Acclaimed Virginia Winery Introduces Inaugural Harvest Residency and $5,000 Fellowship Designed to Support Writers Exploring Wine through the Lenses of Agriculture, Hospitality, or Sense of Place
June 16, 2026 (Madison, VA) — Early Mountain Vineyards, one of Virginia’s leading wineries and a champion of the Commonwealth’s wine industry, announces the launch of the Early Mountain Vineyards Wine Writer Fellowship, an immersive residency designed to support emerging and established writers interested in exploring wine through the lenses of agriculture, hospitality, or sense of place.
The inaugural Fellowship will take place September 30-October 4, 2026, during harvest, one of the most dynamic seasons at the winery. The selected Fellow will enjoy a five-day residency at Early Mountain Vineyards, hands-on harvest experience alongside the winery’s viticultural and winemaking team, visits to some of Virginia’s most respected wineries, and a $5,000 unrestricted stipend to support the selected Fellow’s reporting and writing following the residency.
Founded in 2012 by Jean and Steve Case, Early Mountain Vineyards was built on the belief that Virginia can produce wines that stand alongside the finest in the world. Over the past decade, the winery has helped elevate Virginia’s reputation through critically acclaimed wines, focused site and varietal selection, and a commitment to showcasing the region’s extraordinary agricultural and culinary abundance.
Jon Ruel, President of Early Mountain Vineyards, says: “The Fellowship represents a natural extension of our mission to elevate Virginia wine to the national stage through authenticity, education, hospitality, and a profound sense of place. We hope the program fosters thoughtful, long-form storytelling around emerging American wine regions, culinary tourism, agriculture, and the people shaping the future of the industry.”
The Fellowship includes:
- A five-night residency at Early Mountain Vineyards from September 30 through October 4, 2026
- Immersive access to vineyard and winery operations during harvest
- Hands-on participation in harvest activities alongside Winemaker Maya Hood White
- Exposure to fruit evaluation, fermentation decisions, cellar work, blending discussions, and harvest logistics
- Visits and tastings with some of Virginia’s most respected wineries and winemakers
- VIP access to Early Mountain’s Taste of Virginia Grand Tasting on October 4, showcasing leading Virginia wineries, restaurants, and artisanal producers
- A $5,000 unrestricted stipend intended to support the selected Fellow’s reporting and writing projects following the residency
Applications for the inaugural Early Mountain Wine Writer Fellowship are open now and will be accepted through July 5, 2026. The selected Fellow will be announced on July 15.
Writer qualifications, application requirements, and submission details can be found at https://www.earlymountain.com/wine-writer-fellowship.
ABOUT EARLY MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS
Founded in 2012, Early Mountain Vineyards has put Virginia on the global wine map with accolades from Decanter, Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and more. Located in Madison, VA, and spanning 300 acres, the winery stands on a reputation built on viticultural innovation and quality. Early Mountain has emerged as the gateway to Virginia wine country and a welcome introduction to this newly recognized yet deeply historic U.S. wine region. As the country marks its semiquincentennial, there’s no better time to visit than now.
Early Mountain Vineyards is located at 6109 Wolftown-Hood Road, in Madison, Virginia, 90 minutes from Dulles International Airport and less than two hours from Washington, D.C. The winery is open Thursday through Monday, from 11am-5:30pm, with extended dinner hours on Fridays throughout the summer. For reservations, to purchase wine, or to learn more about the vineyards, the team, and their vision, please visit www.earlymountain.com or call 540.948.9005.
