One Virginia winery is getting some attention in the national spotlight. Maya Hood White, a winemaker and viticulturist at Early Mountain Vineyards, is a nominee for Wine Enthusiast’s 2024 Wine Star Winemaker of the Year award.
“Maya is truly one of the most technical and creative winemakers I have ever met and her unique ability to conjure the best expression of each individual section of our vineyards is reflected across our portfolio,” said Early Mountain president Jon Ruel, in a news release.
Early Mountain Vineyards, located in Madison, opened in 2012, and Hood White joined the team shortly after, in 2014. The winery offers single-varietal wines such as the Quaker Run Chardonnay, tannat, and petit manseng. It focuses on using low-intervention techniques that show off Virginia’s terroir.
About Hood White, Wine Enthusiast said, “Her minimal intervention technique in the cellar, use of perpetual lees and other innovative techniques make it so the wines of Early Mountain Vineyards stand out and help elevate her region, which is gaining interest by vintage.”
“I am grateful to the Wine Enthusiast team for this recognition that puts our quality driven approach and winegrowing region in the spotlight,” said Hood White. “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.”
Hood White was among five nominees for the Winemaker of the Year category. Across all 11 Wine Star categories, she is the only Virginia winemaker to receive a nomination.
Wine Enthusiast plans to celebrate the winners in its Best of Year issue and at a black-tie gala in January.
Early Mountain Vineyards: 6109 Wolftown-Hood Rd., Madison
Feature image of Maya Hood White by Sarah Petras Photography
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