The recent recognition of our 2022 Quaker Run Cabernet Franc with 95 Points and a Gold Medal at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards has brought well-deserved attention to one of the most distinctive vineyard sites in Virginia.&nbsp;Among more than 16,000 wines tasted by over 240 judges, fewer than 6% earned scores of 95 points or higher. While we are honored by this recognition, the story of this wine begins long before it reaches the cellar.&nbsp;For Winemaker Maya Hood White, great wines are always rooted in place."While it sometimes feels cliché to say, our winemaking philosophy is based in the vineyard and once the fruit enters the cellar, we look to best represent each site."&nbsp;That philosophy is perhaps most evident at Quaker Run, our mountainside estate vineyard that has become home to some of Early Mountain's most expressive red wines.&nbsp;Quaker Run is not a typical vineyard site. Formed by an ancient landslide, the vineyard features a remarkable diversity of soils and rock types rarely found within a single site.This complexity contributes to wines of concentration, structure, and character.&nbsp;"Quaker Run is our mountainside site that is home to our more extractive red wines," Maya explains. "It is a site that was formed by a landslide and shows greater soil and rock diversity than usually seen at this elevation."&nbsp;Over time, the team began noticing something even more compelling.&nbsp;"Through this site we realized we not only see great extractive wines, but it also shows a unique aromatic profile, especially in Tannat, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, which has significantly influenced our winemaking."&nbsp;For Cabernet Franc, those characteristics translate into wines that combine depth and structure with vibrant aromatics and freshness.&nbsp;<h2>Why Cabernet Franc Thrives in Virginia</h2>Cabernet Franc has long been considered one of Virginia's signature varieties. It is capable of producing wines with both immediate appeal and remarkable aging potential when grown in the right place.&nbsp;At Early Mountain, achieving that balance begins with farming."Age-worthy wines are a matrix effect of balance and structure," says Maya. "We gravitate to sites, and farm towards goals of great phenolic structure, acidity, and ripening sugars resulting in balanced alcohol in the final wines."&nbsp;The result is a wine that reflects both the variety and the vineyard.&nbsp;<h2>A Recognition for Virginia Wine</h2>The Decanter award is an exciting achievement for our team, but it is also part of a larger story.Virginia continues to prove itself as one of the most dynamic wine regions in the country, and Cabernet Franc remains one of its most compelling varieties.&nbsp;The 2022 Quaker Run Cabernet Franc represents years of thoughtful farming, careful winemaking, and a commitment to showcasing what Virginia does best.&nbsp;For us, the recognition is gratifying. But more importantly, it reinforces what we have always believed: extraordinary wines begin with extraordinary sites. And Quaker Run is one of the most extraordinary sites we know.&nbsp;Experience the 2022 Quaker Run Cabernet Franc in our Tasting Room or have it shipped directly to your door. <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2022-quaker-run-cabernet-franc">Shop now.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;

95 Points at the Decanter World Wine Awards: The Story of Our 2022 Quaker Run Cabernet Franc

<h2>Decanter Names Early Mountain Petit Manseng “A Benchmark for the State”</h2>We are honored to share that Decanter has recognized our 2023 Petit Manseng as “a benchmark for the state,” awarding the wine 95 points in a recent feature exploring why Petit Manseng may become Virginia’s signature grape.&nbsp;The article highlights our winemaker Maya Hood White’s pioneering perpetual lees program and the precision, experimentation, and long-term vision shaping our wines, while also recognizing the broader community of growers, winemakers, and hospitality professionals continuing to elevate Virginia wine.&nbsp;We are grateful to Sedale McCall and Decanter for spotlighting the innovation and momentum defining this exciting chapter for Virginia wine.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>A Grape Uniquely Suited for Virginia</h2>Petit Manseng is truly one of Virginia’s most compelling varieties. Its loose clusters, thick skins, natural disease resistance, and remarkable ability to retain acidity make it uniquely suited to our climate.&nbsp;While many grape varieties struggle in Virginia’s humidity and warm growing season, Petit Manseng thrives. It produces wines of concentration and complexity while maintaining freshness and balance, making it one of the most exciting expressions of Virginia terroir.&nbsp;Today, it is the second most planted white grape in the Commonwealth and one of the fastest-growing categories among Virginia wineries.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1780067994/2_5c6bafb283.png" alt="2.png">&nbsp;<h2>A Defining Wine at Early Mountain</h2>From the beginning, Petit Manseng has played a central role in our pursuit of wines that express both place and possibility.&nbsp;We have long believed in the variety’s potential, not only because it performs exceptionally well in Virginia’s climate, but because it is capable of producing wines of remarkable depth, energy, and ageability. Over time, it has become one of the defining wines of our program and an important part of our vision for Virginia wine.&nbsp;In 2017, Maya began an experiment that would eventually become one of the defining elements of our Petit Manseng program.&nbsp;Each vintage, a portion of Petit Manseng is aged in a dedicated barrel containing lees from every previous vintage. Rather than emptying the barrel completely, a portion remains behind, allowing the wine’s history to continue building year after year.&nbsp;As the lees break down and the yeast regenerate over time, they contribute texture, complexity, and character while preserving the freshness and vibrancy that make Petit Manseng so compelling.&nbsp;Today, the perpetual lees barrel contains nearly a decade of vintages. The result is a wine that reflects not only a single growing season, but an ongoing commitment to curiosity, craftsmanship, and continual refinement.&nbsp;As Maya shared with Decanter, “The cells are constantly breaking down and regenerating, so you don't know exactly how much of any one vintage is in there, but it gives the wine a unique personality.”&nbsp;

Decanter Names Early Mountain Petit Manseng “A Benchmark for the State”

On the mountainside of Quaker Run, where our most acclaimed reds are born, one white grape has claimed its place among the greats. The 2022 Quaker Run Chardonnay, recognized once again among the Top 100 Wines of the USA by James Suckling, with 95 points awarded to this vintage, stands as a benchmark for Virginia Chardonnay.&nbsp;Crafted from a small block of our oldest vines, this wine reflects the precision and patience that define its making. The 2022 vintage reveals layered notes of lemon curd, white stone fruit, allspice, and starfruit, lifted by bright acidity and a subtle, textural depth born of extended lees contact.&nbsp;&nbsp;<blockquote>“Such a complicated and fascinating nose of subtle flowers, ripe fruit and subtly sweet spices. The taut, vivid palate shows delicious flintiness, with savory lemon pith, hard pears and a hint of gunpowder in the finish. It’s coiled, with a serious mineral spine, and fabulously balances weight and bones.” — James Suckling, 95 Points, Top 100 Wines of the USA (2025)&nbsp;</blockquote><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>WINEMAKER NOTE</h3>Taking cues from the vineyard, we farm this very small block of old vine Chardonnay with the intention of letting it shine as its own bottling. From dormant pruning through fermentation and aging, this wine has been crafted with a holistic approach—one rooted in precision in the vineyard and patience in the cellar. Fermented with ambient yeasts and made from perfectly ripe fruit, the Quaker Run Chardonnay underwent a slow fermentation lasting twelve months. It remained on its lees until December 2023, developing more texture and complexity while preserving the purity of vineyard expression.&nbsp;<h3>IN THE VINEYARD</h3>Early spring, we experienced few frost events, escaping significant fruit damage. Throughout spring and into summer, we saw typical showers, which thankfully cleared up around bloomtime, returning shortly after, resulting in a bit more of a rainy season than we experienced in 2021. As the season progressed, we saw greater variability in rainfall depending on site, throughout the state. The late season rains, leading to harvest were also accompanied by notable drying, and at times, significant diurnal shifts, which allowed for balanced vineyards to fully ripen prior to seeing the remnants of Hurricane Ian.&nbsp;<h3>AGING</h3>12 months on lees in 500L barrels with light and medium toasts, and an additional 4 months on the lees in stainless steel, totaling 16 months of lees aging. This wine is young and vibrant now, but with proper cellaring, will drink well for five to ten years.&nbsp;As we bring our 2025 harvest to a close, we raise a glass to what is possible and celebrate the release of the 2022 Quaker Run Chardonnay. <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2022-Quaker-Run-Chardonnay">Shop now.&nbsp;</a>

The 2022 Quaker Run Chardonnay: A Benchmark for Virginia Wine

<h4>Eluvium 2021: Recognized Among the 20 Best Merlots of 2025</h4>We are thrilled to share that our 2021 Eluvium has been honored by VinePair with a 95 point review and inclusion in their list of the Best Merlots of 2025. This recognition places Eluvium not only among the finest expressions of Merlot in Virginia, but also alongside some of the most compelling wines from across the world.&nbsp;<h4>What VinePair Had to Say</h4>In their review, VinePair praised Eluvium as “the most age-worthy Merlot in Virginia,” noting:&nbsp;<blockquote>“It’s drinking so well in its youth, but with a few more years this wine is just going to get better. It’s also a Merlot that will evolve in the decanter or will open up as you sit with it in your glass at the table. As air interacts with this wine it really begins to shine. The nose offers savory balsamic mingling with wild berry fruit. The palate is elegant and refined with focused fruit and present acidity. The wine gives the perception of brightness while still showing depth.”</blockquote>&nbsp;&nbsp;

2021 Eluvium earns 95 points from VinePair

We’re honored to share that our wines earned five medals at the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards, including a Gold medal for our 2022 Petit Manseng. With over 16,000 wines evaluated from around the world, this is the largest and most influential wine competition globally, and we’re proud to see our wines standing alongside some of the finest in the world.&nbsp;This recognition is more than a celebration of our wines, it’s a reflection of the dedication, precision, and passion that define our approach. At the helm of that effort is Maya Hood White, whose thoughtful leadership and innovative techniques continue to elevate what’s possible for Virginia wine.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>2022 Petit Manseng – Gold | 95 Points&nbsp;</h3><figure class="image image-style-side"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1751376534/Bottle_Shot_Sizing_for_Sku_1_110211cf6a.png" alt="Bottle Shot Sizing for Sku (1).png"><figcaption>&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>A true flagship for us—and now, a standout on the global stage—the 2022 Petit Manseng received&nbsp;Gold and&nbsp;95 points, placing in the&nbsp;top 5% of all wines entered. It was described by judges as&nbsp;“texturally gastronomic” and&nbsp;“fabulous,” and is only the&nbsp;second Gold ever awarded to a Virginia winery in the history of DWWA. This wine, showcasing vibrant aromatics with a rich yet refreshing palate, reflects our refined treatment of a variety that we believe is uniquely suited to Virginia’s terroir. <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2022-Petit-Manseng?productListName=Current%20Releases&amp;position=3">Shop the 2022 Petit Manseng&nbsp;</a><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>&nbsp;2021 RISE | 93 Points</h3>Crafted only in exceptional vintages, RISE is a limited production wine focused on the finest grapes from our mountainside vineyards. The 2021 vintage, a blend of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Tannat, and Cabernet&nbsp;Franc delivers depth, structure, and a distinct sense of place—hallmarks of our most ambitious red wine. <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2021-Rise?productListName=Current%20Releases&amp;position=3">Shop the 2021 RISE&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>2021 Eluvium | 94 Points</h3>Elegant and expressive, Eluvium combines the delightful perfume of Merlot with the serious structure of Petit Verdot in a wine that balances dark fruit notes with refined texture. Awarded&nbsp;94 points, this blend is the anchor of our premier red portfolio. <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2021-Eluvium?productListName=Current%20Releases&amp;position=4">Shop the 2021 Eluvium&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>2022 Quaker Run Cabernet Franc | 94 Points</h3>Sourced from our mountainside Quaker Run vineyard, this single-vineyard Cabernet Franc showcases precision, purity, and aromatic lift. The&nbsp;94-point score reflects the clarity of expression possible from this distinct site.&nbsp; This 2022 vintage will be released later this year. Shop the 2021 Quaker Run Cabernet Franc&nbsp; <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2021-Quaker-Run-Cabernet-Franc?productListName=Current%20Releases&amp;position=5">COMING Fall 2025, shop 2021 Cabernet Franc</a>&nbsp;This recognition is a powerful moment not just for us, but for the&nbsp;entire Virginia wine industry. As our President,&nbsp;Jon Ruel, shared:“Our team is thrilled about this recognition for the winery and the exposure for Virginia as a top winegrowing region. 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 entire Virginia wine industry.”&nbsp;<h3>Join Us in Celebrating</h3>As we continue to push the boundaries of quality and site expression, these Decanter awards validate the vision that Early Mountain was founded upon, to create wines from Virginia that can stand alongside the best of the world.&nbsp;<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/Wines/Premier-Wines">Explore our Premier Wines</a> <a href="https://awards.decanter.com/DWWA/2025/search/wines?competitionType=DWWA">View the full 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards</a>&nbsp;Thank you for your support and for helping elevate&nbsp;Virginia wine to greater heights.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Early Mountain Shines at the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards

New Vintage Release: 2021 EluviumWe are delighted to share the release of our 2021 Eluvium—a wine that embodies both the power and nuance of Virginia’s terroir. Recently awarded 91 points by James Suckling, this blend of 78% Merlot and 22% Petit Verdot was sourced from an array of premier mountainside vineyards, including Russ Mountain, Capstone, Shenandoah Springs and our own Quaker Run.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1725903217/5_U1_A6298_copy_5583aac8fe.jpg" alt="5U1A6298 copy.jpg"></figure>&nbsp;Winemaker’s Note“Eluvium represents power, but with nuance. On the surface, the blend may seem straightforward, but the diversity of vineyard sites and resulting wines bring remarkable complexity. We balance Merlot with Petit Verdot, often noted for its boldness, but our approach highlights its aromatic and floral qualities alongside brooding, dense fruit. Sourced from mountainside sites, we pick our Petit Verdot based on flavor and balance, enhancing its ethereal qualities with whole cluster inclusion during fermentation to reveal a full range of aromas in the final blend.” - Maya Hood White.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1730911209/DJI_20240914213918_0090_D_copy_06e1476362.jpg" alt="DJI_20240914213918_0090_D copy.jpg"></figure>&nbsp;In the VineyardThe Quaker Run Merlot, sourced from the East Block slope, is at the heart of Eluvium and contributes an aromatic density, textural depth, and fine-grain tannin that make it a standout wine and one of our winemaker’s personal favorites. With aromas of black stone fruits, dark berries, leather, dried herbs, and a hint of violets and fennel, the 2021 Eluvium offers a balanced, full-bodied experience with lively acidity and finely structured tannins. Aged for 18 months in French oak (40% new), the 2021 Eluvium is showing beautifully now and will continue to evolve with more time in your cellar.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1730986632/6_Y3_A0168_Edit_copy_cf82b28960.jpg" alt="6Y3A0168-Edit copy.jpg"></figure>&nbsp;The perfect bottle for holiday gatherings, gifting, or cellaring for future enjoyment, the 2021 Eluvium captures the heart of our mountainside vineyards in every bottle. We’re honored to share this special release with you, available now both online and in our Tasting Room.&nbsp;Cheers to a season of celebration, connection, and exceptional wine!&nbsp;

New Release, 2021 Eluvium

&nbsp;Announcing the Release of 2021 RISE – An Icon of Excellence<figure class="image image-style-side"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1729082845/RISE_3_d4eb541d8f.jpg" alt="RISE3.jpg"><figcaption>&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;We are thrilled to announce the release of 2021 RISE, an exceptional vintage which embodies our dedication to creating wines that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the great wines of the world. This wine is a celebration of patience, precision, and our unwavering pursuit of excellence, reflecting the heart of what we believe Virginia wines can achieve. Our Winemaker, Maya Hood White, recently nominated for Wine Enthusiast’s&nbsp;Winemaker of the Year award, crafted the 2021 RISE red blend using select lots from the very best of Virginia's mountainside vineyards.&nbsp;An Exceptional VintageThe weather during the 2021 vintage was outstanding, with ideal conditions that allowed our mountainside vineyards to thrive. The warm, dry days paired with cool nights provided the perfect environment to develop dark fruit characters and phenolic maturity. The result is a wine of remarkable focus, structure and complexity.&nbsp;“RISE exemplifies our winemaking philosophy at Early Mountain. While similar to 2017, the 2021 season built on those learnings. We honed our farming to reflect the inherent power of our sites and capture an optimal balance of tannin development, aromatic complexity, and depth. RISE takes the very best of these mountainside sites and offers a wine that distinctively showcases Virginia.” - Maya Hood White, Winemaker&nbsp;&nbsp;Dynamic and dense aromas of Damson plum, wild blackberries, and cassis, elegantly layered with notes of cedar, cacao, and forest floor. The deep aromas are elevated by vibrant, fresh notes, creating a multi-layered experience that continues to evolve in the glass. This is a wine destined to age beautifully, offering enjoyment now and for literally decades to come.&nbsp;2021 RISE is a blend of 58% Merlot, 17% Petit Verdot, 15% Tannat, and 10% Cabernet Franc. At its heart is the Quaker Run Vineyard Merlot, sourced from our oldest, low-vigor vines. This provides a dense, aromatic purity, while Tannat contributes to its depth and power, and Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc round out the dynamic expression.&nbsp;Aging &amp; CellaringAged for 20 months in French barrels (52% new) and an additional 18 months in bottle, 2021 RISE will continue to develop complexity with time. For those looking to enjoy it now, we recommend aeration to fully unlock its rich potential. For those patient enough to cellar it, this wine will reward you for years to come.&nbsp;“The 2021 vintage captures a year of exceptional quality and reflects Early Mountain’s unwavering pursuit of excellence. We are deeply grateful for your trust in RISE to mark your special moments.” – Jean Case, Owner&nbsp;To our loyal RISE collectors, we are deeply grateful for the trust you have shown in us by choosing prior vintages to mark your most special moments. We hope that as you add this extraordinary 2021 vintage to your collection, it becomes a companion to your most cherished memories, enriching your celebrations today and for many years to come.&nbsp;RISE 2021 is now available online and in our Tasting Room.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cheers!&nbsp;The Early Mountain Team&nbsp;

New Release, 2021 RISE

From the first harvest of Cabernet Franc at our Quaker Run vineyard, it was clear that we had something special, deserving of its own dedicated bottling. Embodying a harmonious expression of our mountainside fruit, it reflects the purity and precision that are the hallmarks of this special site.&nbsp;We often say that our approach to Cabernet Franc is more Burgundy than Bordeaux, meaning we look for silky rather than abrupt tannins and favor the aromatic potential of the grape over the flavor of the barrel. The result is a wine that leads with aromatic complexity, and strikes a delicate balance of texture and freshness.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1726600926/5_U1_A1282_17c0131969.jpg" alt="5U1A1282.jpg">&nbsp;The 2021 Quaker Run Cabernet Franc introduces a more pronounced intensity and notable savory character. This vintage captures some of the nuances of Quaker Run vineyard with aromas of red stone fruits and forest floor, followed by a toasted herb profile. Accenting these attributes, the flavors on the palate include fig, black pepper, and dried marjoram. The mouthfeel features moderate density and fine persistent tannins.&nbsp;

New Release, 2021 Quaker Run Cabernet Franc

We are thrilled to announce that Maya Hood White has been nominated for the 2024 Wine Star Award Winemaker of the Year by Wine Enthusiast. This recognition not only highlights Maya’s exceptional skill and innovation but also underscores Early Mountain’s mission to craft world-class wines that embody the essence of Virginia’s unique terroir through dedication to quality and low-intervention practices.&nbsp;From the beginning, Early Mountain has believed in Virginia’s potential to produce wines that stand alongside the world’s best. Our commitment to low-intervention viticulture and willingness to experiment have guided us in creating wines that reflect our land’s true character. Under Maya’s leadership, we blend tradition with forward-thinking techniques, ensuring every bottle tells the story of our vineyards and the innovation behind them.&nbsp;“I am grateful to the Wine Enthusiast team for this recognition that puts our quality driven approach and winegrowing region in the spotlight,” says Maya. “Since joining the Early Mountain team, I’ve had the privilege to oversee two unique vineyards, Quaker Run and Early Mountain, which have inspired me to produce wines that reflect our distinctive terroir. This nomination means so much not only to me, but to our entire grape growing and winemaking team, as we have worked together to combine both novel and traditional techniques, helping to put Virginia on the fine wine map.”&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1692992897/Z628039_Edit_fcfc9dbc3b.jpg" alt="_Z628039-Edit.jpg"></figure>Maya’s approach is a perfect embodiment of Early Mountain’s spirit of exploration and dedication to quality. Her work with Petit Manseng, for example, showcases the winery’s innovative mindset. Using perpetual lees aging, Maya has transformed this varietal into a standout, characterized by incredible texture, complexity, and balance. Each step, from meticulous hand-picking to diverse fermentation techniques, exemplifies our shared commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining Virginia wine.&nbsp;Maya’s leadership drives us forward, ensuring our wines continue to reflect the best of Virginia while making their mark on the global stage. Join us in celebrating Maya and the entire winemaking team for their remarkable contributions to Early Mountain’s journey.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/industry-news/wsa-nominees-2024/">https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/industry-news/wsa-nominees-2024</a>&nbsp;Cheers,&nbsp;&nbsp;The Early Mountain Team&nbsp;&nbsp;

Maya Hood White has been nominated for Winemaker of the Year by Wine Enthusiast! 

We are thrilled to introduce the critically acclaimed 2021 Quaker Run Chardonnay. This wine captures the essence of our Quaker Run mountainside vineyard, and stands as a proud representation of our unique terroir and meticulous craftsmanship.&nbsp;Available now in our Tasting Room or<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2021-Quaker-Run-Chardonnay?productListName=Current%20Releases&amp;position=1">&nbsp;online.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;Our journey with Quaker Run Chardonnay began in 2015 when we discovered the unique potential of a particular parcel within our small Chardonnay block at Quaker Run. It was evident that this section of vines had something special; the berries were uniquely translucent, and the seeds turned a rich, deep brown—signs that this fruit was destined to be bottled separately. From that point forward, we treated this parcel with singular focus, employing precision viticulture and a patient, hands-on approach in the cellar.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1725903228/5_U1_A1339_ce837079b8.jpg" alt="5U1A1339.jpg">&nbsp;“A benchmark Chardonnay for Virginia.” - Decanter&nbsp;In the vineyard:&nbsp;In the adventurous spirit of Virginia, 2021 was an exciting vintage for Early Mountain. It truly reflects the impact of site, with regions throughout the state experiencing highly varying climatic events that influenced a dynamic range of fruit attributes. Early spring brought few frost events, allowing us to escape significant fruit damage—a blessing for our vineyards. Despite some early season rains, the bloom-time was quite dry, facilitating an excellent fruit set. Warm daytime temperatures throughout the growing season led to high and even ripening across Quaker Run Vineyard.&nbsp;&nbsp;As harvest approached, late season rains were counterbalanced by notable drying conditions—a phenomenon particularly evident as we tended to our new plantings, which required additional water. Despite the rainfall during harvest, we could not have asked for a better result. The 2021 vintage stands out for its balance, reflecting the resilience and unique conditions of the Quaker Run site.&nbsp;<figure class="image image-style-side"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1725903230/5_U1_A5982_copy_5c252ca8d7.jpg" alt="5U1A5982 copy.jpg"></figure><a href="https://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews/usa/virginia/early-mountain-vineyards-quaker-run-chardonnay-2021-86270">Early Mountain Quaker Run Chardonnay 2021</a> -&nbsp;94 points&nbsp;“With an aromatic nose of stone fruit, Thai basil, and freshly sliced fennel bulb. The palate has a gorgeous creamy texture, yet it is fresh and energetic.&nbsp;Thanks to winemaker Maya Hood White, it is likely to become a benchmark Chardonnay for Virginia. Best from 2024-2028” - Decanter&nbsp;Crafted with precision, Quaker Run Chardonnay features vibrant notes of lemon curd, white stone fruits, allspice, and starfruit. The 2021 vintage is distinguished by its extended fermentation and lees contact, creating a harmonious balance of acidity, texture, and subtle phenolic character. Each sip reveals depth and complexity, making it a true expression of our mountainside vineyard.&nbsp;Marked by its long fermentation and extended lees contact, Quaker Run Chardonnay showcases a distinctive brioche character, reminiscent of fine Champagne. Aged for 16 months on lees—12 months in 500L barrels with light and medium toasts, followed by 4 months in stainless steel—this Chardonnay embodies precision in the vineyard and patience in the cellar.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1687390615/5_U1_A3180_4386fca49e.jpg" alt="5U1A3180.jpg">&nbsp;Available now in our Tasting Room or<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2021-Quaker-Run-Chardonnay?productListName=Current%20Releases&amp;position=1">&nbsp;online</a>, cheers!&nbsp;&nbsp;

NEW Release, 2021 Quaker Run Chardonnay!

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Jon Ruel as the President of Early Mountain! With a passion for developing high-performing teams, Jon has dedicated his career to crafting terroir-driven wines and innovative guest experiences. Before joining Early Mountain, Jon served as the CEO of Trefethen Family Vineyards in Napa Valley, where he was instrumental in elevating the brand on the global stage.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jon’s journey in the wine industry spans over two decades, during which he made a lasting impact on Napa Valley’s wine community. As a former President of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers and CEO of Trefethen Family Vineyards, Jon’s visionary leadership was instrumental in advancing sustainable farming practices, expanding hospitality offerings, and guiding the business toward new heights. Starting his career as a viticulturist, he quickly rose to lead all aspects of Trefethen’s operations, overseeing everything from farming their 440 acres of vineyards to producing award-winning wines that are celebrated worldwide.&nbsp;Jon’s move to Early Mountain signals an exciting new chapter for us as we continue to build on our reputation as a trailblazer in Virginia’s wine country. Jon’s enthusiasm for our exceptional wine program, led by our talented winemaker Maya Hood White, and his deep commitment to fearless innovation and mentorship are a perfect match for our mission.&nbsp;&nbsp;"We founded Early Mountain Vineyards with a vision to produce wines in Virginia that could stand side-by-side with the best wines in the world, and today’s announcement welcoming Jon Ruel as the new President of Early Mountain Vineyards is a key step in fulfilling that vision," said Jean Case, founder of Early Mountain Vineyards.&nbsp;

Early Mountain Vineyards Ushers in a New Era with Jon Ruel as President 

We are thrilled to share that we been awarded Wine Spectator's prestigious 2024 Award of Excellence for our outstanding wine and culinary experience! This recognition celebrates our commitment to excellence and the dedication of everyone involved in our journey. &nbsp; The Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence is awarded to restaurants with wine lists that display excellent breadth across multiple winegrowing regions, significant vertical depth of top producers, and superior presentation. Typically offering 90 or more selections, these establishments are destinations for serious wine lovers, demonstrating a deep commitment to wine in the cellar and through their service team. We are proud to be recognized alongside the winners of this award. &nbsp; "We are immensely proud of how far we have come since our inception in 2012. Achieving Wine Spectator's prestigious 2024 Award of Excellence is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional wine and culinary experience," said Jean Case, Founder and Chairman of Early Mountain. "This accolade highlights the remarkable dedication of our team and the superior hospitality that defines Early Mountain. We are honored to be recognized among the best in the world and remain committed to excellence in the wines we make and the food and wine service that so many have had the opportunity to enjoy when dining with us in the heart of Virginia Wine Country." &nbsp; We are dedicated to producing world-class wines that highlight Virginia's remarkable sites. Led by our talented winemaker, Maya Hood White, our team oversees 55 acres under vine and is committed to finding the best vineyard sites for specific grape varieties. This dedication results in exceptional wines and fosters a legacy of minimal intervention and lasting innovation in Virginia viticulture, showcasing wines of quality that stand beside the best in the world.&nbsp;

Wine Spectator’s 2024 Award of Excellence

We are thrilled to announce the long-awaited release of our 2022 Petit Manseng. Exceptionally layered, this dry Petit Manseng showcases a dynamic and harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Notes of grilled pineapple, ripe stone fruits, bright lemon curd, and hints of dried fruits are complemented by a subtle undertone of brioche and baking spice.&nbsp;&nbsp;Fermented in primarily large format barrels (500L to 1000L), our Petit Manseng undergoes a long, very slow, ambient fermentation process. This technique ensures ample contact with the lees, crucial for developing the wine's complexity and depth. A key feature of our process is the use of our “perpetual lees” barrel, which has been continuously active since 2017. This innovative approach involves adding lees from previous vintages to new ferments, enriching the wine with a rich, champagne-like brioche undertone that enhances its overall character. This vintage reflects our unwavering pursuit of quality and our ongoing mission to elevate Petit Manseng as a benchmark of excellence on the world stage.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1712943754/5_U1_A1231_copy_572fbf69a2.jpg" alt="5U1A1231 copy.jpg"></figure>&nbsp;

2022 Petit Manseng 

In celebration of International Women's Day, we take a moment to spotlight the talented women at the core of our operations. Their forward-thinking and leadership pave the way, embodying the essence of innovation and excellence. Guided by the extraordinary Maya Hood White, our winemaking program benefits immensely from the passion, expertise, and leadership of a predominantly female team. Their invaluable contributions not only shape the quality of our wines but also define the spirit of innovation and excellence in the wine and hospitality industry.&nbsp;In honor of this special day, we've invited these remarkable women to share their top wine recommendations for the season—selections that not only reflect their personal tastes but also embody the transitional nature of this time of year. Their selections are a curated celebration of the diverse styles and expressions that Virginia wine has to offer, each bottle a testament to their skill and the collective achievement of women in our field.&nbsp;<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/International-Women-s-Day-Set">The International Women's Day Set&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;Maya Hood White, Head Winemaker - <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2021-Petit-Manseng?productListName=All%20Wines&amp;position=4">2021 Petit Manseng</a>Julia Graves, Assistant Winemaker - <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2021-Petit-Manseng?productListName=All%20Wines&amp;position=4">2021 Petit Manseng</a>Dry and richly textured, our 2021 Petit Manseng signs with notes of grilled pineapple, lemon, caramelized apple, and a subtle brioche undertone. This wine is a testament to our long-term commitment to champion petit manseng as a breakout wine for Virginia.&nbsp;Jenny Desormeaux, Cellar Lead &amp; Lab Manager - <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/EMV-Brut-Sparkling-NV?productListName=All%20Wines&amp;position=1">Brut Sparkling NV</a>This Méthode Traditionnelle sparkling blanc de blancs, with 32 months on tirage, offers a fresh and highly textural experience. Delight in notes of toasted brioche, mingling with green apple, meyer lemon and a hint of hazelnut. A refined celebration in every sip.&nbsp;Allegra Barnes, Assistant Vineyard Manager - <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2022-Quaker-Run-Rose?productListName=All%20Wines&amp;position=2">2022 Quaker Run Rosé</a>Crafted with red wine enthusiasts in mind, Quaker Run Rosé features merlot sourced from the Quaker Run mountainside vineyard. With ripe black cherries, boysenberries, and clementine aromas, its round character, boasts light&nbsp; tannin from extended skin contact, coupled with long lees exposure.&nbsp;Bekah Erkel, Director of Marketing - <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2022-Chardonnay?productListName=All%20Wines&amp;position=3">2022 Madison County Chardonnay</a>The 2022 Madison County Chardonnay offers a savory character of beeswax and spiced pear, complemented by white cranberry and subtle wildflower notes, weaving a rich, layered profile.&nbsp;&nbsp;Melissa Rice, Director of Events - <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/Brut-Ros--NV?productListName=All%20Wines&amp;position=2">Brut Rosé Sparkling NV</a>This Méthode Traditionelle sparkling rosé, blending cabernet franc and merlot, presents notes of strawberry, raspberry, orange zest, white clover, and peach. Aged in stainless steel and neutral oak, with a year on lees, in bottle.&nbsp; It offers lively bubbles, a bone-dry palate, and a refreshingly delicate texture.&nbsp;Kristen Hall, Chef de Cuisine- <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2021-Novum?productListName=All%20Wines&amp;position=4">2021 Novum</a>A vibrant and structured blend, Novum combines Quaker Run and Shenandoah Valley fruits. Featuring bright cherry with nuances of baking spices and dried tarragon, it presents a dynamic and elegant expression of the land.&nbsp;Shop the International Women’s Day bundle -online or in the Tasting Room- for a perfect mix of transitional wines. We hope you will sip along with us. Plus, enjoy free shipping!&nbsp;

Celebrating International Women's Day 

We are thrilled to share the first scores of 2024, with James Suckling's glowing reviews marking an excellent start to the year ahead.&nbsp;As we raise a glass to celebrate these outstanding scores, we are especially proud of our women-led winemaking team. Their dedication and expertise continue to show our commitment to excellence in every bottle.&nbsp;93 points JS -<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2019-Rise?productListName=All%20Wines&amp;position=1"> 2021 RISE </a>(Releasing fall 2024)“I like the savory bark and dried herb aromas here. Black fruit and graphite, too. It’s medium- to full-bodied with excellent focus and restraint. Fine, tight-knit tannins. Drink from 2025”&nbsp;92 points JS - <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2020-Eluvium?productListName=All%20Wines&amp;position=2">2021 Eluvium </a>(Releasing soon)“Blackberry fruit, roasted peppers, violets and spice box on the nose. Medium-bodied, sleek and savory, with dark fruit framed by fine-grained tannins. Cool freshness at the end.”&nbsp;94 points JS - <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2020-Quaker-Run-Chardonnay?productListName=All%20Wines&amp;position=3">2021 Quaker Run Chardonnay</a> (Releasing soon)“This is a supple and elegant chardonnay with notes of lemons, cream, cashews and apricots. It’s medium-bodied and textured, underpinned by fresh acidity, evolving to an attractively creamy and yogurty finish.”&nbsp;92 points JS - <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2020-Quaker-Run-Cabernet-Franc?productListName=All%20Wines&amp;position=4">2021 Quaker Run Cabernet Franc </a>(Releasing soon)“This is a bright, fresh and energetic red. Raspberries, sour cherries, orange zest and hints of paprika on the nose. Medium-bodied on the palate with fine tannins and a sleek, precise finish.&nbsp;93 points JS - <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2021-Petit-Manseng?productListName=All%20Wines&amp;position=3">2021 Petit Manseng</a> (available for purchase)&nbsp;“This is a tasty and waxy white with lemon rind, beeswax, chamomile and jack fruit on the nose. Medium-bodied, full of flavor and freshness. Tangy at the end. Exciting!”&nbsp;“For a top East Coast chardonnay, Early Mountain makes one of the best in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jamessuckling.com/tasting-notes/247075/early-mountain-chardonnay-virginia-quaker-run-vineyard-2021/">Early Mountain Chardonnay Virginia Quaker Run Vineyard 2021</a>, which is wonderfully fresh and elegant with a delicious combination of lemon, cream and cashew running throughout.” - James Suckling

The First Scores of 2024 Are In!

<h2>A Thanksgiving Toast with Michael Seay</h2>The season of mirth, gratitude, and the culinary conundrum known as Thanksgiving is upon us! A time when the wine sages of the world grapple with the age-old debate of what pairs best with the turkey—A bottle of red? A bottle of white? Having swirled and sniffed through the world’s great wines for a decade as a sommelier, and now, as the Director of Wine &amp; Hospitality at Early Mountain, I find myself returning to my ancestral Virginia for wine each November. There’s something about the way it bridges the Old-World charm with New-World audacity. The terroir of Virginia, especially at Early Mountain, births wines that are as comfortable at a Brooklyn Natural Wine Bar as they are at a Washington, D.C. Steakhouse. This year, I’ve curated a quintet of wines that are ready to tackle the turkey, embrace the cranberry, and offer a gentle rebuttal to Aunt Marge’s Californian superiority complex. And while each bottle is poised to be the toast of the table, but I confess, there will be a clandestine can of cold beer reserved for my glass after our busiest hospitality season!&nbsp;<h3>Michael's 2023 Thanksgiving Selections:&nbsp;</h3><a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/EMV-Brut-Sparkling-NV?productListName=Current%20Releases&amp;position=2">Brut NV:</a> A sparkling ode to the Champagne method, cradled in the lush landscapes of Virginia. As you sheepishly trot into Nanna's with a burnt casserole, this Brut is your bubbly saving grace. It's a crisp, effervescent apology, a declaration that even amidst culinary mishaps, the spirit of celebration triumphs. With whispers of green apple, white peach, and hazelnut, it's a toast to love, to life’s little misfires, and to the joyous act of turning oops into cheers. Each sip is a fresh start, a fizzy pact that the festivity marches on, with or without that perfect side dish.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1698085208/5_U1_A6019_copy_0ae9578368.jpg" alt="5U1A6019 copy.jpg">&nbsp;<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2022-Five-Forks?pageID=0AE4BD76-CBFA-99DA-AE8D-4062AEF182AF&amp;sortBy=PriceDesc&amp;maxRows=24&amp;&amp;productListName=Current%20Releases&amp;position=14">2022 Five Forks:</a>&nbsp;A blend where the Sauvignon Blanc, though outnumbered by Petit Manseng, orchestrates a flavor escape amidst the annual familial debate on the upcoming presidential election. As opinions volley across the table with the fervor of campaign rallies, you take a sip and transcend the political fray. The effervescent herbs and crisp minerals provide a serene refuge, allowing you to meditate on the finer things in life. Amidst the clatter of cutlery and political ideologies, this wine is your silent, witty companion, reminding you that sometimes, the best perspective is savored from a glass, not debated across a table.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1698085582/5_U1_A6462_copy_d4f3e32196.jpg" alt="5U1A6462 copy.jpg">&nbsp;<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2022-Quaker-Run-Rose?productListName=Current%20Releases&amp;position=9">2022 Quaker Run Rosé: </a>Ah, a Rosé that harkens in style to the&nbsp;Cru Class vineyards of Cote de Provence. The epitome of vinous versatility, subtly embodying the spirit of Thanksgiving through its congenial embrace of the diverse flavors on display. As its lively notes dance gracefully across a palate of traditional fare, the Rosé narrates a tale where each dish finds a companion in its vibrant character, creating a harmonious dialogue between the old and new, the familiar and the exotic, all converging into a gastronomic tapestry rich with tradition, yet emboldened by the unexpected.<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1696598554/5_U1_A2854_copy_4ddebac49a.jpg" alt="5U1A2854 copy.jpg"></figure><a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2021-Petit-Manseng?productListName=Current%20Releases&amp;position=6">2021 Petit Manseng: </a>Herald of both texture and drama, much like the familial banter at the dinner table. As aunts squabble over Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, this winter white gallantly steps in, a truce in a bottle. It's a wine that courts the boldness of a red, yet flirts with the delicate allure of a white. Leading with a tropical serenade of grilled pineapple and caramelized apples, it gracefully transitions into a savory soiree of pastry and tarragon. The tale of its taste is an exquisite dance between the hearty and the subtle, making each sip a&nbsp;narrative of complexity, much like the family tales spun around the Thanksgiving table.<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1698087695/13_d7c9744729.jpg" alt="13.jpg"></figure><a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2020-Eluvium?pageID=0AE4BD76-CBFA-99DA-AE8D-4062AEF182AF&amp;sortBy=PriceDesc&amp;maxRows=24&amp;&amp;productListName=Current%20Releases&amp;position=3">2020 Eluvium:&nbsp;</a> A charismatic interloper amidst the Thanksgiving spread, its aroma a medley of dark stone fruits and berries, with a dash of confectionery whimsy. It sidesteps through the herbs and spices, twirls around the cranberry's tart embrace, and offers a courteous nod to the turkey, its tannins a gentle whisper against the poultry's tender discourse. It's not here to steal the show, but to flirt with every flavor on the table, its lively palate an audacious companion to a meal where the old adage 'white wine with poultry' is gleefully tossed aside. Let the French keep their rules; today, under the golden hues of autumn, we're proud Americans reveling in our own tradition, breaking bread and breaking wine rules with equal gusto at this sacred holiday feast!&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1698087338/Early_Mountain_Virginia_Table_Dishes_and_Eluvium_ccb676d09e.jpg" alt="Early Mountain Virginia Table Dishes and Eluvium.jpg">&nbsp;&nbsp;The wines showcased in this selection embody the heart and spirit of not just Early Mountain, but the rich, verdant vineyards of Virginia. As the conviviality of Thanksgiving envelops our homes, these wines are more than just a complement to the feast. They are a narrative, a vivacious participant in the conversations, laughter, and the cherished camaraderie around the table. Each bottle uncorks a unique tale, a distinct character that mingles with the flavors on our plates and the tales in our hearts. I invite you to pour, taste, and celebrate the beautiful symphony of this selection as it serenades the cherished chaos and heartwarming bonds of this beloved holiday.&nbsp;&nbsp;So as we toast to gratitude, family, and the simple joy of a well-paired wine, let’s also celebrate the beautiful tapestry of tradition and innovation that binds us all in spirited cheer.&nbsp;-Michael SeayDirector of Wine &amp; Hospitality &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A Thanksgiving Toast 

Early Mountain is proud of the fantastic wine we put out every vintage. Not only because it showcases the array of styles Virginia can offer, but also because every bottle is a testament to the incredible people behind the label. As a female run vineyard with an incredible woman at the helm of our wine-making program, we wanted to ask the ladies of Early Mountain what they’re currently enjoying and recommending to everyone. These bottles are available in our shop, or <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/International-Women-s-Day-Set">together as a wine set</a> if you’d like to sip along with us!&nbsp;Maya Hood White, Head Winemaker<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2021-Soif">2021 Soif</a>The 2021 Soif is possibly my favorite to date!&nbsp; It is more fruit forward than 2020 and showcases the dynamic nature and freshness of whole cluster Merlot.&nbsp; The 2021 Soif is nearly 70% whole cluster fruit, the most to date.&nbsp; While we always farm specific blocks of Merlot and Cabernet Franc at EMV for Soif, the 2021 bottling is also a perfect example of reacting to the vintage. &nbsp; One of the vineyards we work with was carrying a bit more Merlot than expected and it made sense to harvest a bit of the fruit early (leaving the remaining to successfully ripen for the heavier reds) and ferment it entirely whole cluster.&nbsp; This early picked Merlot ended up being one of the most playful lots we had in the winery and doubly fun as it was not an initially planned lot.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Aileen Sevier, VP of Strategy and Marketing:&nbsp;<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2020-Eluvium?pageID=0AE4BD76-CBFA-99DA-AE8D-4062AEF182AF&amp;sortBy=DisplayOrder&amp;maxRows=24&amp;&amp;productListName=Current%20Releases&amp;position=20">2020 Eluvium</a>At Early Mountain, we have a mission to help tell the story of Virginia far beyond our own borders, and Eluvium (a blend of mountainside grown Merlot &amp; Petit Verdot) plays a fundamental role in doing so. Most every serious wine producing region and winery in a moderate climate produces “Bordeaux-style” blends and so there are myriad reference points and benchmarks. We annually taste Eluvium blind against wines ranging from right bank Bordeaux to coastal Tuscany to Napa Valley and vintage after vintage it shines. Eluvium offers plush and layered black fruits that bring so much pleasure If you’re looking to convince your wine snob friends that Virginia wine can stand with the best, I’d encourage you to decant Eluvium for them as a fun surprise - be sure to share their responses with us!&nbsp;‍Lee Campbell, Estate Ambassador, NY:<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2021-Chardonnay?pageID=0AE4BD76-CBFA-99DA-AE8D-4062AEF182AF&amp;sortBy=DisplayOrder&amp;maxRows=24&amp;&amp;productListName=Current%20Releases&amp;position=9">‍2021 Chardonnay</a>As Estate Ambassador for Early Mountain, I have a blast introducing consumers and sommeliers up and down the East Coast to all of the interesting work we are doing at EMV. And most who have known me for a while know that I am naturally drawn to the new and the off-beat. But what a lot of people don't realize is that as much as I love the quirky stuff, I JUST ADORE CHARDONNAY!For a long time, I had convinced myself that it was really just French Chardonnay that I liked. But over time, as my own silly, self-imposed prejudices fell away, I realized, NOPE...I love the American stuff, too! And here's what I enjoy so much about our Madison County Chardonnay: While the outline is delicately drawn with minerality and a even a touch of salt, the middle is exuberantly filled with ripe peach and pear...and a touch of toasted brioche. In other words, it is a mouthwatering midpoint between the Chardonnay styles of Europe and California. This is an unabashedly American Chardonnay, which still displays restraint and elegance. There's something here for everyone...so just go ahead and give in to it. You'll be glad you did!&nbsp;Jenna Ford, Director of Hospitality:<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2021-Pur">2022 Pur</a>2022 Pur is a beautiful expression of steel fermented Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. It’s lively lemon and crisp apple aromas sing Springtime in a glass. Pur’s bright acidity makes it a lovely compliment to a fun seafood spread. This is one of those wines that speaks volumes about the elegance of simplicity. It isn’t overly blended or a test run of new techniques. It is pure and simple, elegant yet vibrant.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kristin Hall, Chef de Cuisine:&nbsp;<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2021-Ros-">2021 Rosé</a>There is nothing I find more refreshing and enjoyable after a long day than a glass of our Rosé. The fantastic flavors of fresh strawberry and red grapefruit with a perfect pop of acid make this wine not only a great choice any time of year, but an easy choice to pair with a variety of dishes we like to showcase at Early Mountain. Our rosé can be the perfect accompaniment to a night in with friends, or a delicious dinner at your favorite restaurant.&nbsp;&nbsp;‍Meghan Raynes, Community Manager:<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2021-Shenandoah-Valley-Cabernet-Franc?productListName=Current%20Releases&amp;position=16">‍2021 Shenandoah Valley Cabernet Franc</a>Shenandoah Valley is one of those wines that always catches me off guard each vintage with how good it is. I generally gravitate towards a more savory red, and this wine absolutely delivers with some fantastic black pepper, rosemary, and mushroom notes, but without sacrificing those delicious brighter red fruit flavors we’ve come to look for and expect in a lighter Cabernet Franc. I was both ecstatic and not surprised when we heard Shen Valley won a gold in the Virginia Governor’s Cup this year - it’s a killer wine that deserves every accolade it receives!&nbsp;‍

International Women's Day

Stunning scores from James Suckling honor many of our new &amp; future releases.‍<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2020-Quaker-Run-Chardonnay?pageID=0AE4BD76-CBFA-99DA-AE8D-4062AEF182AF&amp;sortBy=DisplayOrder&amp;maxRows=24&amp;&amp;productListName=Current%20Releases&amp;position=3">2020 Quaker Run Chardonnay</a> - 95 ptsInviting aromas of lemon leaf, white peaches and dried orange peel. Medium-bodied with supple texture. Refined and elegant with subtle tannin structure and phenolic tension. Nuanced. Bright and fresh, too. Long. Lovely now, but will age nicely. Drink or hold.‍<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2020-Petit-Manseng">2020 Petit Manseng</a> - 93 ptsAromas of baked peaches, beeswax and rosemary stem. Medium-bodied with silky texture. Well-structured and generous without being overdone. Rounded character to the fruit with a bit of citrus brightness. Drink now.‍<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2021-Chardonnay?pageID=0AE4BD76-CBFA-99DA-AE8D-4062AEF182AF&amp;sortBy=DisplayOrder&amp;maxRows=24&amp;&amp;productListName=Current%20Releases&amp;position=12">2021 Chardonnay</a> - 92 ptsAromas of lemon curd, white peaches and rosemary stem. Medium-bodied with bright, driving acidity. Crisp and clear on the palate with transparent fruit and a subtle herbal character. Drink now.‍<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2019-Petit-Verdot?pageID=0AE4BD76-CBFA-99DA-AE8D-4062AEF182AF&amp;sortBy=DisplayOrder&amp;maxRows=24&amp;&amp;productListName=Current%20Releases&amp;position=19">2019 Petit Verdot</a> - 92 ptsAromas of blackberries, blackcurrants, cocoa and bark. Full-bodied with powdery tannins. Textural and deep on the palate with steady balance. Dry and succinct with good intensity. Best after 2024.‍<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2021-Shenandoah-Valley-Cabernet-Franc?pageID=0AE4BD76-CBFA-99DA-AE8D-4062AEF182AF&amp;sortBy=DisplayOrder&amp;maxRows=24&amp;&amp;productListName=Current%20Releases&amp;position=17">2021 Shenandoah Valley Cabernet Franc</a> - 92 ptsAromas of blueberries, blackberries and red licorice. Medium- to full-bodied with soft tannins. Linear onto the palate with black and blue fruit melding through to a subtle finish. Drink now.‍

Stunning Scores from James Suckling

We look forward to welcoming you and your family &amp; friends to Early Mountain this holiday season! We are open from 11 am to 5:30 pm on Thursday - Monday with the below adjustments for the holidays:&nbsp;Thurs., Nov. 24th: Closed, Happy Thanksgiving! Fri. Nov 25th- Monday Nov. 28th: Open 11 am - 5:30 pm Dec 19th-Dec. 25th: Closed to allow our team a holiday break Dec 26th-Jan 2nd: Open 11 am - 5:30 pm (including Tues. Dec 27th &amp;Weds. Dec. 28th) Thurs. Jan 5th: Closed Fri. Jan 6th: Normal tasting room schedule resumes

2022 Holiday Hours

Thanksgiving is a holiday that can’t be complete without an incredible meal, the company of our closest friends and family, and the perfect bottles to share around the table. We asked our team what wines they will be serving alongside their Thanksgiving table, and we can’t wait to share them with you in our Harvest Bounty Pack this year!‍2021 Five ForksAs a vegetarian, when I select wines for Thanksgiving, I'm looking for a deep concentration of fruit intensity balanced with a savory edge and bright core to complement a wide array of earthy, rich, and caramelized flavors. Five Forks delivers! The blend of rich, concentrated Petit Manseng with zesty, lifted Sauvignon Blanc keeps things fresh and 2021 is my favorite vintage we've made so far. Not only will it balance the meal, it's a lovely glass to have prior to the meal, prepping taste buds for the feast.-Maya Hood White, Head Winemaker‍2021 Madison County Cabernet FrancDuring the holiday season, our family surrounds an overflowing table of roasted winter vegetables and mouth watering savory meats. One of my favorites is the cherry and bourbon glazed ham that seems to stare me down until the green light is given; indulging in one of the most anticipated, special meals of the year. I love having a good cabernet franc at the helm to pair with all the wonderful food. The 2021 Madison County Cabernet Franc, with its endless aromatic complexity, helps to remind me of this beautiful season. The pallet notes of stone fruit, bright red berries and even black tea, pair charmingly with the thoughtful holiday spread.-Tim Moore, Head Chef‍2021 RoséFor broad versatility, rosé is pretty unmatched on the Thanksgiving table. Whether satisfying the widest range of drinkers or enlivening dishes such as creamy potatoes, rich stuffings or simple roast turkey, rosé is a no-brainer. And with its lower alcohol content, rosé makes a light companion for the cook keeping things going throughout a leisurely day.&nbsp;- Aileen Sevier, VP Strategy and Marketing‍2020 Novum2020 Novum is a wine I would choose to feature at my Thanksgiving table. I personally love a wine that showcases "red" fruit aromas and flavors (cherry, cranberry, etc) but also offers complexity, and the 2020 Novum does just that. The earthy aromatics of the cabernet franc, the body and acid provided by the Tannat, and the light touch of new oak makes this wine a well-rounded and complex crowd pleaser.&nbsp;- Jeremy Mersch, Assistant Winemaker

Our Top Thanksgiving Wine Selections

The foundation for Early Mountain’s nationally renowned wine program came in large part through the hard work and contributions of our next Founders, Ben Jordan and Patt Eagan. Ben and Patt brought their passion for wines from around the world as well as Ben’s experience in Sonoma Valley winemaking and Patt’s family ties to Champagne to their time at Early Mountain. This expertise and knowledge in turn helped create wines beloved well beyond Virginia’s borders&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1678805276/6363214345690b0160f79148_Untitled_design_62_p_500_d09f99eb7e.png" alt="6363214345690b0160f79148_Untitled design-62-p-500.png">Ben Jordan (L), Patt Eagan (R)&nbsp;Ben joined the Early Mountain team as head winemaker in 2015, a vintage that was a pivot point for quality both through his leadership and the addition of our mountainside vineyard, Quaker Run, tot he portfolio. Ben helped bring to bottle proprietor Jean Case’s vision to create wines that reflect the soils and climate of Virginia. He ensured our wines respect and represent our vineyards and shifted our winemaking towards elegance and finesse with the use of ambient fermentations, long lees aging, and an overall approach that captures the essence of place. And he gained us tremendous recognition including multiple 95+ scores from reviewer James Suckling, a nomination as American Winery of the Year (2018, Wine Enthusiast) and recognition from Wine Business Monthly as a Hot Brand. &nbsp; Ben recently passed the reins to long-time Viticulturist &amp; AssociateWinemaker Maya Hood White leaving his legacy in experienced and capable hands.&nbsp;Patt joined the Early Mountain tasting room fresh from his undergrad studies at University of Richmond and an internship with theVirginia Wine Marketing Board. He quickly transitioned through an array of roles from assisting in the winery to leading our sales efforts. &nbsp;Patt quickly became an indispensable part oft he team and helped establish many of the key relationships with wine writers, buyers, and enthusiasts that we still nurture today, building our distribution presence in Virginia, DC, and Georgia. He departed to pursue his MBA at University ofVirginia’s Darden School of Business but we knew it was only so long before he jumped back into the wine world!&nbsp;We are thrilled that they have partnered together with Ben’s brother Tim for a new project in the Shenandoah Valley, <a href="https://commonwealthcrush.com">Common Wealth Crush</a>. Together, Patt and Ben have selected 4 wines that tell the story of their journey in Virginia wine. We hope you join us to have a taste and raise a glass to these two Founders.&nbsp;From Patt Eagan:&nbsp;Thibaut Janisson Sparkling Brut NV&nbsp;You know how people talk about their desert island wine? I.e., if they had to pick just one while stranded, what would it be? Well, sparkling is mine. My French cousins are champagne grower-producers in Epernay, France, and I credit them with first getting me interested in the wine business. To this day, I'm a sparkling fanatic and love exploring what different regions around the world have to offer in the style,&nbsp;especially&nbsp;Méthode Champenoise. That said, it may come as no surprise that one of the firstVirginia producers I gravitated towards was Thibaut-Janisson. In addition to the quality of the wines Claude Thibaut produces, the uniqueChampagne-Charlottesville connection represented here is a mirror of my own family's. Also, as coincidence would have it, my cousin John Charles, who currently runs the family champagne operation, attended wine school in France years ago with TJ co-founder Manuel Janisson - small world!&nbsp;&nbsp;Early Mountain Petit Manseng 2020:&nbsp;Stylistically, Petit Manseng produces the type of still white wines I love to drink - aromatic, textural, and high acid. My first introduction to the variety was at Early Mountain in 2012, and I recall never having tasted a Virginia white wine quite like it up until that point. I've always been intrigued by the mysteries of young wine growing regions - i.e.,what variety grows well, where, and why - and how those mysteries often only reveal themselves slowly over time through trial and error. The notion that this obscure grape variety from southwestern France would feel right at home inVirginia - and produce showstopper wines to boot - is fascinating to me. That said, I suppose my love for Petit Manseng is twofold - the wines it produces, and also the spirit of exploration and discovery that it represents for our region; not to mention the question it naturally tees up: “What else haven't we tried?!”&nbsp;From Ben:&nbsp;Midland Cabernet Franc 2019: I wanted to share a wine that my brother and I made at EarlyMountain to show how EMV's support of the industry has helped smaller projects get on their feet. Since Patt, my brother and I decided to build a company that aspires to incubate the next&nbsp;generation of creative&nbsp;producers, I wanted to pay homage to Early Mountain's collaborative&nbsp;spirit and how it inspired our team.&nbsp;Linden Hardscrabble: Though I am from Virginia, it took a visit to Linden when I was making wine in California, to show me how far my home state had develop edits wine industry. Laura and I were welcomed by Jim Law as we drove from Dulles to Fort Defiance to visit my dad. Also tasting were Kirsty Harmon and Matthieu Finot, so it was my first time meeting&nbsp;folks who would eventually become friends and colleagues. It was inspiring, not only because of the high quality of the wines, but because I could see how collaborative, rather than competitive the industry was, especially compared to California. Speaking ofCA, I took a Linden Chardonnay back with me and shared it with some SonomaCounty winemakers, and they remarked that they wished they could make Chardonnay like Jim's. You don't hear that sort of thing pass a West Coast winemaker's lips that often! Hopefully these days they are getting jealous of our state's Petit Manseng!&nbsp;

10th Anniversary Founders' Features, Week 3

The vision for Early Mountain's unique hospitality offering was carefully crafted by several key food and wine professionals. Among those esteemed professionals were Michelle Gueydan, sommelier, and Jenn Crovato, Executive Chef. Michelle and Jenn endeavored to create a tasting room experience that was more elevated and vibrant than what was being found elsewhere in Virginia. The concept of expert curation lays at the heart of the Early Mountain experience. Both Michelle and Jenn made sure that our guests enjoyed the most interesting and lauded wines from all corners of the Commonwealth, as well as the freshest local ingredients used to comprise our menu items, both highlighted in our features this week.Michelle curated a flight of Virginia wines that represent exceptional quality with distinguishable terroir driven characteristics, focusing on bottlings where the people behind them embody what it means to be true stewards of their land. Highlighted wineries inlcude Glen Manor, Linden Vineyards, and Ankida Ridge. &nbsp;Jenn wanted to take things back to our iconic grilled cheese sandwich, a highlight of her tenure at Early Mountain, a sandwich with a bit of a cult following. Executive Chef Tim Moore created his "Eccentric Grilled Cheese" an open-faced interpretation with local alpine cheese, Kite's country him, stewed apples, arugula, and Cou Cou Rachou pumpernickel rye.&nbsp; &nbsp;Early Mountain is fortunate to have had these two amazing professionals as part of the original team. Michelle and Jenn helped define our unique brand of winery hospitality and set a course for the business that has led to numerous awards and accolades.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1678805530/63582e4c17d40fe14ca27aef_Untitled_design_58_copy_p_500_46e883b0e6.jpg" alt="63582e4c17d40fe14ca27aef_Untitled design-58 copy-p-500.jpg">&nbsp;Native to New Orleans, Michelle completed Sommelier certifications from the Court of Master Sommeliers, The Wine &amp; Spirit Education Trust, and The Sake Professional. Her extensive travel and global wine experiences played an integral role in her decision to embark on a career path focused on wine and hospitality. Most notably Michelle served as a Sommelier at The Inn at Little Washington, Wine Director at the Besh Restaurant Group, and the owner of VinoSolutions, a company that consults on wine programs throughout the United States. Michelle brough her wine knowledge to Early Mountain's "Best of Virginia" program and oversaw all wine sourcing and relationship management during the winery's foundational years. The relationships Michelle helped to establish with other vineyards a decade ago remain strong today, and we enjoy featuring wine selections from throughout the state. Michelle currently works for South to South Wine Importers, bringing artisanal South African wines to the Louisiana market. She also continues to offer private wine tasting/food pairing manifestations, educational seminars, and cellar consulting/inventory management.&nbsp; &nbsp;Born and raised in the Washington DC area, Jenn Crovato grew up surrounded by strong food traditions at home that eventually led her to one of the most prestigious culinary schools in the country. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Jenn worked in the acclaimed restaurant Galileo before spending a year cooking across Italy. After returning from Europe, she spent several years as an on-site and private chef in the DC area for high-profile clients. Jenn is revered for her focus on simple yet elegant and flavorful cuisine, as well as her prioritization on sourcing the finest local ingredients. The original culinary concept at Early Mountain was driven by Jenn's vision for creating a true destination for foodies in Madison, VA. Jenn started the winery on the trajectory of being known not just for our wine, but also for our food. Jenn shows off her culinary chops in the cookbook that she authored, Olive Oil, Sea Salt &amp; Pepper. Today, Jenn is the owner and head Chef of 1310 Kitchen &amp; Bar located in the historic Georgetown Inn where she thoughtfully combines her love of fresh Italian with comforting, eclectic American cuisine.

10th Anniversary, Founders' Features, Week 2

We invite you to celebrate Early Mountain Vineyards' 10th anniversary with us! We have come so far thanks to the amazing talent and hard work of many, and we are honored to continue this journey with our exceptional team and all of you. In celebration and appreciation, we will be offering special "Founder's Flights" in the Tasting Room beginning October 20th, as well as delicious dishes inspired by foundational contributors here at Early Mountain. We hope you can join us to raise a glass (or two)!&nbsp;We’re so pleased to highlight Neal Wavra for our first set of features, available October 20th-24th. Neal is the proprietor of award-winning Field &amp; Main restaurant in Marshall, VA and a long-time wine educator who helped lay the groundwork for the strong knowledge of our hospitality team.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1678805623/634fec63a47048d16d2e03e8_Neal_p_500_c6694eecd7.jpg" alt="634fec63a47048d16d2e03e8_Neal-p-500.jpg">&nbsp;Neal is a consummate hospitality professional and in our early years helped to train our service team, select thoughtful wines for our “Best of Virginia” program and set the path for the knowledge and expertise showcased at each table. He was also involved in production, tasting blends and offerings feedback from his global perspective. We were pleased to open his training sessions to others in the Virginia wine community as well, part of our foundational believe that we want to grow and learn with our neighbors. Neal straddles both front-and-back of house with his FABLE hospitality consulting company and brings a long history of working with renowned properties such as Blackberry Farm and Charlie Trotter’s.&nbsp;His restaurant, Field &amp; Main, has helped transform downtown Marshall into a dining destination with hearth-inspired, locally sourced, globally inspired cuisine served in a historic setting. It’s also one of the top spots to drink Virginia wine with thoughtful producers featured and a wide assortment of library bottles.&nbsp;For our founding feature, Neal curated a “Zesty” wine flight featuring bright and zesty whites that maintain their acidity, thus making them ideal for food pairing. The flight traverses the globe with a powerful Loire Chenin Blanc, focused and precise Hunter Valley Semillon and stone fruited Rheingau Riesling. These three benchmark whites flank our Early Mountain Petit Manseng, also a grape that maintains acidity even in warm growing seasons.&nbsp;A talented chef, Neal did dual duty this week, creating a seasonal dish, interpreted by Chef Tim Moore. His Twice Baked Honeynut Squash with House MadeChorizo &amp; Bourbon-Maple Gastrique honors the produce teeming at farm markets this October.&nbsp;Our wine dinner at Field &amp; Main this week is sold out but come get a taste of Neal’s generous &amp; thoughtful approach to hospitality at Early Mountain this week.&nbsp;Stay tuned for the next offerings... we'll be offering distinctive features for the next four weeks.

10th Anniversary: Founder's Features

Summer is here and Early Mountain Rosé makes every gathering a party! This summer, we want to see photos or videos of your #EMVRoséParty. All #EMVRoséParty photos or videos will earn the chance to win a personal Rosé party. Post your &nbsp;favorite Rosé photo via Instagram feed, and we’ll pick our favorite three to win one of our Insta-worthy prizes. Prizes include a Rosé brunch for you and 7 friends in the Early Mountain Meadow ($500 value), a curated Rosé Party Set ($250 value), or a voucher for two 2021 Rosé Magnums ($110 value).‍HOW TO ENTER:<ol><li>Post your #EMVRoséParty inspired photo or video on your Instagram feed prior to Wednesday, June 15th at 11:59 pm EST</li><li>Use hashtag #EMVRoséParty on all posts and tag @earlymountain</li><li>Tag three friends that you would invite to your Rosé party</li><li>We know how fantastic you are behind the camera, and it might be hard to choose just one pic. You can post multiple entries but each must feature a different photo or video.</li></ol>(US Residents Only. Must be 21 years old to enter. Contest is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Instagram. Winners will be contacted by June 17th at 5 pm EST.)All photos must be original work, taken by the entrants. All persons included in submitted photos must be 21 or older. No third party may own or control any materials the photo contains, and the photo must not infringe upon the trademark, copyright, moral rights, intellectual rights, or rights of privacy of any entity or person.<ul><li>Violators will be removed from the contest, stripped of any prize(s), and banned from entering future contests.</li><li>Entries will not be accepted unless submitted via Instagram feed and following the contest rules. Entries not submitted through the proper channel will not be counted.</li><li>Entries will be judged by Early Mountain Vineyards. All decisions are final. The Company reserves the right to disqualify any entry that is deemed inappropriate or does not conform to stated contest rules.</li><li>By entering the contest, entrants agree that photos submitted can be used by Early Mountain for advertising purposes.</li><li>Submissions will not be accepted once the deadline lapses.</li><li>The prize must be collected by the winner and is non-transferable.</li><li>The winner will be contacted via the Instagram messenger account used to submit the photo. If no response is received after two business days, a new winner will be selected and the previous winner will forfeit all rights to the prize.</li><li>The contest is void where prohibited or restricted by law.</li></ul>‍

#EMVRoséParty

Madison, VA, August 28, 2022 – Early Mountain announced the appointment of Maya Hood White as winemaker at the award-winning Virginia winery. After overseeing Early Mountain’s vineyards and playing an integral role in the development and production of multiple award-winning vintages asAssociate Winemaker, Maya’s promotion represents a doubling down on EarlyMountain’s commitment to quality, innovation and vision that have been the hallmark of the winery.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It is an exciting time at Early Mountain Vineyards as Maya HoodWhite steps up to become Winemaker. I am fully confident that Maya will leadEarly Mountain to even greater heights as we enter our second decade”, saidJean Case. “Our winemaking approach has been highly collaborative over the past5 years which will allow us to seamlessly transition under Maya’s leadership, while maintaining the extraordinary quality and style that has earned us significant recognition from the industry and from our treasured customers. All of us at Early Mountain are proud and grateful that we have reached such a high quality in our wines produced in Virginia and, I have no doubt with Maya as winemaker, we will continue to build on our successes and reach new heights.”&nbsp;&nbsp;According to long-time celebrated enological consultant PaulHobbs, “Maya brings the rare combination of detailed knowledge in both the vineyard and winery whereas most in this industry focus on only one. She is a thoughtful winemaker with serious analytical chops able to craft wines of texture, complexity, and beauty.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Maya has been an integral part of the Early Mountain team since2014 quickly progressing through the ranks to Vineyard Manager &amp; Enologist and then to Associate Winemaker &amp; Viticulturist for five harvests. She has contributed to winemaking across the portfolio as well as leading our sparkling wine program. Maya has also overseen our 55 acres of estate vineyards throughout her tenure bringing a philosophy of low intervention, sustainability, and ongoing experimentation to best bring the essence of our sites to bottle. According to Maya, “While I never planned to stay in Virginia wine country, the opportunity at Early Mountain to farm extraordinary vineyard sites like Quaker Run, while also being supported to use innovation and cutting-edge agricultural practices to respond to ever changing vintages, really drew me in. The ability to engage deeply in both viticulture and winemaking kept me here and I am fully sold on the bright future for Virginia wine.”&nbsp;Maya has deep roots in wine with a childhood spent in Santa Barbara, California, and&nbsp;fond memories of exploring wineries together with her&nbsp;parents and grandmother. After a degree at Virginia Tech focusing on mathematics and a stint in engineering, Maya sought a career in which she could be hands-on in nature while also applying her tangible understanding of chemistry. She returned to her home state and achieved a MS degree at the prestigiousUniversity of California at Davis in Viticulture &amp; Enology. Maya’s thesis work focused on bubble nucleation in sparkling wine, with her work published in&nbsp;The American Journal of Enology &amp; Viticulture. A focus on the burgeoning Virginia wine industry came after a role as the first research coordinator at the Winery Research Exchange, a nascent group of young and ambitious Virginia winemakers who pool knowledge to quickly advance understanding of wine growing in this region.&nbsp;Peter Hoehn, CEO, shares that, “We are deeply grateful to Ben Jordan, our winemaker since 2015, whose foundational work and leadership has helped bring Early Mountain and our wines to national attention. Early Mountain has been proud to incubate Ben's two partner wine&nbsp;projects and wish him well as he begins the next chapter of his career, building a new wine venture with his brother in the Shenandoah Valley.” &nbsp;‍&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1678805799/6269f06f9761790e5d531a0a_2_p_500_297db7fd87.png" alt="6269f06f9761790e5d531a0a_2-p-500.png">

Early Mountain Announces New Winemaker, Maya Hood White

Bold. Exciting. Memorable. Three words that describe not only the bottles in this wine set, but the women who picked them. In honor of this annual holiday, we are pleased to present Early Mountain's 2022 picks for the <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/The-International-Women-s-Day-Set">International Women's Day Set</a>. We are also excited to partner with The Women's Initiative, a local non-profit organization in Charlottesville dedicated to providing women with effective counseling, social support and education so they can transform life challenges into positive change and growth. You can read more about them below!&nbsp;Jean Case, Owner:&nbsp;<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2019-Eluvium">2019 Eluvium</a>Each year, Eluvium sets a new high bar for excellence. Based on mountainside Merlot, Eluvium offers plush and layered black fruits that bring so much pleasure. Adding to this immediate "wow", is an intensity and power that’s especially dramatic in the 2019 vintage, reflecting the ideal growing season. It’s a wine that I open to celebrate a special moment with family and friends or to enhance a holiday meal. I hope you love Eluvium as much as I do.&nbsp;&nbsp;‍Aileen Sevier, VP of Strategy and Marketing:<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2020-Shenandoah-Valley-Cabernet-Franc">‍2020 Shenandoah Valley Cabernet Franc</a>When I think about our wines, I always have an extra attachment to those that tell a bigger story. Ranging from black fruited and broad shouldered when planted in denser soils and with more sunlight (south facing slopes can add to the ripeness) to elegant with delicate red raspberry fruit with soft, velvet structure when planted at high elevation on cooler sites with limestone soils, Cabernet Franc is especially expressive of its vineyard site.&nbsp;In 2020, we bottled five different Cabernet Francs; we just couldn't bear to blend away the unique characteristics. And of the five, our Shenandoah Valley regional expression is my favorite. It is the most ethereal, most delicate of the group, but still brings complex layers of herbal and tea leaf notes that make Cab Franc so delicious. As we continue to explore what different regions and different vineyards offer us in Virginia, Cabernet Franc will be a delicious way to tell these unique vignettes.&nbsp;‍Lee Campbell, Estate Ambassador, NY:<a href="http://Madison-County-Chardonnay">‍2020 Madison County Chardonnay</a>As Estate Ambassador for Early Mountain, I have a blast introducing consumers and sommeliers up and down the East Coast to all of the interesting work we are doing at EMV. And most who have known me for a while know that I am naturally drawn to the new and the off-beat. But what a lot of people don't realize is that as much as I love the quirky stuff, I JUST ADORE CHARDONNAY!For a long time, I had convinced myself that it was really just French Chardonnay that I liked. But over time, as my own silly, self-imposed prejudices fell away, I realized, NOPE...I love the American stuff, too! And here's what I enjoy so much about our Madison County Chardonnay: While the outline is delicately drawn with minerality and a even a touch of salt, the middle is exuberantly filled with ripe peach and pear...and a touch of toasted brioche. In other words, it is a mouthwatering midpoint between the Chardonnay styles of Europe and California. This is an unabashedly American Chardonnay, which still displays restraint and elegance. There's something here for everyone...so just go ahead and give in to it. You'll be glad you did!&nbsp;Jenna Ford, Director of Hospitality:<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2021-Pur">2021 Pur</a>2021 Pur is a beautiful expression of steel fermented Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. It’s lively lemon and crisp apple aromas sing Springtime in a glass. Pur’s bright acidity makes it a lovely compliment to a fun seafood spread. This is one of those wines that speaks volumes about the elegance of simplicity. It isn’t overly blended or a test run of new techniques. It is pure and simple, elegant yet vibrant.&nbsp;&nbsp;Maya Hood White, Associate Winemaker &amp; Viticulturist:<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2021-Soif">2021 Soif</a>The 2021 Soif is possibly my favorite to date!&nbsp; It is more fruit forward than 2020 and showcases the dynamic nature and freshness of whole cluster Merlot.&nbsp; The 2021 Soif is nearly 70% whole cluster fruit, the most to date.&nbsp; While we always farm specific blocks of Merlot and Cabernet Franc at EMV for Soif, the 2021 bottling is also a perfect example of reacting to the vintage. &nbsp; One of the vineyards we work with was carrying a bit more Merlot than expected and it made sense to harvest a bit of the fruit early (leaving the remaining to successfully ripen for the heavier reds) and ferment it entirely whole cluster.&nbsp; This early picked Merlot ended up being one of the most playful lots we had in the winery and doubly fun as it was not an initially planned lot.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meghan Raynes, Community Manager:&nbsp;<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2021-Ros-">2021 Rosé</a>It’s funny, but before I started at Early Mountain I was a strictly red drinker, with very few exceptions. It speaks to how talented our wine-making team is that not only have I majorly expanded my wine preferences in the last year, but that the 2021 Rosé is my go-to recommendation now. I love how fresh and fruity it is while still maintaining it’s dryness, how many styles of food it can hold up to and complement, and how beloved it is by so many. Our Rosé truly has become an announcement that Spring has arrived when the latest vintage is released, and is a bottle absolutely worth celebrating.‍‍<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1678805889/622676aed3dd6534d2e622ef_womens_day_p_500_79fcce7114.png" alt="622676aed3dd6534d2e622ef_womens day-p-500.png">&nbsp;Early Mountain prides itself on local community involvement, and we are thrilled to be donating 10% of our sales for this set to The Women's Initiative. Below is a message from The Women's Initiative:"In 2022, our agency will bring vital mental health services to 3,500+ women.&nbsp; Impact at this scale is only possible with compassionate community support.&nbsp; Your support helps us bring trauma-informed individual counseling, social support and outreach offerings to those in greatest need. The mission of The Women’s Initiative is to provide women with effective counseling, social support and education so they can transform life challenges into positive change and growth.All women in our community will have access to innovative, effective, evidence-based mental health care.We believe every woman has a capacity for healing that, once supported, results in better mental and physical health for her, her family and our community. We believe it is critical to address each woman’s unique emotional, physical, spiritual and cultural needs and strengths. We are committed to providing compassionate care that maintains the highest standard of excellence in an environment that is welcoming, safe and supportive.The Women’s Initiative is grateful Early Mountain Vineyard has chosen to support our agency on International Women’s Day. Proceeds will help us bring vital, life-saving mental health services to women in need."To learn more about the amazing work TWI is doing, you can check them out<a href="https://thewomensinitiative.org/about-twi"> HERE</a>!

The 2022 International Women's Day Selections

We’re bringing the bounty of the Eastern Seaboard to you, paired with our award-winning wines for this special long weekend (March 3rd-7th). Chef Tim Moore has crafted a delicious seafood menu sourced from the coast and Big Island Aquaculture will be shucking their oysters, served on the half shell direct from the beautiful, pristine body of water nestled between the York River and the Mobjack Bay in Hayes, Virginia. Come enjoy live music (Sat. and Sun.), mountain views, and exceptional Virginia wines enjoyed in your choice of Tasting Room (indoor) or Patio reservations (pending weather). No entrance fee, reservations strongly recommended and can be made<a href="https://www.exploretock.com/earlymountainwinery"> HERE</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1678805971/5f6200cb6da6e77636638e08_2_G7_A4315_8_p_500_be6081867e.jpg" alt="5f6200cb6da6e77636638e08_2G7A4315-8-p-500.jpeg">&nbsp;In addition to our Virginia Table favorites, we will be offering:‍Freshly Shucked Oysters, Big Island AquacultureChampagne Vinegar Mignonette, Cocktail Sauce, Lemon&nbsp; 1/2 dozen &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 14&nbsp; &nbsp;Dozen&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 24 &nbsp;‍Buttermilk Fried Blue Catfish &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 18Savoy Cabbage Coleslaw, Piquillo Pepper Tartar, Lemon&nbsp;Baked Big Island Oysters &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 16Smoked Hollandaise, Perigord Truffle&nbsp;Tom’s Cove Clam Chowder &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 12Littleneck Clams, Espelette, Oyster Cracker&nbsp;Pan-Seared Stripe &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 27&nbsp; &nbsp;Carrot, Zucchini, Nuac Cham, Kombu Dashi‍Whole Roasted Black Sea Bass (serves two) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 60Wild Rice Pilaf, Confit Dutch Potatoes, Herbed Oil‍Key Lime Tart &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 12Toasted Meringue, Candied Lime‍

Ode to the Chesapeake

We have a remarkable weekend planned in the Tasting Room this upcoming Valentine's day weekend. In addition to our <a href="https://www.earlymountain.com/restaurant">Virginia Table menu</a>, Chef Tim will have a stunning prix fixe menu available featuring a selection of special wines. Live music will be paired with a cozy fire and intimate ambiance. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made <a href="https://www.exploretock.com/earlymountainwinery?tock_source=tock&amp;tock_medium=search_nav">HERE</a>.‍Pairing menu is $125 per guest and will be offered Friday - Monday. Our Tasting Room will be open for extended hours Friday-Sunday, from 11 am - 8 pm.‍WELCOMEFoie Gras Bavarian ÉclairPetit Manseng Caramel~Brut Sparkling NV‍FIRSTRoasted Red BeetsRaw Chioggia, Chevre Cream, Sourdough Rye,Salmon Roe, Golden Beet Vinaigrette-OR-Chilled Maine LobsterCrème Fraiche, Watercress, Citrus, Orzo~Petit Manseng 2020&nbsp;ENTRÉEButter Poached Atlantic HalibutCara Cara Orange, Caramelized Fennel, Sauce Barigoule&nbsp;~Madison County Chardonnay 2020-OR-Seven Hills Beef TenderloinRobuchon Potato,Cremini Mushroom, Shallot-Cognac Glacé&nbsp; ~Eluvium 2019&nbsp;INTERMEZZO &nbsp;Pomegranate and Ginger Sorbet‍DESSERT“Sweethearts” CheesecakeBlood Orange, Grand Marnier Sabayon&nbsp; &nbsp;~Rosemont x Capitoline Vermouth Rosé

Valentine's in the Vineyard

Stunning scores from Wine Advocate &amp; James Suckling honor many of our new &amp; future releases.‍96 pts. JS - <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2019-Quaker-Run-Chardonnay?pageID=0AE4BD76-CBFA-99DA-AE8D-4062AEF182AF&amp;sortBy=DisplayOrder&amp;maxRows=24&amp;">Quaker Run Chardonnay 2019</a> – Top 100 Wines of the USAA lovely and inviting nose of sliced green apple, candied lemon and fresh garden herbs. Medium-bodied and so long and supple. There is excellent delicacy and nuance here, with subtle white-tea spice. Just so charming.&nbsp;94 pts JS - <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2019-Shenandoah-Spring-Cab-Franc?pageID=0AE4BD76-CBFA-99DA-AE8D-4062AEF182AF&amp;sortBy=DisplayOrder&amp;maxRows=24&amp;">Shenandoah Springs Cabernet Franc 2019</a>Crushed dark fruit, overturned earth and oyster shell on the nose. Full-bodied with silky tannins. Rather dynamic. There is a delicacy to the darker profile, which moves with grace and elegance on the palate. Melted chocolate, ground clove and pine. This will age really well.&nbsp;94 pts JS – Petit Manseng 2019 (Sold Out)Nice, nutty character to the nose with notes of toasted herbs, baked citrus and a hint of wet stone. Medium-to full-bodied and light on its feet. It dances on the palate with mature notes of stone fruit, nutmeg and fresh lavender. Complex and balanced.&nbsp;94 pts JS – RISE 2019 (releasing Sept. ‘22)Wet gravel, plum and ripe red cherry on the nose. Full-bodied. The bright red and black fruit wraps around the velvety tannins, before the palate turns more savory with salted dark chocolate and clove. Refined and focused. Very long finish. Delicious. Better after 2024.&nbsp;94 pts JS – <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2019-Eluvium?pageID=0AE4BD76-CBFA-99DA-AE8D-4062AEF182AF&amp;sortBy=DisplayOrder&amp;maxRows=24&amp;">Eluvium 2019</a>Fresh red and black fruit, gravel and black licorice on the nose. Full-bodied with soft, silky tannins. Bright and succulent on the palate with espresso and blackberry. White smoke comes through. Nicely refined. Very good now, but will do well with some age.&nbsp;93 pts JS – Quaker Run Cabernet Franc (Sold Out)Aromas of ripe raspberry, plum and forest floor. Full-bodied with silky tannins and a brooding cocoa-powder note. The acidity helps to brighten and balance the darker profile of the palate through the finish. Good spice.&nbsp;92 pts WA – <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2017-RISE?pageID=0AE4BD76-CBFA-99DA-AE8D-4062AEF182AF&amp;sortBy=DisplayOrder&amp;maxRows=24&amp;">RISE 2017</a>Elegant and perfectly balanced, this Bordeaux-styled blend is textured with velvet and finishes with precision. The tannins are firm but ripe, making this easy to approach now while suggesting that it can improve over the next several years. The finish lingers beautifully, expressing its ripe fruit well. For all of the things it does well, its overall graceful presentation is its best feature. Nothing will hit you over the head, but it just screams "class" and "finesse."&nbsp;92 pts WA – Petit Manseng 2019 (Sold Out)Big and powerful, this intense Petit Manseng takes no prisoners along the way to capturing your palate. Bright and mouthwatering on the juicy finish, it adds excellent concentration to its focus and precision. The flavor profile leans to grapefruit. There is both verve and flavor. This could use a year or two in the cellar. It certainly will also need a food pairing if opened now. In the meanwhile, it seems chock-full of potential today and capable of developing more with time. It should hold well, but we'll take that in stages for the moment.&nbsp;92 pts JS – Quaker Run Tannat 2019 (releasing Feb. ‘22)Blackcurrants, toasted herbs and smoked almonds on the nose. Full-bodied with velvety tannins. Inky and supple, but focused through the long finish. Wet stone and cocoa nib at the end.&nbsp;91 pts WA – <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2019-Eluvium?pageID=0AE4BD76-CBFA-99DA-AE8D-4062AEF182AF&amp;sortBy=DisplayOrder&amp;maxRows=24&amp;">Eluvium 2019</a>Elegant, precise and focused, this is a blend that says "Bordeaux," just like its Rise sibling does this issue. The Rise has the advantage of two years more in bottle, so it is better developed, but at the moment, I don't see much qualitative difference between them except that. The vintages are different, to be sure, but they both make a statement for elegance and balance while expressing their fruit beautifully. We'll see what happens when they both get more age on them, as I suspect the Rise may have a slightly higher upside, but right now I'd just say "pick 'em."&nbsp;91 pts JS – Shenandoah Valley Cabernet Franc 2020Ripe strawberry, baked cranberry and baking spice on the nose. Medium-bodied with well-integrated tannins. Bright and pleasantly tart on the palate with nice sappiness toward the finish. Elderberry comes through.&nbsp;90 pts WA – <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2019-Quaker-Run-Chardonnay?pageID=0AE4BD76-CBFA-99DA-AE8D-4062AEF182AF&amp;sortBy=DisplayOrder&amp;maxRows=24&amp;">Quaker Run Chardonnay 2019</a>Gloriously fresh, this lively Chard does show some wood influences, but it also shows off fine structure, some ability to age and a sunny demeanor. The acidity cuts through the wood. Lingering nicely on the moderately tense finish, this is not a big-and-fat style of Chardonnay, but for those who are more into elegance and freshness, it does great. It should age reasonably well…There were just 110 cases produced.

Stunning Scores from Wine Advocate & James Suckling

There's so much to be thankful for this year as we finally come back together to celebrate Thanksgiving, and we have the perfect wines to pair with dinner. <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2020-Madison-County-Chardonnay">The Bounty of Harvest Selections</a> are our head winemaker Ben Jordan's top picks for your table this year.‍Every year I remark that the holiday season is a special time for those of us who work with the rhythm of agriculture. I repeat the statement, because it is truly a cycle of the seasons; through the lens of the plants that we grow, the fruit that they bear, and our strategy for preserving that fruit so that we can enjoy it through the depth of winter and for years to come.&nbsp;These holidays make sense to those of us who grow and make wine.&nbsp;All the labors of the growing season peaked with the intense work of picking grapes and transforming them into wine. Now in November, we are exhausted, more than a little out of touch, and we are ready to eat some food! Whatever we lost during harvest, our bodies are set on regaining, and with the heat of the summer all but gone, we are primed for the feast. We crave time with our families, and we crave celebration.&nbsp;&nbsp;Since we make wine, we are able share our work from past harvests and use it to toast the creation of this vintage. For Thanksgiving, we tend to want to drink American, in particular bottles from the hills of our region, something that gets more enjoyable with each passing year. Virginia's offerings are some of the more holiday flexible wines around. With moderate alcohols, an emphasis on poise over power, and a diverse selection of styles, we are well suited to complimenting the complexity of a sprawling meal.&nbsp;For true versatility, rosé has become a go-to for many holiday tables in recent years. While we will certainly have our “normal” rosé open, we are excited that we still have a bit of the first ever bottling of a Quaker Run rosé. It brings a bit more power and texture, fulfilling a cool weather need for richness, but still refreshing the palate for these meals that are more marathon than sprint. For those seeking red options our 2020 Foothills accomplishes something similar, being up to the task of navigating diverse flavors and textures, while sparing you the tiring effect of high tannin and alcohol. And for those more powerful dishes that require more density from the wine, the 2019 Shenandoah Springs Cabernet Franc brings the concentration of fruit grown on a great site in a warm, dry year.&nbsp;Lest we forget white wine, essential to familial harmony over the next two months, our 2020 Madison County Chardonnay offers a balance of acid and fruit that is at home with pretty much any recipe you can put together.&nbsp;In the end, the most important holiday wine pairing of the holidays is your guest and a glass of something they like, especially as we gather with family and friends we have missed in the past 18 months. As always, we are honored to be included on your table, during the holidays and beyond, and we wish you a joyous and delicious end to 2021.&nbsp;- Ben Jordan, Winemaker&nbsp;

Ben Jordan's Thanksgiving Wine Picks

In celebration of International Women's Day, we asked some of the women leaders at Early Mountain to share their favorite wine picks. We hope you love these wines as much as we do!‍Jenna Ford, Tasting Room Manager: &nbsp;<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/Cellar-Trio-Copy-Copy">Cabernet Franc</a> - all of them!Ben's expression of Cabernet Franc is forever my go-to bottle of choice. His approach to focus on single vineyard sites allows for the true characteristics of the terroir to shine through while showcasing the versatility of the grape. I am always correlating my wine choice with my dinner plans and Cabernet Franc never lets me down. Ample fruit and a nod to classic earth driven qualities always has me wanting to pop open another bottle.&nbsp;Melissa Rice, Events Director: &nbsp;Bubbles, especially our new <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2017-EMV-Estate-Brut">Traditional Method sparkling wine</a>. Everything I do at Early Mountain is around creating special moments and celebration and the sound of a cork popping gives me so much joy. It doesn't hurt that our Brut is truly mouthwatering - it's bursting with lemon and green apple fruit with a salty finish.&nbsp;Kristen Hall, Sous Chef:<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2017-Eluvium-Copy">Eluvium</a>: It is a red that has softened with its age and it's nice to indulge in a glass or two on cool evenings after work with its dark berry flavor and hints of woody spice. &nbsp;‍Maya Hood White, Associate winemaker &amp; viticulturist:<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/Intention-2017">‍Intention:</a> Our white wine production has been constantly evolving, and over the last several years, the use of extended lees aging on higher acid varieties has become integral in the production of Petit Manseng and Intention. &nbsp;My fondness for these wines stems from both the vineyard as well as their dynamics in the cellar. &nbsp;While Petit Manseng is known for its hardiness in the vineyard and unique sensory attributes, I had not expected Sauvignon Blanc to demonstrate such a great affinity for the site. &nbsp; &nbsp;In 2017 we produced the first Intention blend with a coferment of Petit Manseng and Sauvignon Blanc; with Sauvignon Blanc elevating aromatics and Petit Manseng bringing the core and structure to the wine. &nbsp;Twenty-two month lees aging in barrel, heightens the structure and texture even further and develops unique secondary and tertiary aromas. &nbsp;While admittedly I have a bias, as a consumer enjoying high acid and wines with high lees-impacts, seeing the natural progression towards this style with two varieties that appear so well suited to the EMV site has given me even more appreciation for the diversity of wines that can highlight a single site. &nbsp; &nbsp;Lee Campbell, Winery Representative, NY:<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2017-Petit-Manseng-Copy">‍Petit Manseng:</a> This is the wine that opened my eyes about the possibilities for winemaking in Virginia. Tasting it completely caught me off guard, and quite honestly, took my breath away. To tell you the truth, I was probably completely primed to love this wine. When I worked as a sommelier, I had developed a long-time love affair with the wines of Jurançon, the coastal Atlantic wine region in France from which the Petit Manseng grape hails. These wines are packed with gastronomic verve, and were some of the most compelling food wines I had ever experienced. Twenty years later, and I'm trying my first-ever Virginia Petit Manseng at Early Mountain, and it was almost as though my (tasting) life flashed before my eyes. I was suddenly tracing an electric line between the very first Jurançon I had ever tried (I still remember it...at a satisfying dinner I treated my very-much-on-a budget-self to at a French bistro in New York's Theatre District—where I had the audacity to pair this curious white wine with steak frites, and it worked marvelously), and the Petit Manseng at EMV. Needless to say, I've never looked back. &nbsp;Aileen Sevier, VP of Strategy and Marketing:<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2020-Rose">‍Rosé:</a> I love how seriously we take this not-so-serious wine. It has everything I enjoy in a bottle of wine- crisp, aromatic fruit, a range of flavors, versatile food pairing abilities. And it has the magical ability to evoke warm weather, joyful memories, and relaxing with friends.

Team Favorites

You’ve got plenty to handle on your day of feasting and sharing special moments with your family; we’ll help out with the wine selection and getting these delicious bottles to you.&nbsp;Select our <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/Thanksgiving-Trio">Thanksgiving Trio</a> or any 3+ bottles in our <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com">online shop</a> and shipping is complimentary.Ben's Thanksgiving Selections:&nbsp;If you read our member club letters, you know that the holiday season is a special time for those of us who work with the rhythm of agriculture. All the labors of the growing season peak with the intense work of picking grapes and transforming them into wine. This season, with its record-long growing season and harvest and steady stream of curveballs was certainly no different. Come November, we are exhausted, maybe a little (blissfully) out of touch with what's going on in the world, and we are hungry. Whatever we lost during harvest, our bodies are set on regaining, and with the heat of the summer all but gone, we are primed for the feast ... and we crave time with our families and celebration, even if it will be a bit more intimate this year.&nbsp;Since we make wine, we are excited to open bottles and toast this vintage with the bottles from past harvests. For Thanksgiving, we tend to want to drink American wine, which is easier now than it ever has been. I'll make the argument that Virginia's wine offerings are some of the more holiday flexible wines around. With moderate alcohols, an emphasis on poise over power, and a diverse selection of wine styles, we can make a go at complimenting the complexity of the Thanksgiving table.&nbsp;And perhaps no bottle brings greater versatility than our Petit Manseng/Sauvignon Blanc blend, Five Forks – its vibrant fruit and racy acidity both brightens and wraps around the complex dishes on our Thanksgiving tables. With the added richness of the 2019 vintage, it can truly stand up to most any dish. For those seeking a red option Soif brings the same red fruit and versatility of Beaujolais, or other Gamay expressions. And our 2018 Chardonnay offers a balance of acid and fruit that makes us select this vintage over the riper 2019 for the table.&nbsp;In the end, the most important wine pairing of the holidays is your guest and a glass of something they like, so there is never a better time to have an assortment on hand. In the interest of making the wine part of holiday meal prep a little easier, here are the bottles of Early Mountain wine that we think work particularly well with the coming feasts.&nbsp;- Ben Jordan, Winemaker‍

Thanksgiving Picks from Ben Jordan

Looking to escape the city and wander some stunning country roads? We took care of the itinerary, you take care of the therapeutic getaway. We were NOT sponsored by any of these destinations, they are just incredible Virginia spots we wholeheartedly recommend. Whether escaping from Richmond, VA or Northern Virginia/Washington DC, may we suggest:&nbsp;‍ESCAPE RICHMOND&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1678882833/wine_country_directions_d437d907af.png" alt="wine country directions.png"></figure>&nbsp;To start your getaway from Richmond, VA, we recommend starting with a nice drive up to <a href="https://www.bbqex.com">Barbeque Exchange</a> in Gordonsville for takeout lunch. Barbeque Exchange’s unique charcoal and hickory-smoked BBQ combined with Southern sides and baked sweets make for a guaranteed delicious change of pace. This quaint, porch-fronted house eatery makes you feel at home away from home. Make sure you order in advance to avoid a long wait.&nbsp;Once your belly is full and happy, we suggest heading about 15 minutes north to <a href="https://www.themarketatgrelen.com">The Market at Grelen</a> for a unique shopping experience and relaxing connection with nature. This European-style garden shop set on a 1000 acre tree nursery will make you feel like you’ve driven across the ocean. It features a casual farm-to-table cafe, hiking trails, a pick-your-own farm, adorable gift shop, and Virginia beverages, so you can customize your visit however you’d like.&nbsp;After you’ve explored The Market at Grelen and are ready to sit and unwind, luckily Early Mountain is only 20 minutes away. With a reservation in either our tasting room, patio, or picnic tables, you can relax with a glass of Virginia wine and a bite from a fresh, local food menu created by an alum of The Inn at Little Washington, Chef Tim Moore. (OR Stock up on wine for the week)&nbsp;If this sounds like the change of scenery you need, you can navigate it on Google Maps <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Richmond,+VA/Barbeque+Exchange,+Martinsburg+Avenue,+Gordonsville,+VA/The+Market+at+Grelen,+Yager+Road,+Somerset,+VA/Early+Mountain+Vineyards,+6109+Wolftown-Hood+Rd,+Madison,+VA+22727,+USA/@37.9462347,-78.4319417,9z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m26!4m25!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b111095799c9ed:0xbfd83e6de2423cc5!2m2!1d-77.4360481!2d37.5407246!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b4094eeb75ca05:0x4e3ed1d1c2c0fcf7!2m2!1d-78.1866042!2d38.1325704!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b40e7373ab56db:0xa74563a0b5ed3d9d!2m2!1d-78.194607!2d38.199417!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b46b237e1edb87:0xcb29544ea53ecadb!2m2!1d-78.310267!2d38.35214!3e0">here</a>.‍&nbsp;‍ESCAPE NOVA/DC&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1678882919/escape_dc_32e1ccc704.png" alt="escape dc.png"></figure>&nbsp;If you’re from the Northern Virginia and DC area, we recommend you start your getaway with a beautiful drive to Sperryville. Once you arrive, we suggest picking up takeout at <a href="https://www.cornerstoresperryville.com">The Corner Store</a>. Known as the heart of Sperryville, you’ll find local, seasonal foods that taste nostalgic, fresh, and delicious.&nbsp;After your appetite is sated, another great stop in Sperryville is to pick up some local craft whisky at <a href="https://www.copperfoxdistillery.com">Copper Fox Distillery</a>. Copper Fox is dedicated to the combination of innovation and tradition in the world of American craft spirits. Their whisky is hand-crafted with locally-sourced ingredients and each barrel starts from scratch with their own hand-malted barley. They flavor the grain with fruitwood smoke and age the spirit with a progressive series of new and used fruitwood chips in used bourbon barrels. It will truly feel like a treat.&nbsp;Once you’re stocked up on Copper Fox whisky, Early Mountain is a mere 30 minutes away. For your last stop, you can spend a nice afternoon with us, or pick up your wines for the week. If you need an escape from the Northern Virginia and DC area, you can navigate this getaway <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Alexandria,+VA/Sperryville,+VA/Early+Mountain+Vineyards,+6109+Wolftown-Hood+Rd,+Madison,+VA+22727,+USA/@38.6153386,-78.2405682,9z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m20!4m19!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b64d3e93a4abf1:0xd7f52686dbc1012c!2m2!1d-77.0469214!2d38.8048355!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b43191faca997f:0xa706a98af908ad75!2m2!1d-78.2261389!2d38.6570525!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b46b237e1edb87:0xcb29544ea53ecadb!2m2!1d-78.310267!2d38.35214!3e0">here</a>.‍EXTEND YOUR STAY&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1678882977/extend_your_stay_807d82c371.png" alt="extend your stay.png"></figure>&nbsp;If you’re having lots of fun, or maybe just want to stay on your getaway a little bit longer, we also have recommendations for very special lodging options to book for the night of your trip. May we suggest:&nbsp;Getaway Shenandoah- Nestled in complete seclusion in the forest, these Getaway Houses are pod-like houses with a campfire, kitchen, bathroom, and bed with a view. The peace, quiet, and complete immersion in nature makes this the perfect pick if you want to unplug and escape the madness of urban life. You can find more information and book one <a href="https://getaway.house/dc">here</a>.&nbsp;Monte Ventoso- This famous Airbnb is the closest thing to a villa in Tuscany you will get in Virginia, which makes it a perfect spot to park in after your visit to Early Mountain. You can cook in the gourmet kitchen, unwind in the tranquil gardens, bundle up by the wood stove in the living room, pick organic produce from the gardens, get a workout in from the home studio, and gaze at the stars from the outdoor fireplace. Then, you can get some peaceful rest in the stately appointed bedrooms. You can find more information and book <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/39501486?source_impression_id=p3_1596818456_Z5vN7%2B4YCNBfenWm">here</a>.&nbsp;The Inn at Meander- Perfectly capturing Virginia wine country, this romantic bed and breakfast’s historic rooms and cottages are decorated with unique furnishings to evoke warmth, character, and panache. There are many different options you can pick from to find the best experience for you, but if you stay in the grand Manor house or one of the historic cottages, you can enjoy a complimentary gourmet breakfast each morning. Read more and check availability <a href="https://www.innatmeander.com/virginia-inn.html">here</a>.&nbsp;The Inn at Willow Grove- Combining warm, Southern charm with luxurious stays in Virginia wine country, Willow Grove’s peaceful garden stay offers a completely unique experience. In keeping with their historic heritage, no two rooms are the same, as all are decorated with one-of-a-kind antique touches, locally inspired design pieces, and a dash of luxury. You can learn more and check availability <a href="https://www.innatwillowgrove.com/rooms.html">here</a>.&nbsp;Whether you’re escaping from Richmond or Northern Virginia, staying the night or enjoying a day trip, we hope you go on the therapeutic getaway trip among Virginia wine country you need.

The Ultimate Virginia Wine Country Getaway

We’re bringing the bounty of the Eastern Seaboard to you, paired with our award-winning wines for this special long weekend (October 8th-12th). Chef Tim Moore has crafted a delicious seafood menu and Big Island Aquaculture will be shucking their oysters, served on the half shell direct from the beautiful, pristine body of water nestled between the York River and the Mobjack Bay in Hayes, Virginia.&nbsp;<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/IzRPnHMvzng"></oembed></figure>&nbsp;Come enjoy live music (Sat. and Sun.), mountain views, and exceptional Virginia wines enjoyed in your choice of Tasting Room (indoor), Patio, or Picnic Table reservations. No entrance fee, reservations strongly recommended.‍The Oyster Bar menu includes:Raw Oysters on the half shell with Champagne Mignonette and Cocktail Sauce, half dozen 14, dozen 24Buttermilk Fried Oysters with Remoulade 14Crabcake Sandwich with Route 11 Chips 16Mushroom Cake Sandwich with Route 11 Chips 16New England Clam Chowder 8Maine Lobster Salad 24Old Bay French Fries w/ Yum Yum Sauce 6Pickled Mushrooms 6Marinated Olives 6Charcuterie &amp; Cheese 22Whipped Feta 12Baguette: Whole 6 Half 4Ice Cream Sandwich 6&nbsp;

Early Mountain Oyster Bar

RISE 2017: Vision and Vineyards

In the aftermath of the George Floyd murder, Early Mountain muted all marketing and sales and postponed all planned activities to allow other voices to be heard and to start a period of reflection on how we can use our privilege and platform to create sustainable changes at our winery, in the wine industry and in the state of Virginia.&nbsp;We have listened and thought deeply as a team about how we can be active participants in fostering racial equity and driving change at our winery and in the wine world. There is much that can be done. As a Virginia winery and a social enterprise that has committed that all profits will go to supporting the Virginia wine industry, we know that denouncing racism and celebrating diversity is not enough and we are committed to actions to make an impact.&nbsp;We will share more information as we roll out new initiatives in this area.

Early Mountain's Commitment

Dear Early Mountain Community,We are incredibly thankful for your ongoing support throughout this challenging time. It is wonderful to see so many of you join our virtual tastings, purchase wine through <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/">EarlyMountain.com</a>, and support the many fine wine stores that carry EMV wines. We are proud of the way that those who have visited us in the past and those who have discovered us through our virtual events, and through recommendations from friends and wine merchants, have bought EMV wines to drink while they “Stay At Home”.While we are eager to reopen the tasting room at Early Mountain, we continue to put a priority on the safety, health and well-being of guests, employees and community. Virginia is allowing some establishments to open on a limited Phase I basis; however, we have determined that a further period of evaluation prior to opening our doors to the public is warranted. &nbsp;We are currently planning on opening for an exclusive wine club member pick-up weekend on June 12th-14th. &nbsp;We will be posting further updates as to any planned opening of the Tasting Room in the coming days.&nbsp;We believe that patience and care need to be prioritized and will be monitoring this changing situation very carefully to ensure that Early Mountain continues to be the special destination that you know and love. In the meantime, our attention will remain on our vineyards and production facilities where our focus on quality is unwavering and making sure our wines are available to you through our online shop and curbside pickup. &nbsp;We will also continue to craft thoughtful virtual tastings for our community to enjoy and are working on additional offerings to highlight craft Virginia products as well as sharing some special additional discounts as our way of saying thanks for your support. &nbsp;I hope you are staying safe and well and I look forward to raising a glass of wine with you soon. Cheers,Dave Kostelnik, General Manager

Update on Early Mountain - Phase 1

In case you missed it, check out last night's The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. &nbsp;His guest, Chef José Andres, highlighted the amazing work being done by World Central Kitchen to combat hunger during the Covid-19 Crisis.&nbsp;We're proud to be a Rosé that helps power José and his work. Here is an excerpt or check out the full clip <a href="http://www.cc.com/video-clips/0osc36/the-daily-show-with-trevor-noah-jose-andres---the-world-central-kitchen-and-leading-a-culinary-army-during-the-pandemic-crisis">here</a>.&nbsp;<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/PdHLjHjKu80"></oembed></figure>

Trevor Noah & José Andres highlight Early Mountain Rosé

Holiday's are when even Chef's pull out those stained recipe cards written out years ago and cook the dishes that evoke memories of holiday's past. Often the thread of heritage can be found in this cooking, for Tim, the Slovakian culture of his wife's family and for Dan, the Italian roots of his mother.&nbsp;&nbsp;Chef Dan's Anise Easter Bread (From his mom)&nbsp;INGREDIENTS<ul><li>9 lbs Flour</li><li>3 1/2 cups sugar</li><li>1 T salt</li><li>9 eggs slightly beaten</li><li>1 1/2 large yeast cakes or 4 packages dry yeast dissolved in 1 cup warm water</li><li>3 cups scalded milk</li><li>2-4 cups warm water</li><li>1 1/2 cap melted Crisco, cooled completely</li><li>2-3 T anise extract or 1 T anise oil</li></ul>&nbsp;ASSEMBLE<ul><li>Mix together dry ingredients and then add liquids.</li><li>Knead until smooth and bubbles form, use 4 cups of flour for this step.</li><li>Grease pan, cover with a towel and make the sign go the cross over the bread three times.</li><li>Let rise and punch down twice.</li><li>Form brands. Let rise again in greased pan.</li><li>Heat oven to 325 degrees.</li><li>Brush tops of bread with egg whites and tuck in beautifully colored eggs.</li><li>Bake until golden brown.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;Chef Tim's Slovak Stuffed Cabbage&nbsp;INGREDIENTS<ul><li>1 head green cabbage</li><li>¾ C white rice</li><li>¾ C water</li><li>1 finely chopped medium yellow onion</li><li>4 Tbl butter</li><li>1 ½ lb ground chuck</li><li>1/2 lb ground pork or pork sausage</li><li>1 large egg</li><li>½ C breadcrumbs or panko</li><li>2 ea cloves minced garlic</li><li>1 Tbl carraway seeds</li><li>1 Tbl paprika</li><li>1 ea 14 oz jar tomato sauce</li><li>1 ea 14 oz can crushed tomatoes</li><li>20 oz beef stock (or water if not available)</li><li>To taste: salt &amp; pepper</li></ul>&nbsp;Pre-heat oven to 350FCore cabbage and place whole head in a large pot with salted, boiling water. Cover and cook 3 mins or until soft enough to pull off outer leaves. Remove leaves and return cabbage to pot for another 3 mins until next layer of leaves soften. You'll need approximately 18 leaves. When leaves are cool enough to handles, use a paring knife to remove thick center stem from each leaf, cutting all the way through in a "V" shape.&nbsp; Rough chop remaining cabbage and placed in the bottom of a large, greased Dutch oven. Rinse rice and cook it in water until water has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool.&nbsp; Sauté onion in butter until tender and cool.&nbsp; In a large bowl, mix cooled rice, cooled onions, beef, pork, egg, garlic, carraway seeds, salt &amp; pepper to taste, paprika, panko and 1/3 of tomato sauce and blend thoroughly. Don’t overmix as meat will become tough.&nbsp; Place about 1/3 of a cup of mixture in each cabbage leaf and flip the sides to seal. Roll away from you to package. Add to dutch oven, seam side down. Layer with remaining tomato sauce top with crushed tomatoes. Add enough beef stock to cover rolls.&nbsp; Cover and bake for 2-2 1/2 hours &amp; serve with sour cream (add juice and zest of 1/2 lemon to sour cream to brighten dish a bit)

Chef Tim and Dan's Family Recipes

Passover and Easter are probably the most dynamic holidays when it comes to weather, with some years still in the grip of winter and others calling for shorts and shade. This year, the timing is in the heart of Spring, and while we never really know what the weather holds, we're offering a trio of our wines that embody the season ... and that can also pivot into the unseasonable.&nbsp;A survey into traditional Passover and Easter meals around the world will make a wine pairing professional run for the hills, but there are some ingredients (like potatoes and cheese, high five!) that are important to many tables. Like most holidays, the key to wine at Easter is flexibility. These are neither the lightest nor heaviest foods we will eat all year, but we definitely play in both spaces, and flavors are running in all directions.&nbsp;Lightest to fullest, we recommend our 2019 Rose', our 2018 Madison County Chardonnay, and our 2018 Madison County Cabernet Franc. Maybe rose' hasn't always been in our wine drinking vernacular, but it has always been the right wine for this holiday. From its ability to function as apertif/cocktail on the lawn through whatever the meal throws at it (roast lamb, brisket, deviled eggs, gratin, ham), to its association with warming weather and longer days, then throw in a color that is downright Easter-like, and rose' might be the most important ingredient of the meal. The Madison County Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc function as nimble representatives of their types. Some folks want white wine, some want red, but everyone wants the fruit, charm, and juiciness that comes from these blends of the two vineyards we farm here in our home county.&nbsp;As the grass and trees come to life with the electric, neon-green chlorophyl of new growth, we are excited and energized to share these wines with you. We look forward to Early Mountain wines gracing your holiday tables and carrying you through Spring into Summer.

Ben Jordan's Passover & Easter Wine Picks

This week, in support of Virginia Restaurant Lovers Takeout Week, we are offering a curated list of restaurants throughout Virginia that are offering curbside/takeaway service for your convenience. As restaurant hours of operation are apt to change, please click the link for up-to-date information on current menus and pick-up hours. Some are even offering delivery.&nbsp;As you are supporting your local favorites, please share on Social Media to encourage others to support as well using #VirginiaEatsLocal! You can find the full overview of the initiative <a href="https://blog.virginia.org/2020/03/restaurant-takeout-week/">here</a>. As you enjoy local eateries don’t forget to open delicious Virginia wine with your meal. Many of the below offer wine to go. We are also happy to ship Early Mountain wines directly from our <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/">online store</a> - any order of 3+ bottles earns free shipping.&nbsp;Charlottesville Area: ‍<a href="https://www.facebook.com/IvyInnRestaurantVirginia">Ivy Inn</a> (434) 977-1222 Please email orders (ivyinn@ivyinnrestaurant.com) ‍<a href="http://ten-sushi.com/">Ten</a> (434) 295-6691 Call or order online ‍<a href="https://www.instagram.com/monalisapasta/">Mona Lisa Pasta</a> (434) 295-2494 Call or email orders ‍<a href="http://instagram.com/southerncrescentgalleyandbar">Southern Crescent Gallery and Wine Bar</a> (434) 284-5101 Call or Grubhub ‍<a href="https://www.instagram.com/feastcville/">Feast!</a> (434) 244-7800 Order by phone or online ‍<a href="https://www.candorestaurant.com/curbside">C&amp;O Restaurant</a> (434) 971-7044 Email or call&nbsp; ‍<a href="https://www.oakhartsocial.com/#oakhart-to-go">Oakhart Social &amp; Little Star</a> (434) 995-5449 Order through the website ‍<a href="https://www.zocalo-restaurant.com/">Zocalo</a> (434) 977- 4944 Order online ‍<a href="https://www.facebook.com/nowandzensushi/">Now and Zen</a> (434) 971-1177 Call and DoorDash ‍<a href="https://beerrun.com/">Beer Run</a> (434) 984-2237 Order online ‍<a href="http://www.hotcakes.biz/">Hot Cakes</a> (434) 295-6037 Call for orders ‍<a href="https://www.instagram.com/greenwoodgourmet/">Greenwood Grocery</a> (540) 456-6431 Call or order online ‍<a href="https://thelocal-cville.com/">The Local</a> (434) 984-9749 Order online ‍<a href="https://www.instagram.com/theshacksva/">The Shack</a> (540) 490-1961 Call for orders ‍Richmond Area: ‍<a href="https://www.instagram.com/grisetterva/">Grisette</a> (804) 562-6207 Call or email ‍<a href="https://www.alewiferva.com/">Alewife</a> (804) 325-3426 Call for orders ‍<a href="http://rooseveltrva.com/">The Roosevelt</a> (804) 658-1935 Call or order online ‍<a href="https://lauraleesrva.com/">Laura Lee's</a> (804) 233-9672 Call or order online ‍<a href="https://www.shagbarkrva.com/">Shagbark</a> (804) 358-7424 Order online ‍<a href="https://www.perchrva.com/">Perch</a> (804) 669-3344 Order online ‍<a href="https://www.taste.online/locations">Taste</a> Multiple locations Order online&nbsp;‍NoVA: ‍<a href="https://www.revelava.com/">Revel</a> (703) 303-7031 Call or Text ‍<a href="https://www.lafromagerieonline.com/">La Fromagerie</a> (703) 879-2467 Call ‍<a href="https://screwtopwinebar.com/">Screwtop Wine Bar</a> (703) 888-0845 Call or order online ‍<a href="https://neighborhoodprovisions.menu/">Neighborhood Provisions - NRG Restaurants</a> Order online ‍<a href="https://www.fieldandmainrestaurant.com/">Field &amp; Main</a> Order online&nbsp;Tidewater/Virginia Beach: ‍<a href="https://www.theamberox.com/">The Amber Ox</a> (757) 790-2299 Order online ‍<a href="https://www.taste.online/locations">Taste</a> Multiple locations Order online&nbsp; ‍<a href="https://prosperitykitchenva.com/store/">Prosperity Kitchen &amp; Pantry</a> (757) 390-3256

Virginia Restaurant Lovers Takeout Week

&nbsp;As we have all been cooking much more at home, Chef Tim Moore, Early Mountain's Executive Chef, has filmed some easy instructional videos to make delicious restaurant meals at home. Check out the full video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5jZcKRE9g0">HERE</a> and the recipe below.&nbsp;‍Steak: (Lakota Ranch) ‍‍4 ea – 5oz Beef Tenderloin Medallions 3 ea – Cloves Garlic (smashed) 1 ea - Sprig Rosemary 1 ea - Sprig Thyme 1 Tbl – Unsalted Whole Butter 1 Tbl – Extra Virgin Olive Oil Cracked Black Peppercorn, to taste Kosher Salt, to taste&nbsp;Potatoes: ‍5 ea – Idaho Potatoes 1 qt – Heavy Cream 6 ea – Cloves Garlic (minced) 1/3 C – Parsley (chopped) 1 Tbl – Kosher Salt 2 Tbl – Unsalted Whole Butter&nbsp;Salad: ‍½ lb – Local Spring Mix (washed) ‍Vinaigrette: ‍½ C – Balsamic Vinegar ½ C – Extra Virgin Olive Oil ¼ C – Sugar 1 tsp – Whole Black Peppercorn&nbsp;Method for Steak:<ul><li>Temper beef at room temperature for about 15 minutes. While beef is tempering, heat a large sauté pan to medium-low heat. Salt and pepper both sides of beef and turn burner heat up to medium-high heat.</li><li>Pour olive oil into hot pan. After oil is to its smoking point, very carefully place beef into pan (making sure not to splash hot oil). Give each steak a nice press down to ensure complete surface area is in contact with pan. Let sear for about 4-5 minutes.</li><li>Check each steak individually for nice and consistent caramelization. After this is complete, carefully flip steaks and begin to sear other side of the beef.</li><li>After about 2 minutes; add butter, thyme, rosemary and garlic to pan. Using a spoon, baste steaks for 2-3 minutes.</li><li>After basting is complete, remove steaks from pan and let rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1678883899/steak_5afc3c0843.jpg" alt="steak.jpeg"><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5e2bbc35590efaa2f0029797/5e83c559fd09d6cd09cb8b22_Tenderloin.jpg" alt="">&nbsp;‍Method for Potatoes:<ul><li>Wash, peel, and cut potatoes into a medium size dice (between the size of a nickel and a quarter)</li><li>Add diced potatoes and heavy cream to a large pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn heat down to a medium-low heat and simmer. Stir occasionally to ensure cream doesn’t scorch on the bottom of the pot.</li><li>Simmer potatoes until very tender. Add garlic and let cook for another 3 minutes. Turn burner off and remove from heat.</li><li>Strain potatoes (making sure to reserve heavy cream) and add them back to the pot.</li><li>Add butter, parsley, and salt; using a medium whisk, start to mash and whisk potatoes.</li><li>While stirring, add reserved heavy cream to potatoes until desired consistency is obtained. Taste and season further if needed.</li><li>&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1678883898/potatoes_7f36a33b68.jpg" alt="potatoes.jpeg"><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5e2bbc35590efaa2f0029797/5e83c5e1f368a4e4010a40c5_Potatoes_WEB.jpg" alt="">&nbsp;‍Method for Vinaigrette:<ul><li>Add all ingredients into a blender and blend on high for 30 seconds.</li><li>Pour into a vessel of your choice and reserve for later use.</li></ul><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5e2bbc35590efaa2f0029797/5e83c5753c3a4131ba75e083_Parsley_WEB.jpg" alt="">&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1678883898/herbs_519ee64b9e.jpg" alt="herbs.jpeg">

Cooking with Tim - Steak & Potatoes

As we are all adjusting to lots of home cooking and take-out, we want to highlight some of our independent partners offering curbside wine pick-up or delivery to keep you all stocked. As things are ever changing, we will try to keep this updated with new information, but please contact the shops with any questions. We are also happy to ship to our wines direct from <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/">our online store</a>- any order of 3+ bottles earns free shipping.&nbsp;Northern Virginia&nbsp;These wine shops are all offering delivery:<a href="https://www.arrowine.com/">Arrowine</a>: 703-525-0990, Revised hours<a href="https://screwtopwinebar.com/">Screwtop</a>: 703-888-0845, pick-up and free delivery for orders over $100 in Falls Church, Alexandria, and Arlington<a href="http://www.crystalcitywineshop.com/">Crystal City Wine Shop</a>: 703-414-0777, Can order from Drizly.com app<a href="https://www.unwinedva.com/">Unwined Bradlee</a>: 703-820-8600<a href="https://www.unwinedva.com/">Unwined Belle View</a>: 571-384-6880&nbsp;These shops are offering curb side pick up:<a href="https://theorganicbutcher.com/">Organic Butcher of Mclean</a> 703-790-8300<a href="https://planetwineshop.com/">Planet Wine</a> 703549-3444<a href="https://www.deptofbeerandwine.com/">Department of Beer and Wine</a>, Alexandria 703-682-2863<a href="http://dominionwineandbeer.com/food-menu/">Dominion Wine and Beer</a>, Falls Church 703-533-3030&nbsp;Richmond/Williamsburg:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/urbanhangsuiteRVA/">Urban Hang Suite</a> - 804-325-9089 pick up or delivery via ww.chopchoprva.com $3.99 delivery fee<a href="https://www.taste.online/">Taste Westhampton</a> - 804-362-0504 curbside pick up<a href="https://outpostrichmond.com/pages/the-market">Outpost</a> - 804-447-1730 pre-order pick-up and walk-in<a href="https://ellwoodthompsons.com/">Ellwood Thompson</a> - open for regular business<a href="http://www.jemersonfinewine.com/">J Emerson</a> - 804-285-8011 curbside, delivery and waiving over $100<a href="http://www.barrelthiefwine.com/">Barrel Thief</a> - 804-612-9232 curbside and delivery, retail open<a href="https://www.libbiemarket.com/">Libbie Market</a> - 804-285-6414 delivery and curbside - no minimum<a href="https://www.grapesbythecrate.com/">Wine Seller</a> - 757-564-4400 curbside, pick up and online&nbsp;Tidewater:<a href="https://www.westsideproduceandprovisions.com/">Westside Produce and Provisions</a> - 757-962-1961 open<a href="https://www.taste.online/coronavirus-updates">Taste</a> - curbside pick up&nbsp;Charlottesville<a href="https://www.marketstwine.com/">Market Street Wine </a>open regular hours, curbside and in-town delivery. 434-202-0511<a href="https://beerrun.com/">Beer Run </a>434-984-2337 open for curbside and in-town delivery, $30 minimum no delivery fee<a href="http://www.foodsofallnations.com/">Foods of All Nations </a>434-296-6131 - For delivery, please call and ask for Frankie directly<a href="http://discountvino.com/index.html">Rio Hill Wine and Beer </a>434-295-8466 - curbside pick up, delivery available&nbsp;Washington D.C.<a href="https://www.paulsdc.com/">Paul's </a>202-537-1900 Curbside and limited delivery available.<a href="https://www.calvertwoodley.com/">Calvert Woodley</a> 202-966-4400 Delivery within DC and curbside pick-up<a href="https://www.bassins.com/">Macarthur's</a> 202-338-1433, Delivery Only<a href="http://glensgardenmarket.com/">Glen’s Garden Market</a> 202-588-5698 - pre order, pick up‍

Wine Shops Update- Delivery, Pick-up and Open for Wine Sales

This blog will be updated with adjustments as we all grapple with the developing COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;March 17th: &nbsp;The Early Mountain tasting room will close for a minimum of two weeks to ensure we are following best guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Governor Northam. We will keep you updated. Our <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/">online store is open 24/7</a> and will continue to be serviced with complimentary shipping for any 3+ bottle order. We are happy to offer suggestions on any wine orders and look forward to welcoming you back to Early Mountain as soon as we are able. Also, stayed tuned for options to join virtual tastings and other ways to stay connected in the weeks ahead.&nbsp;March 16th:&nbsp;The Early Mountain tasting room will close on Monday March 16th and Tuesday March 17th to enact additional deep cleaning measures and assess the best way forward for our various business units.&nbsp;March 14th: &nbsp;The safety and health of our staff, our members, and our community are our top priority. We have decided to cancel our Oyster Festival this weekend. While we have no knowledge of COVID-19 exposure and Central Virginia is not a hot spot, a gathering of almost 500 guests traveling from throughout the region creates an unnecessary risk. Our Tasting Room will operate under our usual hours at this point (11 am – 5 pm) though we are dramatically limiting guests to allow appropriate social distancing. We are also only offering bottle and glass sales and using stemless glassware that we welcome our guests to take home. These decisions are to limit unnecessary contact and protect our staff and guests.&nbsp;For the past two weeks, we have also increased sanitation measures in our tasting room, event spaces, and offices, especially by continuously disinfecting high touch areas such as our i-pads, door handles, and other areas. We are transitioning to single use paper menus, installing two disinfecting stations in the tasting room, and disinfecting furniture and tables between seatings and I-pads between uses. This weekend, we have set up a pick up station in our Event Hall so that our Club Members may pick up their shipments with ease - we can also assist with carry out wine orders. For anyone who would like wine delivered, we have initiated free shipping via our website store.&nbsp;Our glassware and dish ware is washed with high temperature disinfection and our staff are all trained in the recommendations from the World Health Organization WHO. We have initiated additional sick day benefits to ensure that our staff stays home when they are sick or if they need to quarantine in the future.&nbsp;Looking ahead, knowing that the vineyards don't have a pause button we have taken additional measures to protect our vineyard and winery team. Our vineyard crew has been divided into two teams and we're limiting any interaction between the two groups. Our production team is also remaining separate from our hospitality teams so that there is less risk to transmission. We encourage everyone to practice similar separation as possible in their lives.&nbsp;More than anything, let's support each other in this uncertainty. We welcome you as our winery family to be well, enjoy our wines in the comfort of your home or in our tasting room, and be safe with your family and friends. &nbsp;Cheers,Dave Kostelnik, General Manager‍

Early Mountain's COVID-19 Preparedness Plan

I recently sat with Executive Chef Tim Moore to learn more about his vision for our culinary program in the Tasting Room and for private events. Since joining Early Mountain from The Inn at Little Washington in June of 2019, Tim has embraced the vision of Our Virginia Table, traveling throughout central Virginia to source directly from artisan farms in our rich agricultural region. Come visit us soon to taste how he captures the essence of the season in his layered and wine-enhancing dishes.Aileen: You’ve shared that you have a vision to bring the Early Mountain menu to 80% local sourcing. What has been the progress to that vision?&nbsp;Tim: It’s a challenge, to be honest. I’ve been at Early Mountain for 9 months and I’m still nurturing the farmer/grower relationships and traveling the back roads to find the farms that are a good fit for us. Quality is paramount, but quantity is also critical. We host 150-300 guests on a busy Saturday and we don’t want to create a dish and not be able to fulfill orders. So for example, in our Bison Bone Marrow dish, the Bison is locally farmed at New Frontier, the baguette is local and organic from Albemarle Baking Company, the vinegar is from Lindera Farms but the hedgehog mushroom are organic from a high quality commercial purveyor. But we have made incredible progress and with the spring and summer menu I anticipate achieving 80% local sourcing across the board if not higher.&nbsp;Aileen: I know the integral role and positive impact culinary programs can have for our local growers. What farmers are you most excited to be partnering with?&nbsp;Tim: There’s so many great folks that we’re working with right now – our friend David Collins of Moonlight Farms in Madison is growing microgreens specifically for Early Mountain. We’ve played with radish, beet, cilantro, and lentil microgreens. We have pea shoots coming this Spring. Microgreens are such an important component of the finishing flavor profiles that we’re working with.Lakota Ranch is another example. Jeremy Ing is the owner and the whole family is involved. They have grass fed Devon beef that we’re working with. We get our chicken eggs from them. My father-in-law is the chicken man there so I had a bit of an “in”. The chickens are totally free range, non-GMO. We use those eggs for Gnocchi, pastry cream, for clarifying our chicken consommé, and for our house made pasta. I’m proud that we don’t have any store-bought eggs in our restaurant.&nbsp;Aileen: Many wineries offer a charcuterie and cheese board – what approach do you take with the board at Early Mountain?Tim: This is a place where our focus on local really differentiates. We have such talented producers around us, there’s no reason to go further afield for a great board. Right now we feature MeatCrafters Salami from Landover, MD, Firefly Farms goat cheeses, 20 Paces sheep &amp; goats milk cheese as well as cheeses from Meadow Creek. We pair it with housemade mostarda and Windsong Apiaries honey.&nbsp;We developed a killer dish with the birch wrapped Comte rounds from Firefly – it gets baked with garlic and herbs and served warm and fragrant with ABC’s baguette. So satisfying and such a classic preparation that elevates a stunning cheese.Aileen: If there’s three words you want people to use to describe EM’s dishes, what would they be?Tim: Honest, Fun, and Delicious.&nbsp;It’s honest to what we’re doing. We’re not doing anything to fit in. Fun (relaxed and playful). And Delicious – we want people to walk away satisfied and thinking about the interplay of flavors and the thought between our dishes and our wines.‍

A Conversation with Tim Moore, Executive Chef

Thanksgiving Wish List: <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/Site-Specific-Trio">Site-Specific Trio</a>You’ve got plenty to handle on your day of feasting, family, and friends, so we’ve packed a Trio if stunning wines from three unique sites in the stunning 2017 vintage. Any of the three can grace your Thanksgiving table with pride. Or invite more friends and family and open them all!Now through January 31st, any online order of $150+ earns complimentary shipping!&nbsp;<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2017-Block-Nine-Pinot-Gris">Block 9 Pinot Gris, 2017</a>:The round and dense mouthfeel of this wine is one of its most notable attributes. Its weight and character make it stand up to the rich Thanksgiving dishes, but this texture also accompanies diverse aromatics of fresh and grilled stone fruit, citrus and a confectionary apple/baking spice that complement the flavors of the season. The fruit and spice leads to hints of savory bay, thyme and pine.Block 9 is a 1.4 acre block in Early Mountain Vineyard, just north of the winery. Vines in this block are well balanced allowing us to take a light farming touch and growing Pinot Gris with richness and intensity of flavor. Planted in 2007, it features the Eubanks-Lloyd clay and loam series with very deep and semi-permeable soils.&nbsp;<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2017-QR-Chardonnay">Quaker Run Chardonnay, 2017</a>:This wine is marked by its long fermentation and extended lees contact – it maintains its acidity event with full ripeness, especially in a vintage like 2017 where ripeness and acidity were hallmarks of the white wines. Chardonnay is a classic choice for Thanksgiving, but we love ones with an understated barrel imprint and with the richness of fruit and vibrancy of acidity that it offers balance and vibrancy.Quaker Run Chardonnay is grown on a mountainside vineyard about 9 miles from Early Mountain in a 1 acre block, our oldest plantings from 2000. These nearly 20-year-old vines benefit from the well-drained sandy clay loam soils with high rock and mineral diversity as well as the constant sun and wind exposure from the 20 degree, S/SE facing slope, produce a mineral-laden Chardonnay with bright acids and layers.&nbsp;<a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/Shenandoah-Springs-Cabernet-Franc">Shenandoah Springs Cabernet Franc, 2017:</a>2017 vintage brought deep ripeness and power, but we stayed true to our approach of highlighting aromas and texture over power. The result is a wine that brings purity to the dense black fruit of the vintage with plenty of plum, black cherry and graphite. While ripe and rich, the wine is also wound tight around the tannic structure, making it slow to show its true character and benefit from some time in a decanter. Once open, the density of the wine makes for impact and length, carrying the flavors and tannin through the finish and standing up to some of the sweeter flavors on the Thanksgiving table.Shenandoah Springs Cabernet Franc is grown on a 2 acre block in the Shenandoah Valley about 90 minutes north of Early Mountain. At nearly 1300 feet elevation, the vines benefit from the silt and loam soils formed from weather limestone bedrock. This site is very expressive of the vintage and in 2017 the warm and dry season produced a full and rich Cabernet Franc with brooding dark fruits.‍

Thanksgiving Wish List: Site-Specific Trio

We are excited to welcome the 1784 Wine Club to our inaugural member-exclusive Harvest Festival on Sunday, September 8th! In addition to tasting and picking up your September shipment, Early Mountain has planned a day full of illuminating wine tasting sessions - details below.&nbsp;Each member has a complimentary entry for themselves and a guest. PLUS, they are welcome to invite up to 4 friends ($10 per person) who will receive full member benefits for the day (15% discount on wine, free tasting flight)! We can't wait to celebrate the harvest with our Club members! Learn more or join the club <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/Member-Club">HERE</a>.&nbsp;<figure class="image image-style-side"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1679338070/Harvest_Pinot_Gris_112a3b3ae5.jpg" alt="Harvest_PinotGris.jpeg"></figure>An array of food trucks will be onsite for purchase throughout the day in addition to the fun seminar options. Food truck options include Spice Sea Gourmet, Côte Rôtie, Blue Ridge Pizza, and sweet treats from Wonderment and Cake Krums. Save the date and reserve tickets because all seminar options have limited seating and will book fast!&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image image-style-side"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1679338081/Events_Web_Banner_98e3178e69.jpg" alt="Events_Web_Banner.jpeg"></figure>Food and Wine Pairing Challenge&nbsp; 12 pm &amp; 2 pm seatings, $65/person &nbsp;Early Mountain's culinary and winemaking team will match wits and wine pairing abilities in this fun competition! Chef Tim Moore is crafting 4 complex dishes and our wine experts will compete for the best pairing. You will get to enjoy the 4 dishes + 8 wines (2 per dish), and you will also vote on your favorite pairings and determine who's pairings will triumph! Guaranteed to be fun and delicious.Sensory Adaptation Seminar&nbsp; 1 pm &amp; 3 pm seatings, $30/person &nbsp;Aileen Sevier, Master of Wine candidate and Early Mountain's Director of Marketing, for an enlightening participatory seminar on the underlying principles of food &amp; wine pairing. With a flavorful palette and five contrasting wines, we will explore the palate interactions in a fun and engaging way. This session will be offered twice at the Member's exclusive Harvest Festival.

Our Inaugural Harvest Festival - Wine Club Exclusive

Here at Early Mountain we take every opportunity to head into the hills and celebrate the natural beauty that surrounds our 300 acre property in Madison, VA. While these endeavors can easily be an all day affair, say tackling <a href="https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/old-rag-hike-prep.htm">Mt. Rag</a>, we encourage you to blend effort with fun and fit in a visit to a local Virginia winery.&nbsp;Our friends up the road at <a href="https://getaway.house/">Getaway</a> have shared an array of half-day hikes that fit well with an afternoon relaxing at Early Mountain sipping Rosé enjoying the mountain views.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Early+Mountain+Vineyards,+Wolftown-Hood+Road,+Madison,+VA/38.35612,+-78.54493/@38.3171882,-78.55759,11z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m12!4m11!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b46b237e1edb87:0xcb29544ea53ecadb!2m2!1d-78.310267!2d38.35214!1m3!2m2!1d-78.54493!2d38.35612!3e0">Hightop Mountain</a> Distance: 5.6 miles, about 3 hours Difficulty: Easy Dogs allowed on-leash An easy hike up the highest peak in the South District of Shenandoah National Park, Hightop Mountain offers excellent view to the south and west from the second overlook.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Early+Mountain+Vineyards,+Wolftown-Hood+Road,+Madison,+VA/Whiteoak+Canyon+Trail,+Luray,+VA+22835/@38.4715849,-78.6639698,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b46b237e1edb87:0xcb29544ea53ecadb!2m2!1d-78.310267!2d38.35214!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b448adacdb93e3:0x2f6f500821bb259c!2m2!1d-78.3644083!2d38.5643139!3e0">White Oak Canyon Trail</a> Distance: 9.5 miles, about 4-5 hours Difficulty: Hard Dogs allowed on-leash If you’re in search of waterfalls, head out on White Oak Canyon Trail. It can be a strenuous hike, but you can also adjust your mileage and make it shorter by skipping some of the sections.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Early+Mountain+Vineyards,+Wolftown-Hood+Road,+Madison,+VA/38.13932,-78.74967/@38.2251112,-78.7983875,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m8!4m7!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b46b237e1edb87:0xcb29544ea53ecadb!2m2!1d-78.310267!2d38.35214!1m0">Blue Hole</a> Distance: 2.5 miles, about 1.5 hours Difficulty: Easy Dogs allowed on-leash For even more water, hike Moorman’s Trail to Blue Hole and spend some time soaking in the swimming hole before heading back to your cabin.We'll see you soon!

Walks in the Woods

We are so proud to share that in addition to its 3/3 stars - exceptional rating in <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/celebrate-national-rose-day-with-this-12-spanish-stunner/2019/05/17/cf5e0dfa-771c-11e9-b3f5-5673edf2d127_story.html?utm_term=.446b64de5a19">The Washington Post</a>, our 2018 Rosé has also been featured in Thrillist, Bloomberg, and Forbes this summer. While it can be enjoyed year-round, it was highlighted in these summer articles for being a memorable American Rosé and very food-friendly.&nbsp;Brooke Sager from <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/nation/best-summer-wine-pairings-bbq-cookout-food/food-and-drink">Thrillist</a> highlighted our Rosé for being versatile in her article on wines to serve at your next cookout. Sager wrote, “You can’t go wrong with a bottle like this: the fresh profile creates perfect balance with a fattier dish like grilled salmon, and the citrus plays just as nicely with a tangy goat cheese, arugula, and grapefruit salad.”&nbsp;Our Rosé was also featured as “extremely versatile and food-friendly,” as well as “delicate, crisp, and lip-smacking” in Elin McCoy’s Bottle Buying Guide for 11 Outstanding American Rosés in <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-06-28/a-new-wave-of-good-american-rose-wine-rivals-bottles-from-france">Bloomberg</a>.&nbsp;Lastly, Lana Bortolot from <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/lanabortolot/2019/07/03/american-rose-pink-patriotic-and-pleasing/#1cd924bd7a86">Forbes</a> commended our Rosé for its flavor in her piece on American Rosés. Bortolot says, “Conch-shell pink and light on its feet, this blend of Bordeaux grapes with a little Syrah mixed in, is refined enough for an aperitif with enough creamy weight for food.”&nbsp;Find out more and get your bottle <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2018-Rose">HERE</a> today!‍

Rosé Trifecta

Dave McIntyre's May 17th Washington Post column singled out Early Mountain and our 2018 Rosé with his highest rating - 3/3 Stars - Exceptional!&nbsp;Dave writes, "Last year [...] I said this was a winery 'riding a rocket.' Early Mountain continues to reach for the stars, not just with this 2018 rosé, which sets a statement of quality for a difficult, rainy vintage, but with all its wines over the past few years." Read the full article <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/celebrate-national-rose-day-with-this-12-spanish-stunner/2019/05/17/cf5e0dfa-771c-11e9-b3f5-5673edf2d127_story.html?utm_term=.9eaa6b0ebc18">HERE</a>.&nbsp;This is a 3-star repeat as the 2017 also received top honors. Shop our 2018 Rosé <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/2018-Rose">HERE</a>.

Early Mountain Rosé- 3/3 Stars, Exceptional! - Washington Post

Passover and Easter are probably the most dynamic holidays when it comes to weather, with some years still in the grip of winter and others calling for shorts and shade. This year, the timing is in the heart of Spring, and while we never really know what the weather holds, we're offering a trio of our wines that embody the season ... and that can also pivot into the unseasonable.&nbsp;And as an extra treat, we're offering 20% off any three+ bottles mix-match through April 21st (use code SPRING20, so we hope this gives you a reason to try all three!&nbsp;A survey into traditional Passover and Easter meals around the world will make a wine pairing professional run for the hills, but there are some ingredients (like potatoes and cheese, high five!) that are important to many tables. Like most holidays, the key to wine at Easter is flexibility. These are neither the lightest nor heaviest foods we will eat all year, but we definitely play in both spaces, and flavors are running in all directions.&nbsp;Lightest to fullest, we have included our 2018 Rose', our 2017 Madison County Chardonnay, and our 2017 Madison County Cabernet Franc. Maybe rose' hasn't always been in our wine drinking vernacular, but it has always been the right wine for this holiday. From its ability to function as apertif/cocktail on the lawn through whatever the meal throws at it (roast lamb, brisket, deviled eggs, gratin, ham), to its association with warming weather and longer days, then throw in a color that is downright Easter-like, and rose' might be the most important ingredient of the meal. The Madison County Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc function as nimble representatives of their types. Some folks want white wine, some want red, but everyone wants the fruit, charm, and juiciness that comes from these blends of the two vineyards we farm here in our home county.&nbsp;As the grass and trees come to life with the electric, neon-green chlorophyl of new growth, we are excited and energized to share these wines with you. We look forward to Early Mountain wines gracing your holiday tables and carrying you through Spring into Summer.

We are excited to announce that not only have four wines from our portfolio received gold medals in the prestigious 2019 Virginia Governor’s Cup Awards, but also Eluvium 2016 was selected for the Governor's Case, an honor reserved for the top 12 wines in the competition. The Gold Medal winners included Eluvium 2016, Novum 2016, Eluvium 2015 and Quaker Run Cabernet Franc 2017, a selection also featured in our <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/product/Gold-Medal-Pack">Gold Medal Case</a>.&nbsp;This is the second year running that the Governor's Case includes Eluvium. Winemaker Ben Jordan shares that "The wines that performed the best for us all had one thing in common: a majority of the fruit in the blend came from our Quaker Run vineyard situated on the slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We look forward to sharing more of Quaker, as the new plantings from this vineyard come online."&nbsp;Since joining Early Mountain in June 2015, Winemaker Ben Jordan has worked with Associate Winemaker and Viticulturist Maya Hood White to continually elevate the profile of Early Mountain wines, and this honor validates the effort and passion they put into viticulture and winemaking.&nbsp;The 2019 Virginia Governor’s Cup is presented by the Virginia Wineries Association, in partnership with the Virginia Wine Board &amp; the Virginia Vineyards Association. It is known to be one of the most stringent wine competitions in the United States, and this year over 500 wines from 100+ Virginia wineries were judged by 40 of some of the most respected wine professionals in the field. For details on the judging criteria and more on the Governor’s Cup, visit <a href="http://www.virginiawine.org/governors-cup">www.virginiawine.org/governors-cup</a>.

Early Mountain Awarded Governor's Case spot and Four Gold Medals in 2019

Join us at 2 pm on March 24th as we welcome Jean Case to Early Mountain for a talk based on her lauded book <a href="https://readbefearless.com/">Be Fearless: Five Principles for a Life of Breakthroughs and Purpose</a>. This book and her presentation will explore the core principles shared by entrepreneurs and change makers alike. Jean will be joined by Dr. Christine Mahoney, Professor of Public Policy and Politics at the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy and Director, Social Entrepreneurship, University of Virginia. Jean Case is Chairman of the National Geographic Society, co-founder of the Case Foundation and owner of Early Mountain.&nbsp;Secure your tickets <a href="https://www.exploretock.com/earlymountainwinery/experience/50893/%22be-fearless%22-book-talk-with-jean-case?date=2019-03-24&amp;size=1&amp;time=14%3A00">HERE</a>.&nbsp;Inspired by the stories of those who have truly embodied what it means to Be Fearless and the learnings that come with over five years of work on Be Fearless, Jean has written a book to bring the principles to life. It is a call to action that encourages aspiring changemakers to overcome fear, take bold risks, and live lives of urgency. Be Fearless was released in January (by Simon &amp; Schuster) and since then has received acclaim from the likes of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/success-failure-ceo-jean-case-2019-1">Business Insider,</a> <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/be-fearless-jean-case-courage-to-become-a-change-maker/">CBS This Morning</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNaSTtdZ7NI">PBS News Hour</a>, <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/whats-trending/5-principles-to-help-you-to-be-fearless/vp-BBT0pgY">MSNBC</a>, <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/90289854/5-rules-to-help-foster-successful-business-with-purpose">Fast Company</a>, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/video/2019/01/08/how-to-push-past-failure-to-advance-in-your-career.html">CNBC</a> and <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/326466">Entrepreneur.</a>&nbsp; The book highlights the stories of people such as humanitarian chef José Andrés, philanthropy pioneer Darren Walker, investor Mellody Hobson, the founders of Warby Parker and gems you’ve never heard of, to show that fearlessness isn’t the absence of fear but the courage to overcome it.&nbsp; Early impressions of the book have been overwhelmingly positive and include praise from Executive Chairman of Google and Alphabet Inc. Eric Schmidt who noted that, “with legitimately surprising research and compelling stories, Be Fearless inspires us all to take risks we usually wouldn’t, conquer the fears that get in our way, and lead a fulfilling life of clear purpose and maximum impact.” And philanthropist Melinda Gates also shared on the book “If you want to change the world, it helps to be fearless. And if you need a dose of courage, I recommend this powerful collection of stories, evidence, and optimism. Jean Case draws on research and personal experience to provide change-makers with moral support and practical guidance.”

"Be Fearless" Book Talk with Jean Case

Thank you to Northern Virginia magazine and Renee Sklarew for the incredible profile "Making the Case for Virginia Wines". You captured what motivates our team everyday - understanding our land, crafting wines true to Virginia's soil and climate, and working hard to ensure Virginia's "best kept secret" gets out! <a href="https://www.northernvirginiamag.com/food/drinks/2019/02/04/early-mountain-vineyards-is-putting-virginia-wine-country-on-the-map/?fbclid=IwAR1qggdvkfO4b_NZtQAJOpnY1GBmXDgpyJhQnI4oqfEBwym8I277_6XTyZ0">Read more</a>.

Northern VA Magazine Profiles Early Mountain

We are so thrilled to share that famed wine critic James Suckling has named Early Mountain's Eluvium 2015 (95 pts) to his "Top 100 American Wine" list. Suckling tasted over 3,300 American wines in 2018 and this is the first year that he highlights wines from throughout the United States instead of a concentrated Napa/Sonoma list. He has been a leader in highlighting the innovative work being done in emerging wine regions, <a href="https://www.earlymountain.com/blog/2018/stunning-scores-from-suckling">including Virginia</a>, and we are honored to be on this illustrious list.&nbsp;This honor follows numerous other highlights for Eluvium including a spot in the Governor's Case earlier this year. Forbes contributor Katie Kelly Bell answers "Eluvium" in <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2018/11/21/holiday-gift-guide-2018-best-gift-wines-in-the-50-range/#6ec03bfb1eb8">her gift guide</a>... when asked the question, "can you suggest a nice gift wine in the $50?".&nbsp;And VinePair recently awarded it an A+ encouraging that "It is time to start paying attention to Virginia wine and this is just one example of how beautiful they can be. Thomas Jefferson would swoon over this Bordeaux style blend that sings with elegance and depth. The tannins are well entwined into the wine, allowing the notes of cedar and wood spice to waft into warm plum and a whisper of vanilla."

Eluvium 2015 named "Top 100 American Wine-2018" by James Suckling

Now is the time of year when wine flows a bit more liberally and corks pop with abandon. We’re always happy to answer your specific questions, and wanted to share our thoughts on two questions we’ve heard frequently in our Tasting Room recently.&nbsp;When should I decant and why?&nbsp;Decanting offers two main benefits – it ensures engagement with oxygen and it helps remove wine from its sediment for wines if they are older. For most of us, the first benefit applies most as we’re more likely to be opening age worthy wines, such as Early Mountain RISE or Eluvium, without giving them the benefit of years in the cellar. Decanting these bold reds is a shortcut for the development that happens with time – it simulates about 1 year in the cellar for every hour decanted prior to service. And we absolutely love the ceremony of pouring from a beautiful decanter.&nbsp;Don’t have a decanter? Any pitcher or clean glass vessel will work, and you can pour back into the bottle.&nbsp;How much wine should I buy for my party?&nbsp;General rule of thumb is that there are 6-8 glasses in each bottle of sparkling and 4-5 glasses in each bottle of red/white, so you can make your own assumptions based on length of party and drinking enthusiasm of your friends. Not into math? We love VinePair’s <a href="https://vinepair.com/dinner-party-calculator/">wine calculator</a>. It assumes some heavy drinking friends, so dial back if your guests are more restrained… or just have some extra bottles for yourself at the end of the night!

Tips from the Vineyard

Seeking the perfect gift? Want to make sure it fits and will be loved? We're so thrilled to share some recommendations with which we can't help but agree...&nbsp;#1 The team at VinePair, our go-to for clever infographics, smart listicles, and helpful wine reviews, released The 50 Best Wines of 2018.... and Early Mountain Rosé made the <a href="https://vinepair.com/articles/best-wines-2018/">list</a>! They report that "Early Mountain is the real deal. Old World in style, the stunning, low-alcohol wine has aromatic herbs and fruit on the nose, and bright red berries mixed with roses on the palate.&nbsp;#2 Forbes contributor Katie Kelly Bell addresses the question, "can you suggest a nice gift wine in the $50?" in <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2018/11/21/holiday-gift-guide-2018-best-gift-wines-in-the-50-range/#6ec03bfb1eb8">her gift guide</a>... including Early Mountain Eluvium! She describes this stunner as, "Savory, with concentrated red and black cherry notes and a nice thread of earth and spice...it shows elegance with fine structure and soft tannins." Following James Suckling's <a href="https://www.earlymountain.com/blog/2018/stunning-scores-from-suckling">95 pt review</a> and the <a href="https://www.earlymountain.com/blog/2018/early-mountain-awarded-five-gold-medals-in-2018-governors-cup">Governor's Case</a> win earlier this year, we might need to keep this bottle for ourselves!&nbsp;#3 Bloomberg wine writer Elin McCoy includes Early Mountain Petit Manseng in her <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-12-07/the-50-best-wines-under-50">50 Best Wines under $50</a>. She writes that this "round, honeyed, orange-scented white illustrates the grape’s potential in Virginia" on a list of wines that "deliver both value and sheer deliciousness for the price".&nbsp;So whether selecting wines for the table or under the tree, we'd love to be part of your holidays.

3 Reasons Early Mountain Deserves a Spot under the Tree

<h4>SPECIAL THANKSGIVING WINE OFFER:</h4>You’ve got plenty to handle on your day of feasting, family, and friends, so we’re giving 20% off of Rosé, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc for any 3+ bottle purchase, now through Thanksgiving. Mix and match or buy all three!Enter Code: Thanks20 at checkout after selecting your wines <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/">here</a>.Ben's Thanksgiving Selections:&nbsp;If you read our member club letters, you know that the holiday season is a special time for those of us who work with the rhythm of agriculture. All the labors of the growing season peak with the intense work of picking grapes and transforming them into wine. Come November, we are exhausted, maybe a little out of touch with what's going on in the world, and we are hungry. Whatever we lost during harvest, our bodies are set on regaining, and with the heat of the summer all but gone, we are primed for the feast ... and we crave celebration.&nbsp;Since we make wine, we are excited to open bottles and toast this vintage with the bottles from past harvests. For Thanksgiving, we tend to want to drink American wine, which is easier now than it ever has been. I'll make the argument that Virginia's wine offerings are some of the more holiday flexible wines around. With moderate alcohols, an emphasis on poise over power, and a diverse selection of wine styles, we can make a go at complimenting the complexity of the Thanksgiving table.If I had to pick one wine that could bridge every standard or creative riff, it would be rose', but I can also make strong arguments for the versatility of Cabernet Franc or the balance of acid and fruit in our Chardonnay.&nbsp;In the end, the most important wine pairing of the holidays is your guest and a glass of something they like, so there is never a better time to have white, red, and rose' on hand. In the interest of making the wine part of holiday meal prep a little easier, here are the bottles of Early Mountain wine that we think work particularly well with the coming feasts.- Ben Jordan, Winemaker&nbsp;<h4>SPECIAL THANKSGIVING WINE OFFER:</h4>You’ve got plenty to handle on your day of feasting, family, and friends, so we’re giving 20% off of Rosé, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc for any 3+ bottle purchase, now through Thanksgiving. Mix and match or buy all three!Enter Code: Thanks20 at checkout after selecting your wines <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/">here</a>.

Wine Picks for your Thanksgiving Feast

James Suckling's recently published "American Wine Revolution" covered his and his team's tasting of almost 900 wines from through out the United States (non West Coast). Suckling and team concluded that "dozens of outstanding wines are now available from just about every state and for every taste. And they deserve your attention." Of the 14 different states covered, Virginia flies high with Early Mountain's Eluvium 2015 ranking 2nd highest of every red wine securing a stunning 95 point rating.&nbsp;We are so pleased that this important fine wine journalist with an International audience is acknowledging the quality revolution afoot here in Virginia and we're so proud to be a leading winery amongst the hundreds reviewed. Every wine we submitted scored 91+! &nbsp;Eluvium 2015 - 95 points, "This is world class!"&nbsp;RISE 2015 - 93 points, "Very attractive...delivers good flavor and polish. Better in 2020."&nbsp;Eluvium 2014- 93 points, "A very polished red blend with impressive freshness and depth."&nbsp;Quaker Run Cabernet Franc- 91 points, "Sweetly floral red berries and plums, as well as a strawberry edge."&nbsp;Visit <a href="https://www.jamessuckling.com/">Jamessuckling.com</a> for full reviews.

Stunning Scores from Suckling

It used to be all about Spring and Summer weddings, but winter weddings are just as beautiful and, possibly, even more romantic. It seems as though they are here to stay, especially with us at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/earlymountainweddings/">Early Mountain Vineyards</a>. &nbsp;Our event spaces are perfect for the ambiance you want to achieve during these colder months - fireplaces, candlelight &amp; warm, soft tones. Lucky for us, our reception hall also doubles as a gorgeous indoor ceremony location. &nbsp;This allows you to focus on adorning our statement fireplace mantles with custom greenery and floral concepts as the perfect backdrop. With full access to our Tasting Room for cocktail hour, your guests can enjoy a crackling wood-burning fireplace and beautiful views of the mountains through floor to ceiling windows. &nbsp;Personal and seasonal touches are always fun to add in to your night as well; spiked hot chocolate bars, apple cider donuts, ornament guest favors, and flannel bridesmaids pajamas are just a few of the many options! Take a look at some of our absolute favorite images from past <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/earlymountain/">winter seasons</a> and see for yourself!&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1679336568/Alex_Tenser_Photography_3f9535281c.jpg" alt="Alex-Tenser-Photography.jpeg"><figcaption>Alex C. Tenser Photography</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1679336726/Eckard_BLOG_d255ed76f8.jpg" alt="EckardBLOG.jpeg"><figcaption>Echard Wheeler Photography</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1679336725/Alex_Tenser_BLOG_4d5fbd3602.jpg" alt="Alex-TenserBLOG.jpeg"><figcaption>Alex C. Tenser Photography</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1679336725/5e80395b957e0a7b202d1cce_Allison_Kuhn_Creative_SUITE_BLOG_6e6fdaec00.jpg" alt="5e80395b957e0a7b202d1cce_Allison-Kuhn-CreativeSUITE-BLOG.jpg"><figcaption>Allison Kuhn Creative</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1679336725/Allison_Kuhn_BMBLOG_af25f3a2fb.jpg" alt="Allison-Kuhn_BMBLOG.jpeg"><figcaption>Allison Kuhn Creative</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1679336725/unnamed_2_81b13b23c8.jpg" alt="unnamed-2.jpeg"><figcaption>Rachel Couch Photography</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1679336725/Eckhard_Wheeler_BLOG_41fb569d93.jpg" alt="EckhardWheeler_BLOG.jpeg"><figcaption>Echard Wheeler Photography</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1679336725/unnamed_3_75b57bb66f.jpg" alt="unnamed-3.jpeg"><figcaption>Allison Kuhn Creative</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1679336725/unnamed_5_1d9f93bbe8.jpg" alt="unnamed-5.jpeg"><figcaption>Molly Hagan Photography</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1679336725/unnamed_10_91f865cf4a.jpg" alt="unnamed-10.jpeg"><figcaption>Mirage Photography</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1679336725/unnamed_15_842a255c2e.jpg" alt="unnamed-15.jpeg"><figcaption>Sam Stroud Photography</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1679336724/unnamed_6_daf3f2714c.jpg" alt="unnamed-6.jpeg"><figcaption>Caroline Meyers Photography</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1679336725/unnamed_1_4f678f54c7.jpg" alt="unnamed-1.jpeg"><figcaption>Rachel May Photography</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1679336725/unnamed_14_3bf72b4077.jpg" alt="unnamed-14.jpeg"><figcaption>Rachel Z. Wilson Photography</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1679336725/unnamed_13_2701e9cfe2.jpg" alt="unnamed-13.jpeg"><figcaption>Robert Matthews Photography</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1679336725/unnamed_11_2692541847.jpg" alt="unnamed-11.jpeg"><figcaption>Audrey Rose Photography</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1679336724/unnamed_9_47f8d39c84.jpg" alt="unnamed-9.jpeg"><figcaption>We Laugh We Love Photography</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1679336724/unnamed_4_efcfd088a0.jpg" alt="unnamed-4.jpeg"><figcaption>Molly Hagan Photography</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1679336725/Caroline_Meyers_BLOG_c073c6ca64.jpg" alt="CarolineMeyersBLOG.jpeg"><figcaption>Caroline Meyers Photography</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1679336726/Stroud_Blog_a8dfe12107.jpg" alt="Stroud_Blog.jpeg"><figcaption>Sam Stroud Photography</figcaption></figure>

How to Wow with a Winter Wedding

Wet season brought challenges- &nbsp;classic whites &amp; rosé, elegant reds&nbsp; &nbsp;Early warmth generated budbreak between April 16 and 27, average for the season, with no major frost event. &nbsp;Rainfall during bloom created lighter and looser clusters, which became helpful later in the season. &nbsp;On a whole, fruit-set was light, both from bloom-time weather and vines naturally balancing themselves from higher yields in 2017, a factor that assisted ripening through the summer. &nbsp;Spring and summer of 2018 were the wettest on record though the rains tended to drive in short bursts and vineyards with well-drained soils were able to respond well through the deluge. &nbsp;With this additional rainfall, vineyard managers saw an increased risk of downy mildew, creating a vintage where meticulous care and attention was especially valuable. &nbsp;Heat events in July and August drove ripeness, with harvest for sparkling wines beginning right on time in mid-August. &nbsp;The lighter sets that were a concern in the spring helped drive earlier ripening and healthy clusters, a benefit given the harvest rain. &nbsp;Fruit for white and Rosé was harvested from mid-to-late August, with a high level of quality in good vineyard sites. &nbsp;As Hurricane Florence approached in September, many winegrowers picked their reds prior to the heaviest rains, truncating and the growing season. &nbsp;Some grapes hung through the rain and continued to ripen later into the season; though on a whole, harvest was rapid and intense. &nbsp;As a result, the 2018 vintage provided many wineries with classical sparkling, whites and rose’ and elegant and lighter bodied reds for earlier release. &nbsp;

2018 Harvest Report

This week five wine, food and travel lovers experienced and documented a curated 36-hour trip through Charlottesville Wine Country. – Chassity Evans of Look Linger Love, Cristin Cooper of The Southern Style Guide, Heather Clawson of Habitually Chic, Nicole McLaren Sunderland of Eat Live Travel Drink, and beverage writer for thirsty Alana Tielmann. &nbsp;The best part? You can enter to win your own wine country experience!&nbsp;While in Charlottesville, the influencers stayed at The Clifton, a boutique hotel focused on seasonal food and local wines. They documented their experience as they enjoyed behind the scenes visits to two popular destination farm wineries, Pippin Hill Farm &amp; Vineyards and Early Mountain Vineyards.&nbsp;During their stop at Pippin Hill, they enjoyed a garden tour from certified horticulturalist Diane Burns and a Vintner’s Table Food &amp; Wine Pairing Experience with Executive Chef Ian Rynecki. At Early Mountain Vineyards, the influencers continued to learn about local, Virginia wine during a winemaking overview from Maya Hood-White a Virginia Table lunch followed by a wine blending competition. Guests also visited Red Pump Kitchen, a vibrant farm-to-table restaurant in the heart of Charlottesville and The Market at Grelan, a destination garden shop and casual café.&nbsp;Guests were transported in luxury by Monticello Wine Tour &amp; Coach Co. while they enjoyed this array of area winemakers and producers in this curated wine country experience.&nbsp;Follow Chassity Evans, Cristin Cooper, Heather Clawson, Nicole McLaren Sunderland, Alana Tielmann, Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards, Early Mountain Winery, The Clifton, Red Pump Kitchen, The Market at Grelen, and Monticello Wine Tour and Coach for a behind the scenes look at 36 Hours in Charlottesville.&nbsp;Does this wine and food experience in Charlottesville Wine Country sound like the ideal getaway for you? Enter to win your own 36 hours in Charlottesville!&nbsp;The 36 Hours in Charlottesville giveaway includes: Pippin Hill Vintner’s Table for Two, Early Mountain Gift Certificate for $150, The Clifton complimentary one night stay for two, Red Pump Kitchen Gift Certificate for $100, and Market at Grelen Gift Certificate for $50. It does not include transportation to Charlottesville or transport once here.‍

36 Hours in Charlottesville

Early Mountain Vineyards is pleased to announce the release of RISE, a new luxury wine from Virginia, crafted in the style of a Bordeaux grand vin. RISE blends Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Tannat from the winery’s flagship Quaker Run vineyard to create this elegant and age-worthy wine.&nbsp;Jean Case who opened Early Mountain Vineyards in 2012 with her husband, Steve Case, commented, “Right from the start at Early Mountain, we dreamed of producing a wine that could stand side by side with the great wines of the world. Our 2015 vintage was the first to offer us that opportunity, proving that patience pays. RISE is an expression of our dedication to quality and excellence, and a reflection of our talented winemaking team including our winemaker, Ben Jordan, and our wine consultant, Paul Hobbs. &nbsp;It is with great pleasure that we now share this special wine with the world.”&nbsp;“Having worked with Jean and the Early Mountain team since the beginning, I’ve been proud to be part of this incredible journey,” said Hobbs. “RISE showcases both the essence of the Quaker Run vineyard, as well as Ben and the team’s focus and dedication; it demonstrates that Virginia has taken its place amongst the great regions of the world.”&nbsp;Early Mountain winemaker, Ben Jordan, shared his thoughts on their newest release, “RISE takes the very best that the terroir of our Quaker Run vineyards, on the southern side of Doubletop Mountain, has to offer. RISE sets a new bar in Virginia for style, character, and elegance, with truly special textural and aromatic qualities.”&nbsp;RISE is available nationally through the Early Mountain website and at select retailers and restaurants in New York, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., at the time of release.‍

Early Mountain launches RISE 2015

We are so honored and pleased to share that Early Mountain Vineyards has been nominated “American Winery of the Year” for the prestigious Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards. Early Mountain is the first Virginia winery, and first East coast winery outside of New York, to be recognized. Each year, Wine Enthusiast honors outstanding achievements in the wine and alcoholic beverage world. The winners will be announced in the magazine’s special “Best of Year” issue.&nbsp;To get a taste of our award winning wines visit our <a href="https://store.earlymountain.com/">online store</a> or one of our <a href="http://www.earlymountain.com/find-our-wine">wine shop or restaurant partners</a>. To read the full list and learn more visit <a href="https://www.winemag.com/2018/09/06/wsa2018nominees/#americanwinery">winemag.com</a>.

Wine Enthusiast Nominates Early Mountain- American Winery of the Year, 2018

We are thrilled to share coverage from The Wine Advocate's recent issue, including a 90 pt review for Eluvium 2015, from Mark Squires. Excerpted below:&nbsp;The first vines were planted in 2005 by prior ownership. The current owners, Jean Case and husband Steve, purchased the property in 2010. In 2015, Early Mountain also acquired Quaker Run Vineyard, 14 miles north of the Early Mountain estate in Madison County. The style here is fresh and elegant—the wines all have mid-palate finesse and a sunny feel. They still need to improve, but I really liked the direction in which Early Mountain is going. These are wines you'll actually want to drink with food. Tag this winery with an "up" arrow and look for even better things in the future. &nbsp;Mark Squire's reviewed the below items from Early Mountain:<ul><li>Eluvium 2015 90 pts</li><li>War &amp; Rust NV 90 pts</li><li>Novum 2015 89 pts</li><li>Petit Manseng 2016 89 pts</li><li>Quaker Run Chardonnay 2016 88 pts</li><li>Quaker Run Chardonnay 2015 88 pts</li><li>Quaker Run Cabernet Franc 2016 88 pts</li><li>Aylor 2014 88 pts</li><li>Chardonnay 2016 86 pts</li></ul>&nbsp;Congratulations to Ben and the wine growing team!

Wine Advocate, Virginia Retrospective, Issue 237 (June 2018)

Come join this harvest dinner featuring Ben Jordan, winemaker at Early Mountain Vineyards as he also presents his "side gig" Lightwell Survey. Nathan Beauchamp, Executive Chef at <a href="https://www.primrosedc.com/">Primrose</a>, will be in the kitchen and is crafting a five course menu, each course paired with an <a href="http://www.earlymountain.com/">Early Mountain</a>+ <a href="https://www.lightwellsurvey.com/">Lightwell Survey</a> selection. Ben will share the story behind each wine and friendly competition will ensue. &nbsp;Come "weigh in" with us at this Rumble in the Vineyard. $95/ticket +tax +tipContact: <a href="mailto:events@earlymountain.com">events@earlymountain.com</a> with any questions and to purchase tickets.&nbsp;Who’s Cooking?<a href="https://www.primrosedc.com/about.html">Nathan Beauchamp</a>, Executive Chef at PrimroseWhen? &nbsp;Sept 7th, 7 pmWhere? Early Mountain Vineyards &nbsp;How do folks get to go?: &nbsp;Reserve your spot by emailing <a href="mailto:events@earlymountain.com">events@earlymountain.com</a> or by calling (540) 948 9005Tickets are $95/person + tax + tip&nbsp;FUN FACT:This dinner celebrates the 117thanniversary of the end of the Boxer Rebellion (September 7th, 1901). &nbsp;We feel this momentous occasion requires celebration. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Featured Wines (seasonal menu will be crafted week of the dinner):Welcome:Early Mountain Brut Reserve 2014Early Mountain Rosé 2017 + Lightwell Survey Dark Days Rosé 2017Early Mountain Foothills 2016 + Lightwell Survey Los Idiots 2016Early Mountain Shenandoah Valley Cabernet Franc 2016 + Lightwell Survey The Weird Ones are Wolves 2016Early Mountain Petit Manseng 2016 + Lightwell Survey Hinterman 2016

Rumble in the Vineyard: Ben vs Ben, Winemaker Dinner

Dave McIntyre's May 18th Washington Post column singled out Early Mountain and our 2017 Rosé in his article There are more good rosés than ever, including a Virginia stunner.&nbsp;Dave writes, "Early Mountain is a Virginia winery riding a rocket. Since Jean and Steve Case, of AOL fame, bought the property in 2011, they have invested in the facility and the vineyards, renovating the former and expanding the latter. They have also brought in an exceptional team headed by chief winemaker Ben Jordan. Current releases include delicious chardonnay and cabernet franc from Quaker Run Vineyard, a leased property in the Blue Ridge foothills." &nbsp;And he awarded the 2017 Rosé his highest score of 3 Stars, Exceptional.&nbsp;For full article visit <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/there-are-more-good-roses-than-ever-including-a-virginia-stunner/2018/05/17/0880cbda-593d-11e8-858f-12becb4d6067_story.html?noredirect=on&amp;utm_term=.fe3546f4fd75">here</a>.

Early Mountain declared a winery "riding a rocket" "3 Stars-Exceptional"

We are excited to announce that in not only have five wines from our portfolio received gold medals in the prestigious 2018 Virginia Governor’s Cup Awards, but also Eluvium 2015 was selected for the Governor's Case, an honor reserved for the top 12 wines in the competition.&nbsp;Since joining Early Mountain in June 2015, Winemaker Ben Jordan has worked with Associate Winemaker and Viticulturist Maya Hood White to continually elevate the profile of Early Mountain wines, and this honor validates the effort and passion they put into viticulture and winemaking. The five awarded wines include three red blends, the 2015 &amp; 2014 Eluvium and 2015 Novum, as well as the 2016 Chardonnay and 2015 Quaker Run Chardonnay. &nbsp;&nbsp;The winning wines all showcase fruit from Quaker Run, a vineyard site in Madison on the southern slope of the Blue Ridge mountains with the ideal altitude, slope and water drainage for grapes of complexity and character. The 2014 addition of Quaker Run, gave Ben and his team access to a greater variety and quantity of high-quality grapes. All of the Gold Medal wines feature Quaker Run grapes with the 2015 Quaker Run Chardonnay grown entirely in the vineyard. &nbsp;The quintessential Virginia red blends, Eluvium and Novum, are respectively Merlot and Cabernet Franc dominated with Petit Verdot complementing the former and Tannat complementing the latter. &nbsp;&nbsp;The 2018 Virginia Governor’s Cup is presented by the Virginia Wineries Association, in partnership with the Virginia Wine Board &amp; the Virginia Vineyards Association. It is known to be one of the most stringent wine competitions in the United States, and this year over 440 wines from 100 Virginia wineries were judged by 40 of some of the most respected wine professionals in the field. For details on the judging criteria and more on the Governor’s Cup, visit <a href="http://www.virginiawine.org/governors-cup">www.virginiawine.org/governors-cup</a>.

Early Mountain Awarded Governor's Case spot and Five Gold Medals in 2018 Governor's Cup

This Fall, Architectural Digest named Early Mountain Vineyards, along with <a href="https://www.bbvwine.com/">Barboursville Vineyards</a>, as one of its favorites in the entire central Virginia wine region.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/new-us-wine-regions">Read the full article here</a>.

In the News | Architectural Digest | The 7 U.S. Wine Regions Giving Napa A Serious Run for Its Money

This June, Garden &amp; Gun helped us celebrate the release of our 2016 Rosé and new label telling their readers this is the wine they'll be drinking all summer long.&nbsp;"Like white pants and seersucker, crisp, refreshing rosé is meant for summer. The rosé we’ll be serving this season, though, doesn’t hail from Provence or Côtes du Rhône, but rather the rolling hills of northern Virginia."&nbsp;<a href="http://gardenandgun.com/articles/made-south-virginia-rose-youll-want-drink-summer/">Read the full article here. &nbsp;</a>

In the News | Garden & Gun | Made in the South: The Virginia Rosé You'll Want To Drink All Summer

In its May issue, Washingtonian Magazine covers Virginia wineries, including Early Mountain Vineyards as a place to stop in a Charlottesville-based itinerary.&nbsp;"Head to <a href="https://www.earlymountain.com/">Early Mountain Vineyards</a>, a festive winery owned by Steve and Jean Case of AOL fame. It offers tasty fresh food and a “best of Virginia” wine selection. Order a grilled panini or salad for lunch on the terrace. Then take a winding, 15-to-20-mile drive to <a href="https://www.ducardvineyards.com/">DuCard Vineyards</a>, near Old Rag Mountain. Surrounded by postcard views and birdsong, the place is passionate about keeping it green. Sustainability efforts include a solar-powered tasting room paneled in reclaimed wood and artificial wetlands to process wastewater from winemaking. Tasting: $8."&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonian.com/2017/05/18/how-to-spend-a-weekend-in-charlottesville-wine-country/">Read the full article here</a>.

In the News | Washingtonian Magazine | How to Spend a Weekend in Charlottesville Wine Country

This blog chatted with the Wine Enthusiast's Carrie Dykes in advance of her panel "Hot Pink! A Discussion on Virginia Rosé" at the 5th Annual Virginia Wine Summit to find out what makes VA rosé special and why she thinks rosé is having a total moment."Do you have a favorite Virginia rosé? And if so, tell me all about it!"&nbsp;"I haven’t tasted them all, but I am really digging a lot of the ones I have tried. My favorite so far is the Early Mountain 2016. It’s super beachy and fun with fresh strawberry, watermelon and pomelo notes; but it is also elegant in balance and acidity. I think the thing that gave this rosé an edge was this absolutely gorgeous white tea note. I’m kinda a sucker for hints of tea in wine."&nbsp;<a href="http://www.theapplecartcompany.com/blog-list/2017/5/9/va-ros-with-wine-enthusiasts-carrie-dykes">Read the full post here</a>.

In the News | The Apple Cart | VA Rosé with Wine Enthusiast's Carrie Dykes

A special correspondent for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Jack Berninger talks to Early Mountain Winemaker Ben Jordan about the growth of rosé how Early Mountain has "concocted one of those rosés that will keep drinkers coming back for more and win over those who think rosés are still nothing more than sweet fruit bombs."&nbsp;"Made from all estate-grown grapes — 60 percent merlot, 25 percent syrah, 10 percent cabernet franc and 5 percent malbec – Early Mountain’s 2016 rosé is a dry, light, bright and refreshing peach and strawberry treat for the mouth. Its alcohol is a low 11.9 percent, and its acidity makes it a great match for most foods." &nbsp;<a href="http://www.richmond.com/food-drink/jack-berninger/wine-spirits-with-ros-enthusiasm-in-full-bloom-explore-virginia/article_e8ee3f70-e5fc-5748-8285-8ae38cc5bc3a.html">Read the full article here.</a>

In the News | Richmond Times-Dispatch | Wine & Spirits: With rosé enthusiasm in full bloom, explore Virginia's choices

According to Arlington's Magazine contributor Adrienne Wichard-Edds, Early Mountain Vineyards in one of five stand-out Virginia wineries to visit:&nbsp;"In 2012, Jean and Steve Case built Early Mountain as a love letter to Virginia. Situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge in the tiny town of Madison (population 230), the venue itself is impressive, with indoor and outdoor spaces built to host everything from casual gatherings to large weddings and events."&nbsp;"But it’s Early Mountain’s “Best of Virginia” program that sets it apart: In addition to serving and selling wines from its namesake label (the rosé is a perennial favorite), the winery also pours a rotating selection of some of the state’s top sips. The roster frequently includes wines from other vineyards, including a top-notch bubbly from Virginia producer Thibaut-Janisson, a nebbiolo from Barboursville—the winery that helped put Virginia wine on the map—and cider from local favorite Foggy Ridge."&nbsp;"Another bonus is Early Mountain’s full-service kitchen, which offers typical vineyard fare, plus a menu of small plates, salads, sandwiches and desserts. This makes it easy to park yourself here for the long haul, whether it’s fireside with a good book or on a picnic blanket with your kids and dog."&nbsp;<a href="http://www.arlingtonmagazine.com/virginia-wineries/">Read the full article here</a>.

In the News | Arlington Magazine | 5 Virginia Wineries Worth Visiting

The Washington Post's Dave McIntyre has this to say about Early Mountain Vineyards' 2016 Rosé:&nbsp;"Here’s your 'drink local' reminder. Six years after the winery was purchased by Steve and Jean Case of AOL fame, and two years after Ben Jordan came aboard as winemaker, Early Mountain seems to be hitting its stride. This sprightly rosé is made with merlot and syrah, and features a pale, pink color and lively refreshing acidity to match its melon and strawberry flavors. ABV: 12.5 percent." &nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/try-a-rose-thatll-make-you-sit-up-and-take-notice-and-more-warm-weather-wines/2017/04/28/d77430e4-26df-11e7-bb9d-8cd6118e1409_story.html?utm_term=.99e3d5630a7d">Read the full article here.</a>

In the News | Washington Post | Try a rosé that’ll make you sit up and take notice, and more warm-weather wines

After a mild winter, Spring came early for us this year at Early Mountain as we welcomed guests to our annual Spring Oyster Festival the first weekend of March. &nbsp;In Virginia, it can be a risky season to gamble with March, after all we’ve had both snow and 85-degree weather within a month. &nbsp;And yet, we decided to take our chances, which resulted in the perfect weekend we had envisioned, full of oysters, wine, and fun for the whole family - our best Oyster Festival yet!&nbsp;Ready for anything, we designed a festival within the walls of the winery, complete with live music from The Currys and Blake Esse, oysters from Rappahannock Oyster Company, and fried chicken from our own Chef Ryan, all pairing perfectly with our spring wines. We received great reviews of the service, wine, and atmosphere, but what made the event so successful were our guests. &nbsp;918 people walked through our doors over the course of those two days - a far greater turnout than we expected and had ever seen in our eight previous Oyster Festivals. They raved about the wine, chicken, oysters, and bands. And the weather? It expanded our indoor event to the rolling hills that surround our winery. &nbsp;People strolled the grounds, many with their dogs, and gazed upon the panoramic views as they walked comfortably soaking up the Spring sun and air.&nbsp;We pride ourselves on our statement that people are at the core of what we do. &nbsp;We strive to be a place where people can leave behind the stressors of life - even just for an hour - and enjoy the company of family and friends over a glass of Virginia wine. &nbsp;Events like our semi-annual Oyster Festivals always remind us that our friends appreciate our dedication to people, to the beautiful place we have in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and to making the best Virginia wine. Cheers!

Sunny Days, Virginia Oysters & the Best VA Wine

Ever experience a wave of anxiety right before you try something new? Like the first time you tried a new roller coaster? Sure, you’ve flown down plenty of drops and flipped upside down more than six dozen times, but the angst leading up to a new ride still leaves a knot in the pit of your stomach.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1679335252/Aaron_Watson_Photography015_efac2586d9.jpg" alt="AaronWatsonPhotography015.jpeg"></figure>&nbsp;At Early Mountain Vineyards, we’ve hosted hundreds of weddings, winemaker dinners, festivals, artisan markets, movie nights and paint days. We know all the twists and turns and the ups and downs, all the small details and the big productions that make up our favorite events. &nbsp;But, as we set our eyes on our mission for continued growth, we are constantly thinking through new ways to welcome clients and friends into our beloved winery. On a winter Saturday in February, we did this by coordinating our very first Finding The One, a local wedding vendor showcase.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1679335289/Aaron_Watson_Photography010_ddf5961307.jpg" alt="AaronWatsonPhotography010.jpeg"></figure>&nbsp;In December, we thought of our vendor friends who were probably doing as we did, looking toward the fast approaching January and February months when winter gifts the hospitality industry with a time to take a step back, get creative, and try something new. &nbsp;We felt a vendor showcase in February would be the perfect time to both bridge the gap of the quiet season and to say thanks to lovely local vendors for their consistent support. &nbsp;Just as any new roller coaster is never boring, we wanted to steer away from the feel of a typical bridal show. &nbsp;We dreamed of an exciting, interactive showcase that featured every vendor’s best work in conjunction with each other.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1679335335/Aaron_Watson_Photography005_3868b69674.jpg" alt="AaronWatsonPhotography005.jpeg"></figure>&nbsp;We envisioned this day to be full of diverse wedding day inspiration for the visiting couples; each table would have a different design, color scheme, and style. We spent the next few months inviting vendors, assigning teams, and organizing a layout. &nbsp;On February 25th, we realized we had blinked and suddenly we were anticipating 30+ wedding professionals to be on property in the next few hours! &nbsp;We had sat in the car and begun the creaking climb to the top, but we had no experience or past records to predict the ride.&nbsp;From 9am until 11am, the simply elegant Event Hall transformed into a ballroom filled by all things wedding. &nbsp;By the beginning of the event, everything from pops of color for tablescapes to modest, humble styles took over the space. There were loud, elaborate flower arrangements, soft floral accents, antique lounging furniture, delicious food displays, a photo booth, hair and makeup professionals, wedding videos and music; meanwhile, photographers caught every move. &nbsp;&nbsp;Attendees walked through the space that day, inspired by the gorgeous presentations and personal attention they received from the vendors. It was a thrilling day as we watched our ideas and vendors’ creativity join together in beautiful unity. Now that we have the experience from which to prepare, we anticipate an even better ride next year!

Finding the One: A Local Wedding Vendor Showcase

Reporting for Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Carrie Bell included Early Mountain's guest cottage in her list of the 10 of the best vineyard vacation spots:&nbsp;"Virginia is for lovers. Wine lovers, that is. Early Mountain Vineyards, an up-and-coming operation dreamed up by a former AOL executive, invites wine lovers to bunk in the 300-acre property’s simple-but-charming one-bedroom cottage set next to rows of gnarled grapevines. The cottage, which is available to book on AirBnB, comes complete a hammock for lazing with a glass of wine while taking in sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A back patio looks onto a historic hilltop barn built in 1811."&nbsp;<a href="https://winejournal.robertparker.com/grape-escapes-wineries-that-want-you-to-sleep-over">Read the full article here.</a>

In the News | Wine Advocate | Grape Escapes: Wineries That Want You to Sleep Over

Here's a glimpse of the menu for our very special winemaker dinner on July 16th. Old and New World wines curated by Sommelier Erin Scala. EMV wines by Winemaker Ben Jordan. Tasting menu by Executive Chef Ryan Collins. $125 per person includes food, wine &amp; gratuity. Member club price is $115. 26 seats available. Call us at 540.948.9005 to reserve your spot. ~ A TOAST TO SUMMER Early Mountain Rosé Virginia ~ FIRST Crudo | Citrus Fruits | Warm Virginia Ham Fat Domaine Matassa Cote Catalanes Blanc, France Chateau Auney L'Hermitage Graves Blanc, France Early Mountain Five Forks, Virginia ~ SECOND Chesapeake Crab | Watermelon | Heirloom Tomato | Elderflower Vinegar McPherson Pinot Gris, Australia Cantina Convento Muri-Gries Pinot Grigio Alto Adige, Italy Early Mountain 'Block 9' Pinot Gris, Virginia ~ THIRD Fried Chicken | Remoulade | Fennel | Rhubarb | Celery Domaine Labet Cotes du Jura Cuvee du Hasard 'Chardonnay de Voile', France Thibaut-Janisson Blanc de Chardonnay, Virginia Early Mountain Chardonnay, Virginia ~ FOURTH Goat Birria | Hand-Pressed Tortillas | Pickled Cactus | Aged Goat Ricotta Domaine de la Bergerie, La Cerisaie, Anjou Rouge, France Early Mountain "Novum", Virginia ~ SUNSET FINISH Pit-Grilled Toast | Caromont Farm Red Row | Jam According to Daniel Thibaut-Janisson Brut Ros VirginiaPRESENTED BY:Early Mountain Vineyards Winemaker Ben Jordan Executive Chef Ryan CollinsFleurie Restaurant &amp; Petit Pois Bistro Sommelier Erin ScalaWITH SPECIAL THANKS TO: Williams Corner Wine Potomac Wine &amp; Spirits

A Very Special Summer Winemaker Supper

Wine growing in Virginia dates back to the early seventeenth century, when English settlers at Jamestown unsuccessfully attempted to cultivate European vines. The coastal climate of the Chesapeake proved inhospitable for grape growing, but modern technology and viticultural techniques have solved these problems. The topography and geology of the state vary, which has led to the production of a wide variety of grapes and vintages. Virginia is currently home to over 200 vineyards, and the growth of the wine industry here has largely been fueled by tourism. One of Virginia's most well-known growing regions is Monticello, which is located in the heart of the Piedmont region and features some of America's oldest vineyards-Jefferson grew grapes here!Monticello covers more than 800,000 acres, and is famous for its chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, and viognier. Another famous wine growing region in Virginia is the Shenandoah Valley, which covers 2.4 million acres along the western edge of Virginia. Like Monticello, the Shenandoah Valley specializes in chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, and cabernet franc; additionally, it is well-respected for its production of merlot.We are thrilled to be listed as one of theTop 10 Vineyards in Virginia by Wine.net! See their top 10 at the link below. Cheers! http://bit.ly/virginia-vineyards

We are thrilled to be listed in the Top 10 Virginia Vineyards from Wine.net!

Early Mountain Vineyards is thrilled to welcome one of Virginia's most up and coming winemakers, Ben Jordan, to our team!Ben previously held the position of General Manager and Winemaker for Michael Shaps Wineworks. He's a native Virginian who began his winemaking career in the Russian River and Dry Creek Valleys of Sonoma County before returning to the East Coast. In addition to his experience, Ben brings to Early Mountain a winemaking philosophy representative of our mission to craft high quality wines that showcase a commitment to the vineyard and the truest expression of place.With extensive experience working with vineyards throughout Virginia, Ben will also oversee the expansion and evolution of Early Mountain's grape production. Ben will continue our "thoughtful viticulture" approach - a cross between organic, biodynamic and conventional grape-growing practices - pioneered by former vineyard manager Jonathan Hollerith who is returning to Germany to run his family winery. Jonathan will remain a close advisor to Early Mountain."Early Mountain has put a great deal of effort into vineyard health and fruit quality, and I'm excited to extend this approach through the harvests to come and the wines we'll make," said Ben.&nbsp;Under Ben's leadership, Early Mountain will continue to grow our wine production and vineyard acreage, with a goal of producing 10,000 cases by 2020. Currently, we have more than 55 acres of vineyard, which includes estate plantings and plantings at Quaker Run, a new site in close proximity to our winery that we believe holds great potential for high-quality fruit production.As part of our 2015 vineyard expansion, we increased our acreage of classic Bordeaux-type varietals such as Cabernet Franc and Merlot and added new varietals including Malvasia Bianca, Sauvignon Blanc and Tannat.We're excited to add to our team and to add to our vineyard acreage. Click here for Ben's full bio and stop by the vineyard soon. &nbsp;

Early Mountain Vineyards is thrilled to welcome one of Virginia's most up and coming winemakers, Ben Jordan, to our team!

Harvest Squash Souppaired with Early Mountain Vineyards 2012 Pinot Gris Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are one in the same; however, our 2102 Pinot Gris is unlike other varieties of its kind: with its more exotic and subtropical profile, like guava and papaya, it can certainly hold up to the rich, fleshy flavors of squash. The wine's bracing acidic finish also coincides perfectly with its antithesis: the creamy weight and decadence of this wintry soup.Chef Jenn's&nbsp;Harvest Squash Soup:<ul><li>1 stick butter</li><li>1 large sweet onion, sliced</li><li>1 large rutabaga, peeled and roughly chopped</li><li>1 sweet potato, peeled and roughly chopped</li><li>1 small butternut squash, peeled and roughly chopped (you can also use the pre-cut butternut)</li><li>5 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped</li><li>‍2 granny smith apples, peeled, core removed and roughly chopped</li><li>water (enough to cover the vegetables)</li><li>1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk can be used)</li><li>3 tablespoons maple syrup</li><li>1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt</li><li>a dash of cayenne pepper (to taste)</li></ul>&nbsp;In a large pot, over medium heat, add the butter and onions. Cover and allow the onions to break down for about 10 minutes. Stir every few minutes. Add the additional vegetables along with 1 tablespoon of sea salt, and enough water to cover the vegetables. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer for about 30 minutes, or until all of the vegetables are soft and easily break apart. Remove from the heat and carefully puree the soup in small batches in a blender until smooth. Add the heavy cream, additional salt, cayenne and maple syrup while blending. Add water to adjust the consistency and additional salt and maple syrup as needed, or to your personal preference. Enjoy!

Chef Jenn's December Wine & Food Pairing

Leek, Bacon &amp; Apple Bread PuddingPaired withEarly Mountain Vineyards 2012 Malbec Merlot RosDuring this time of year, with Thanksgiving looming, Rosis our "go to" wine for pairing with holiday meals. Varying styles make it extremely versatile, and in the case of our 2012 vintage, this style was made for a food pairing. Its hue is bright pink, nearly iridescent in color, and its profile is dry and acidic. One sip and you may think you've bitten into the juicy rind of a watermelon. Pair it with a hearty dish like this savory take on "bread pudding" and your senses will be wowed by this non-traditional pair!Baking the apples help to tone down the wine's (and the apple's) tartness, while the salty pork accents the Ross fruity side. The result: a hearty pair, albeit with crisp and refreshing finish.&nbsp;Chef Jenn's Leek, Bacon &amp; Apple Bread Pudding<ul><li>2 cups Leeks (white and light green part only), washed and cut into inch slices</li><li>1 lb bacon, sliced into small strips</li><li>1 teaspoon garlic, chopped</li><li>4 tablespoons butter</li><li>2 granny smith apples, small diced</li><li>12 cups of crustless brioche bread cut into 1 inch cubes</li><li>1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped</li><li>3 large eggs</li><li>3 cups whole milk</li><li>3 cups heavy cream</li><li>Freshly grated nutmeg</li><li>1 teaspoon sea salt</li><li>teaspoon freshly ground black pepper</li><li>1 cup shredded gruyere</li></ul>‍ Preheat the oven to 350 ‍ Slice the leeks in half lengthwise and submerge under water to release any dirt. Drain, dry and cut into inch slices. Place a large sautpan or wide pot over medium heat and add the bacon. Allow the bacon to crisp, stirring as needed for up to 10 minutes. Add the butter, garlic and leeks. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and allow the leeks to slowly release liquid, break down and become soft, about 30 minutes. Stir every 5-10 minutes. Add the apples and cook for an additional 5 minutes. While the leeks are cooking, spread the brioche cubes on a sheet pan and toast for 15-20 minutes until dry, not browned. ‍ Combine the bread, leek mixture, thyme and cup of the cheese in a bowl. In another bowl whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, nutmeg, sea salt &amp; pepper. Coat a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray. Add the bread mixture, then cover with the milk and egg mixture. Let soak for about 15 minutes. Top with the remaining cup of cheese and a touch of sea salt. Bake for 1 hours or until the pudding feels set and the top is brown and bubbling.‍

Thanksgiving Wine & Food Pairing

Don't miss out on our November promotions and specials! 2011 Early Mountain Chardonnay Light oak character lends notes of coconut and spice, complimented nicely by tropical fruit aromas. No secondary fermentation keeps the acidity fresh but balanced with the rich mouth feel. Look for an evolving aroma of pineapple, clove, and orange marmalade as the wine warms in the glass. 1-6 bottles - 20% off total cost 7-12 bottles - 30% off total cost‍ 2011 Early Mountain Ros Who brought the watermelon? Like the fruit it resembles, our 2012 Malbec-Merlot Rosis refreshing on its own and instantly brings "fun" to the table. But this dynamic wine has a serious side too--it's completely dry. Made of 79% Merlot and 21% Malbec, and vinified the traditional way by resting on its skins 24 hours, the 2012 Rospairs great with both salty and herbal foods, from charcuterie plates to anything influenced by mint or basil. This strikingly bright, iridescent pink wine is for those that take good times seriously! 1-6 bottles - 20% off total cost 7-12 bottles - 30% off total cost Mix &amp; Match! Purchase any of the below quantities of Early Mountain wines and receive a percent off your total purchase! 3 bottles - 5% off 6 bottles - 10% off 12 bottles - 15% off PLUS! Buy any 6 bottles (either Early Mountain or our Best of Virginia partners) and receive a FREE wine tote with your purchase!

November Promotions

We have "fall back" and so have our hours! Please take note of our new winter hours starting on Monday, November 4. See you at the vineyard soon!&nbsp;Monday: 11AM-5PM&nbsp;Tuesday: Closed&nbsp;Wednesday: 11AM-5PM&nbsp;Thursday: 11AM-5PM&nbsp;Friday:11AM-8PM&nbsp;Saturday: 11AM-5PM&nbsp;Sunday:11AM-5PM

Early Mountain New Winter Hours!

As we fall back and say goodbye to summer, we are excited about all of the delicious winter comfort foods using fresh local products. For November, our Chef Jenn, is featuring local Organic Butcher wild boar and bacon sausages with sautéed peppers. This is the perfect fall dish to enjoy around the fire with your family! Wild Boar &amp; Bacon Sausage with Sautéed Peppers Serve with our Early Mountain Vineyards Handshake Red Serves 4 INGREDIENTS‍<ul><li>8 each Organic Butcher wild boar &amp; bacon sausages</li><li>1 bell pepper, any color, sliced</li><li>1 sweet onion, sliced</li><li>Olive Oil, Sea Salt &amp; Pepper</li><li>1 cup grainy mustard</li><li>1 cup Dijon mustard</li></ul>&nbsp;TO PREP Cut the outside of the pepper into 4 large pieces. Discard the stem, seeds and center. From here you can julienne (cut into strips) the pepper easily.&nbsp;METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. 2. On a sheet pan with sides, drizzle the sausage with a small amount of olive oil, and roast in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through. 3. Have the pepper cleaned, prepped and cut uniformly. 4. Heat the sauté pan on high. 5. Add a small amount of Olive Oil. 6. Add the onion, and sauté quickly for about 2 minutes. 7. Add the pepper and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Season with Sea Salt &amp; Pepper. 8. Combine both grainy &amp; Dijon mustards, and set aside 9. Serve the sausage with sautéed peppers &amp; onions, and mustard (if desired)&nbsp;TIPS &amp; SUGGESTIONS *For grilled sausages with sautéed peppers and onions, serve with buns, Dijon or grainy mustard and a mixed green salad. One pepper and one onion will accommodate up to 8 sausages

Chef Jenn's Recipe of the Month - November

Celebrate cider this November for VA Cider Week at Early Mountain Vineyards with our latest"wineflight".Fizzy hard cider is back!Back in the day, our forefathers drank crafted hard cider because it was safer than water and John Adams honestly believed this beloved beverage did keep the doctor away.He drank a tankard of cider every morning with breakfast!However, with prohibition, our cider heritage suffered: apples made for cider (generally high in tannins and acidity) were forsaken for sweeter apples, more suitable for eating.As a result, many of the mass market ciders we became familiar with were sweet and more akin to wine coolers.Thankfully, over the last decade, a handful of American producers are beginning to revive the craft, and in Virginia, we proudly boast 9 cider producers who are putting heritage-style craft cider back on our table. &nbsp;‍ Help us celebrate our heritage instyle! Taste through 4 differentstylesof cider from 3 of our favorite Virginia Cideries: Foggy Ridge, Albemarle Ciderworks and Potter's Craft. Our carefully selected flight starts withAlbemarle CiderWorks' GoldRush.While most ciders are made from a blend of many different types of apple, this cider is a rare treat because it achieves structure and balance with a single variety, the Gold Rush apple.Expect a refreshing and zingy tartness, but don't drink likeJohnAdams with this one at 10% alcohol, this is stronger than the average joe!Next up,side-by-side examples of what barrel aging means to cider, brought to you by the dynamic duo behindPotter's Craft Cider.Their Farmhouse Dry is similar to a Belgian-style beer.It's also dry and refreshing, but has a structured yeasty note on the finish.It's followed by Potter's Craft Oak Barrel Reserve, which spends time aging in brandy barrels, and imparts a creamy, full mouth feel with intense vanilla and brandied caramel notes. The last cider in our flight is from first official cider maker in Virginia - and arguably the "grand dame" of the East Coast's Cider resurgence,Diane Flynt ofFoggy Ridge Cider.Her Sweet Stayman is mainly comprised of the old-fashioned Stayman apple.It is comparable to a fine-tuned Riesling.It's tart, but also slightly sweet and an excellent pair with spicier dishes.

An Apple A Day: Celebrate Cider Week with Early Mountain

This month Virginia is celebrating it's 25th Annual Wine Month! ?Be sure to visit one of the over 230 vineyards and see what all the buzz is about!&nbsp;Also, don't miss toasting Thomas Jefferson's vision of viticulture during this guest-to-chef dinner supporting Monticello and the thirty wineries that make up the Monticello Wine Trail. The dinner will be held on Satuday, October 5 from 5pm-9pm. Enjoy fare from 6 local chefs cooking at individual food stations, paired with tastings of five complementing wines.? Guests will have the rare opportunity to meet and mingle with notable local chefs:<ul><li>Ian Boden of Glass Haus Kitchen</li><li>Morgan Hurt &amp; Gabe Garcia of Kitchen</li><li>Harrison Keevil of Brookville Restaurant</li><li>Aaron Cross of Keswick Hall</li><li>Curtis Shaver of Hamiltons' at First &amp; Main SweetHaus</li></ul>&nbsp;Music by the Downbeat Project. Tickets are $125 each, and $25 (tax deductible) of each ticket supports the Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello. Purchase your tickets here!

October is VA Wine Month

Don't miss out on our October promotions and specials! ‍ 2011 Early Mountain Viognier Our 2011 Viognier is peach nectar, but without all the sweet. Dry stone and mineral tones are accented by vivid white fruit, as if the quartz in our vineyard were brushed with peaches and cream. The result is a vibrant, unpretentious wine perfect for sharing with friends. 1-6 bottles - 20% off total cost 7-12 bottles - 30% off total cost Chatham Vineyards: 2010 Steel Church Creek Chardonnay The perfect pairing wine for any seafood dish! Come by &amp; try a sample while you are here! 3 Bottles - $48.60 (10% discount) 6 Bottles - $91.80 (15% discount) Case - $162 (25% discount) Mix &amp; Match! Purchase any of the below quantities of Early Mountain wines and receive a percent off your total purchase! 3 bottles - 5% off 6 bottles - 10% off 12 bottles - 15% off ‍ PLUS! Buy any 6 bottles (either Early Mountain or our Best of Virginia partners) and receive a FREE wine tote with your purchase!

October Promotions

Don't miss out on our September promotions and specials!‍ 2011 Early Mountain Viognier Our 2011 Viognier is peach nectar, but without all the sweet. Dry stone and mineral tones are accented by vivid white fruit, as if the quartz in our vineyard were brushed with peaches and cream. The result is a vibrant, unpretentious wine perfect for sharing with friends. 1-6 bottles - 20% off total cost 7-12 bottles - 30% off total cost‍ Chatham Vineyards: 2010 Steel Church Creek Chardonnay The perfect pairing wine for any seafood dish! Come by &amp; try a sample while you are here! 3 Bottles - $48.60 (10% discount) 6 Bottles - $91.80 (15% discount) Case - $162 (25% discount) Mix &amp; Match! Buy any 6 bottles (either Early Mountain or our Best of Virginia partners) and receive a FREE wine tote with your purchase!

September Promotions & Specials!

Join us at Early Mountain and take "flight"! Enjoy a 2 oz pour of 4 wines, featuring Early Mountain Vineyards, Best of Virginia Partnership, &amp; some of our favorites from across the State. Check out our list below!&nbsp;"Fall" In Love with Early Mountain Wines: $12<ul><li>Early Mountain Vineyards 2012 Pinot Gris</li><li>Early Mountain Vineyards 2011 Chardonnay</li><li>Early Mountain Vineyards 2011 Petit Manseng</li><li>Early Mountain Vineyards 2011 Handshake Red Blend</li></ul>‍‍ Blending Is Trending in Colors White &amp; Pink:&nbsp;$12<ul><li>Trump Winery 2008 Sparkling Rosé</li><li>Early Mountain Vineyards 2012 Malbec Merlot Rosé</li><li>Early Mountain Vineyards 2012 Block 11 White</li><li>Breaux Vineyards 2012 Jennifer's Jambalaya‍ &nbsp;</li></ul>‍ Get Your Red On! Zoned for Red Wine Lovers: $15<ul><li>Lovingston Winery 2011 Pinotage</li><li>Ankida "Rockgarden Cellars" 2011 Voyage de Rouge Blend</li><li>Early Mountain Vineyards 2011 Handshake Red Blend</li><li>Sunset Hills Vineyards 2010 Cabernet Franc‍ &nbsp;</li></ul>‍ Best Of Virginia 4 Favorites from our Partners: $17<ul><li>Thibaut-Janisson NV Sparkling Blanc de Chardonnay</li><li>Chatham Vineyards 2010 Church Creek Chardonnay</li><li>Ankida Ridge Vineyards 2011 Pinot Noir</li><li>Breaux Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Franc Reserve‍</li></ul>

New Flights!

Join us on Saturday, August 24 for a special visit and cheese sampling from our friends at Everona! They will be joining us to sample 4 of their delicious cheeses in our tasting room all day! We will also be offering a special wine and cheese flight in our Market Place! ‍ Pinot Gris, 2012 Our Gris shares some of the same characteristics as its cheese partner: a "flagship" variety for Early Mountain which produces a more aromatic example of Gris, exhibiting creamy notes of lychee, papaya, guava and a bracing acidic finish. Paired With: Piedmont Tasting Notes:Piedmont is Everona Dairy's flagship cheese. Similar to manchego, but with an edible rind. Has special cultures to produce a more flavorful cheese. Nutty and sweet, with a distinctive, delicious after taste and fruity notes with a creamy texture. ‍ Viognier, 2011 If Viognier had a billboard, it would read: "like drinking fuzzy peaches, with a spicy honeysuckle finish." Our Viognier showcases these characteristics but is also encased by apricot pit, which like the rind of this cheese, complements the creamy peach-like core. Paired with: Pride of Baccus Tasting Notes:Our signature Piedmont cheese soaked in lees from Early Mountain Vineyards for a beautiful rind with a smooth texture in the center. The nutty flavor of the cheese mixes well with the fruitiness of the wine. ‍ Block 11, 2012 Mandarins, orange blossoms, pineapples...this white blend of Petit Manseng and Muscat will bring you to the tropics. But, just as you are settling into its lush fruitiness, your palate will surrender to a lingering sharp acidity that will penetrate the smokiness of this cheese. The pairing will leave you wondering if you are on a tropical volcanic island. Paired With: Smoked Piedmont Tasting Notes:Our Piedmont cheese that is hickory smoked to create a mild smoky rind that complements the creamy, nutty , fruity flavor of the cheese. ‍ Muscat Dolce, 2009 A dessert wine, like orange marmalade, not too cloying but begging for a creamy acidic companion. Paired with this milder version of blue, creamy, yet tinged by the acidity of a sheep's milk, Dolce's orange-like sweetness finishes on a more citrusy, nuttier note; and the cheese's encore sings more blues. Paired with: Skyline Blue Tasting Notes:Skyline is a camembent-style on the inside, blue on the outside. Its shelf life is not as long as the harder cheeses but the is addicting! At room temperature the cheese gets runny and creamer.

Everona Cheese Tasting

Don't miss out on our August promotions and specials!&nbsp;2011 Early Mountain Viognier Our 2011 Viognier is peach nectar, but without all the sweet. Dry stone and mineral tones are accented by vivid white fruit, as if the quartz in our vineyard were brushed with peaches and cream. The result is a vibrant, unpretentious wine perfect for sharing with friends. 1-6 bottles - 20% off total cost 7-12 bottles - 30% off total cost&nbsp;Chatham Vineyards: 2010 Steel Church Creek Chardonnay The perfect pairing wine for any seafood dish! Come by &amp; try a sample while you are here! 3 Bottles - $48.60 (10% discount) 6 Bottles - $91.80 (15% discount) Case - $162 (25% discount)&nbsp;Mix &amp; Match! Buy any 6 bottles (either Early Mountain or our Best of Virginia partners) and receive a FREE wine tote with your purchase!‍

August Promotions

Early Mountain Vineyards is rolling outFood Truck Fundays, starting Sunday, July 7thfrom12-4pmwith the Blue Ridge Pizza Company, a wood-fired oven pizza truck based in Charlottesville, VA serving up seasonally inspired pizzas utilizing fresh ingredients and local produce whenever possible. There will be live music, and guests can enjoy one of the many flights or wines by the glass available in the tasting room. The series will continue on Sunday, July 21stwith the Mosaic Edibles Food Truck.The Mosaic food truck is the extension of the popular Mosaic Restaurant &amp; Catering, located in Richmond and Suffolk, VA, and Charleston, SC, serving comfort food such as a grilled cheese with smoked Gouda and pimento, and falafel with garlic mayo on grilled pita. Future dates will be announced for the rest of the summer. ‍ The menus forSunday 7/7and 7/21 are as follows: Sunday July 7- Blue Ridge Pizza Company (blueridgepizza.com) 12pm-4pm<ul><li>organic red sauce | mozzarella | BIG pepperoni</li><li>olive oil | local green tomatoes | roma tomatoes | fresh mozzarella | basil</li><li>red &amp; white grapes | olive oil | blue cheese | rosemary</li><li>*Cheese is always available and we also have a gluten free option available</li></ul>&nbsp;Sunday July 21- Mosaic (mosaicedibles.com) 12pm-4pm<ul><li>Braised Beef Quesadilla - Shredded season beef with cheddar cheese quesadilla</li><li>Pork Jibarito - Seasoned shredded pork with Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato and garlic aioli served on grilled plantains</li><li>Grilled Cheese - Smoked gouda pimento cheese on wheatberry bread</li><li>Dips &amp; Spreads - Smoked Gouda Cheese Dip &amp; Edamame Hummus served with pita chips and wheat crostinis</li><li>Falafel - Seasoned chickpea patties with lettuce, tomato, cucumber and garlic mayo served on grilled pita</li></ul>

Food Truck Fundays!

Join us for a fun-filled 4th of July weekend at the Vineyard! We are launching our new feature flight,Firework Fizzes, featuring sparkling wines from around Virginia! The flight will includeVeritas Winery Scintilla, Thibaut-Janisson Blanc de Chardonnay, Afton Mountain Vineyards Bollicine and Trump Winery Sparkling Rose. The flight will be $15 and will run until we are out of bubbles! This 4th weekend, we will also be feauturing our 2011 Muscat Dolce dessert wines and a great new cocktail book featuing the wine as a key ingredient! We will be sampling the Muscat Fizz all weekend, so be sure to ask one of our associates to learn more! Can't wait to see you at the Vineyard!

July 4th Weekend Specials

Don't miss out on our July promotions and specials! 2011 Early Mountain Viogner Our 2011 Viognier is peach nectar, but without all the sweet. Dry stone and mineral tones are accented by vivid white fruit, as if the quartz in our vineyard were brushed with peaches and cream. The result is a vibrant, unpretentious wine perfect for sharing with friends. 3 Bottles - 20% off 6 bottles - 25% off 12 bottles - 30% off Chatham Vineyards: 2010 Steel Church Creek Chardonnay The perfect pairing wine for any seafood dish! Come by &amp; try a sample while you are here! 3 Bottles - $48.60 (10% discount) 6 Bottles - $91.80 (15% discount) Case - $162 (25% discount) Mix &amp; Match! Buy any 6 bottles (either Early Mountain or our Best of Virginia partners) and receive a FREE wine tote with your purchase!

July Promotions

Don't miss out on our June promotions &amp; specials! ‍ Chatham Vineyards: 2010 Steel Church Creek Chardonnay The perfect pairing wine for any seafood dish! Come by &amp; try a sample while you are here! 3 Bottles - $48.60 (10% discount) 6 Bottles - $91.80 (15% discount) Case - $162 (25% discount) ‍ Mix &amp; Match! Buy any 6 bottles (either Early Mountain or our Best of Virginia partners) and receive a FREE wine tote with your purchase! Plus 10% off all Early Mountain Vineyard Wines by the case!

June Promotions

Join us Friday, June 14 from 5pm-8pm as we host our very own Chef Jenn for a book signing for her new cookbook, Olive Oil, Sea Salt and Pepper. While you are here be sure to join her in sampling some of the delicious recipes from her book as she makes them right in our tasting room!&nbsp;Cooking demos will take place at 5:00pm, 6:00pm and 7:00pm.&nbsp;Learn more about Olive Oil, Sea Salt and Pepper here.

Chef Jenn's Cooking Demo & Book Signing

Join us on Thursday, June 27 at 6:30pm as we partner with Trummer's on Main in Clifton, VA for an Early Mountain Wine Dinner! Menu Rappahanock River Oysters on the Half Shell apple &amp; celery granit 2011 White Vine North Carolina Snapper cucumber . mint . israeli couscous &amp; curried date chutney 2012 Malbec Merlot Rose Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin braised collard greens . grilled peaches &amp; bourbon glaze 2008 Merlot Duo of Sorbets honey dew sorbet . blueberry sorbet . sugar donuts Barboursville Phileo Dessert Wine (A Best of Virginia Partner Winery)&nbsp;Cost:$115 per person (excluding tax and gratuity)&nbsp;For reservations, please email Diana Roderique at DRoderique@trummersonmain.com or call 703.266.1623.‍

Early Mountain and Trummer's on Main Wine Dinner

Join us as we welcome John Kiers from Ox-Eye Vineyards to Early Mountain on Saturday, February 9. John will be pouring samples of his 2011Riesling that is featured in our tasting room. ‍ 2011 RieslingTasting Notes Off Dry Citrus nose with lemon and a hint of honey. Flinty, with bright acidity. Perfect with shellfish. Will age very well. ‍ About Ox-Eye Ox-Eye is in Augusta County, near Staunton, Virginia. It has a top elevation of 1830 ft. with slopes that face east-southeast. It was dubbed Ox-Eye after the ox-eye daisies that at times proliferate the landscape. The Kiers family planted their first two acres of grapevines in 1999, eventually covering 20 acres with vines. The site has proven to be an excellent one. The limestone base provides vital nutrients for healthy vines and fruit. The deep soil allows the vines to thrive without irrigation. Even during drought years there has been little to no drought stress. The constant breezes help control diseases and create good air drainage to combat frost. The diurnal shift helps ripen fruit with some of the highest sugars in Virginia without loss of acidity. ‍ After selling grapes to area wineries for over a decade, the Kiers family built their own winery in 2010 and now bottle 100% Estate wines from fruit grown on their farm. Learn more athttp://www.oxeyevineyards.com.

Guest Pouring at Early Mountain! (4)

Spring cleaning is in full swing in our Market Place! We will have lots of great deals and Mother's Day gift ideas! We will be doing a pre-sale on Sunday, May 5 from 11am-6pm, then the sale really gets going May 10, 11, 12! Items will be marked in the tasting room. Can't wait to see you here!