One of America’s Most Respected Wine Writers Selected for Immersive Harvest Fellowship in Virginia Wine Country
July 15, 2026 (Madison, VA) — Recognizing the important role thoughtful journalism plays in helping readers better understand wine, the inaugural Early Mountain Vineyards Wine Writer Fellowship was launched in June as an investment in the future of wine writing. The opportunity drew 70 applicants from 17 states—including professionals covering agriculture, food, travel, education, science, and religion, as well as an investigative journalist, a television screenwriter, a poet, and both emerging and veteran wine writers—underscoring strong interest in meaningful access to vineyards, harvest, winemaking, and the people shaping American wine.
“Journalists play an important role in helping people understand wine beyond what’s in the glass,” said Jon Ruel, President of Early Mountain Vineyards. “We created this Fellowship because we believe thoughtful reporting requires time, curiosity, and firsthand experience.”
Today, Early Mountain announced Lettie Teague as its inaugural Wine Writer Fellow. For more than three decades, Teague has been one of America’s most respected voices in wine journalism. She began writing about wine in 1995, served as Executive Wine Editor at Food & Wine magazine from 1997 to 2009, and was wine columnist for The Wall Street Journal from 2010 through 2026. Earlier this year, she launched Wine in Words, her independent publication on Substack, joining a growing number of accomplished journalists exploring new ways to connect directly with readers. A three-time James Beard Award winner—including the prestigious M.F.K. Fisher Distinguished Writing Award—Teague continues to shape conversations about wine while embracing the evolving media landscape.
“Lettie has spent her career helping readers understand wine with intelligence, humor, and perspective,” Ruel said. “She has a remarkable ability to find stories that resonate with both devoted wine lovers and people new to wine. We’re excited to welcome her to Virginia and see what captures her interest.”
Teague commented, “I fell in love with the wines of Virginia and their producers over fifteen years ago. There was the pastoral landscape- rolling hills, untrafficked roads – but more importantly, there was the fact that the state’s best producers were happy to stake their reputation on less famous grapes like Cabernet Franc and Petit Manseng (while producing first-rate examples of popular grapes like Chardonnay). While I admired this ingenuity, it was the sense of possibility that intrigued me the most, and thanks to Early Mountain Vineyards, I will have a front-row seat to it all. I feel truly honored to be named the first Early Mountain Vineyards Wine Writing Fellow.”
As part of the Fellowship, Teague will spend five days at Early Mountain Vineyards during the 2026 harvest, working alongside Winemaker Maya Hood White and the vineyard team while gaining firsthand with fruit evaluation, fermentation decisions, cellar work, harvest logistics, and the countless decisions that shape a vintage. Teague will also visit additional leading Virginia wineries and receive a $5,000 unrestricted stipend to support future reporting and writing inspired by the residency.
Beyond the Fellowship itself, Early Mountain looks forward to continuing relationships with the many exceptional applicants through future educational opportunities, winery visits, media events, and wine sampling designed to deepen understanding of Virginia wine.
The enthusiastic response to the inaugural Fellowship has encouraged Early Mountain Vineyards to establish the program as an annual initiative, with applications for the 2027 Fellowship expected to open in April 2027.
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, Virginia, and spanning 300 acres, the winery stands with 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.
Early Mountain Vineyards is located at 6109 Wolftown-Hood Road, in Madison, 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 http://www.earlymountain.com or call 540.948.9005.
