The New Era: Lost Mountain

Written by Dulcy B. Hooper | Photo by ToddWrightPhoto.com

Wine enthusiasts following the trajectory of Virginia wineries have no doubt heard the news with a sip of pride for what has been accomplished since Rutger de Vink’s vineyard produced its first vintage in 2008. 

Described as “the upstart winery determined to prove that Virginia wine could stand proudly among the world’s best in quality and price,” the sale of RdV has become the first major wine investment in Virginia by a foreign entity in nearly 50 years. The purchase and accompanying rebranding were announced in June in a joint statement from RdV and the new owners, brothers Martin and Olivier Bouygues.

The brothers are known for having developed one of France’s largest family conglomerates, operating in construction, media, and telecommunications. They oversee four exclusive French wine estates (including Bordeaux’s famed Chateau Montrose), a Cognac house, and a truffle farm. The acquisition of RdV represents their first step abroad, French investment in Virginia wine, and the opportunity to highlight their group by naming it Eutopia Estates, “the place of the good, of the joy.”

Rutger de Vink will stay on as a consultant through the 2024 harvest. He’s praised the winery’s team and supporters, stating that “we have created a world-class wine and helped put Virginia on the worldwide wine map.” Founding member and Master of Wine Joshua Grainer will continue his work, alongside Pierre Graffeuille, CEO of Chateau Montrose.

According to the announcement, doing business as “Lost Mountain” rather than RdV aims to pay tribute to the “remarkable terroir of this ancient knoll once beloved by George Washington.” ML

Lost Mountain
2550 Delaplane Grade Road
Delaplane, VA 20144
(540) 364-0221

Published in the October 2024 issue of Middleburg Life.