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.
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.
2022 Petit Manseng – Gold | 95 Points
A true flagship for us—and now, a standout on the global stage—the 2022 Petit Manseng received Gold and 95 points, placing in the top 5% of all wines entered. It was described by judges as “texturally gastronomic” and “fabulous,” and is only the 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.
2021 RISE | 93 Points
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
Franc delivers depth, structure, and a distinct sense of place—hallmarks of our most ambitious red wine.
2021 Eluvium | 94 Points
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 94 points, this blend is the anchor of our premier red portfolio.
2022 Quaker Run Cabernet Franc | 94 Points
Sourced from our mountainside Quaker Run vineyard, this single-vineyard Cabernet Franc showcases precision, purity, and aromatic lift. The 94-point score reflects the clarity of expression possible from this distinct site. This 2022 vintage will be released later this year.
Shop the 2021 Quaker Run Cabernet Franc
COMING Fall 2025, shop 2021 Cabernet Franc
This recognition is a powerful moment not just for us, but for the entire Virginia wine industry. As our President, 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.”
Join Us in Celebrating
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.
Explore our Premier Wines
View the full 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards
Thank you for your support and for helping elevate Virginia wine to greater heights.
