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;

Jon shared his excitement, saying, "Joining Early Mountain Vineyards is an incredible opportunity to contribute to a winery that is already a leader in quality. I believe that this pioneering region, the talented team, and the unique terroir at Early Mountain have all the qualities to produce wines and experiences that can break through with wine-loving consumers worldwide. Together, we will build on the winery’s strong foundation and carve out an exciting future."&nbsp;As we move forward, Jon’s leadership will guide us as we continue to embrace our unique terroir, focus on quality, and share our passion for Virginia wines with the world. Early Mountain Vineyards is more than just a winery; it’s a destination where the essence of Virginia’s landscapes, flavors, and hospitality come together in every glass.&nbsp;We invite you to join us on this new journey and discover what’s next for Early Mountain Vineyards. Come visit us, explore our wines, and be part of the journey. Together, we look forward to this next exciting chapter, Virginia through and through.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more on our wines, events, and to plan your visit,&nbsp;<a href="http://earlymountain.com">earlymountain.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dl1y77tpm/image/upload/v1694273143/Screenshot_2023_09_09_at_11_24_34_AM_28dcd6fc7f.png" alt="Screenshot 2023-09-09 at 11.24.34 AM.png">