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;