Early Mountain Vineyards Takes Home Gold at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2025

Leading Virginia Winery Receives Five Top Medals at the World's Largest Wine Competition

MADISON, Va., June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Early Mountain Vineyards, Virginia's foremost winery and leading innovator, is honored to announce that the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) has awarded the winery five top medals (including a Gold) in the 22nd edition of the world's largest and most influential wine competition. With over 16,000 wines tasted at this prestigious event, the recognition solidifies the incredible accomplishments of winemaker Maya Hood White and the entire team at Early Mountain, clearly positioning Virginia as one of the top East Coast wine regions deserving a place on the global stage.

The 2022 Petit Manseng ($65), one of Early Mountain's flagship wines, was awarded a Gold medal and 95 points from the Decanter judges, ranking in the top 5% of wines tasted. Through continuous experimentation and refinement, leading to innovative winemaking techniques, Hood White has crafted a version of Petit Manseng that shines with a uniquely Virginian character including vibrant aromatics, and a rich yet refreshing texture. The judges described the wine as "texturally gastronomic" and "fabulous," and it was one of only two Gold medals awarded to American wineries on the East Coast. This was also only the second Gold medal ever awarded to a Virginia winery in the history of the Decanter World Wine Awards.

Early Mountain also received three Silver medals for their premier red wines: RISE, Eluvium, and Quaker Run Cabernet Franc. Awarded 93 points, the 2021 RISE ($150) is a distinctive and dynamic blend of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Tannat, and Cabernet Franc that is only produced in exceptional years. The 2021 Eluvium ($90), a lush blend of Merlot and Petit Verdot, received 94 points, as did the 2022 Quaker Run Cabernet Franc ($85), a terroir-driven expression of the varietal that has found a perfect fit in the distinctive mountainside vineyards of Early Mountain.

"Our team is thrilled about this recognition for the winery and the exposure for Virginia as a top winegrowing region," said Early Mountain President Jon Ruel. "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."

As Early Mountain continues to grow as a leader and innovator in Virginia and beyond, these awards from Decanter are a true celebration of their singular winemaking achievements. To explore other awarded wines from around the world, visit the DWWA results page here.

To learn more about Early Mountain and purchase their award-winning wines, please visit https://store.earlymountain.com/Wines/Premier-Wines.

About Early Mountain Vineyards
Founded in 2012 by Jean and Steve Case, Early Mountain was born from a vision to craft wines in Virginia that can stand side-by-side with the best in the world. With a focus on quality, innovation, and hospitality, Early Mountain offers wines and guest experiences rooted in a deep connection to Virginia's unique terroir.

For further information or media requests, please contact:
Bekah Erkel
Director of Marketing
[email protected]

SOURCE Early Mountain Vineyards