points each, reflecting the skill and precision of the winemaking team's approach.
Aside from the accolades, Early Mountain President
Jon Ruel expressed immense pride in this recognition, stating, "We strive to produce premium Virginia wine that can stand side-by-side with the best wines of the world, so this is a huge win both for Early Mountain and the Virginia wine industry." This sentiment resonates deeply within the wine community as Early Mountain continues to elevate Virginia's reputation on a global scale.
Founded in 2012 by
Jean and Steve Case, Early Mountain Vineyards was established with a vision to create wines that not only reflect Virginia's diversity but also offer a world-class experience. Their commitment to quality and hospitality has always been the cornerstone of their operation.
For those interested in exploring and purchasing these award-winning wines from Early Mountain, visit their
official website to learn more about their offerings and experience the unique flavors cultivated from Virginia's distinctive terroir.
As Early Mountain Vineyards continues to innovate and inspire, these awards from the Decanter World Wine Awards mark a significant chapter in its journey, celebrating the winery’s impressive achievements and signaling a bright future for Virginia’s wine industry unto the world stage.