2024 Joy Ting "Clair" Pinot Gris, Monticello AVA, Virginia

Joy Ting started her wine career at a dinner table. A science teacher with a Ph.D. in applied biology from Georgia Tech, she found herself at a fateful dinner with Michael Shaps in 2013 and asked how things were going at the winery. He said he needed a lab tech before the next harvest. Six months later, her adventure began. She trained under some of Virginia’s most noted winemakers — Michael Shaps, Ben Jordan, Jake Busching — took on the winemaking role herself in 2016, launched her own independent label, and was named Virginia Wine Person of the Year for her role as Research Enologist for the Winemakers Research Exchange, where she bridges science and agriculture by helping producers across the Commonwealth conduct practical cellar experiments that elevate the quality of Virginia wine as a whole. A woman winemaker, scientist, former teacher, and one of the most genuinely impactful figures in the Mid-Atlantic wine scene.

“Clair” is Joy’s newest release and her most personal expression yet: a classically styled Pinot Gris from Virginia’s Monticello AVA that leads with easygoing, porch-ready charm — and then reveals something more serious underneath. Bright natural acidity, clean minerality, fresh pear, apple blossom, and subtle citrus zest on the nose. A plump, luscious mouthfeel with a touch of aromatic spice and genuine textural richness that lets it hold beautifully at the dinner table. Bright, delicious, and refreshing on the surface, with an extra layer of structural complexity that rewards attention. Perfect for porch weather. Perfect for picnic weather. Perfect for “I refuse to turn on the oven” weather.

Wine Details & Tasting Notes

Tasting Notes: Vibrant, crisp, and refreshing with bright natural acidity and clean minerality. Aromas of fresh pear, apple blossom, and subtle citrus zest. Plump and luscious on the palate with a touch of aromatic spice and rich texture. Easygoing charm on entry with a distinctly serious, structured finish that transitions effortlessly from patio sipper to dinner table companion.

• Origin – Monticello AVA, Virginia, USA
• Producer – Joy Ting Wine; woman winemaker and owner; Joy Ting, Ph.D. (applied biology, Georgia Tech; former science teacher; trained at Michael Shaps Wineworks under Shaps, Ben Jordan & Jake Busching; Research Enologist, Winemakers Research Exchange; Virginia Wine Person of the Year)
• Varietal – Pinot Gris (100%)
• Style – Dry white wine (crisp; mineral-driven; textured; terroir-driven; approachable)
• ABV – 13.0%

Food Pairing

The fresh pear, apple blossom, citrus zest, luscious texture, and clean minerality of this Monticello AVA Pinot Gris make it one of the most versatile and crowd-pleasing Virginia whites you can pour. Pairs beautifully with grilled shrimp, pan-seared scallops, and fresh crab — the bright acidity and mineral character complement seafood effortlessly. The plump, textured mouthfeel makes it a wonderful companion for creamy goat cheese, soft brie, and herb-roasted chicken. Also excellent alongside light pasta dishes, vegetable risotto, and any dish that benefits from a white wine with both freshness and genuine presence. A natural for porch season, summer picnics, Premier Club selections, and any occasion that calls for a wine as intelligent and approachable as the scientist who made it. Serve at 46–50°F.

Occasion

This is your go-to Virginia Pinot Gris — the bottle for Premier Club selections, warm-weather entertaining, meaningful gifting, and sharing with the wine lover who appreciates terroir-driven, science-informed, woman-made winemaking from one of Virginia’s most accomplished and genuinely impactful winemakers. “Clair” is Joy Ting’s newest release — and based on everything she’s built so far, it won’t be available long.

Wine Producer / Historical Notes

Joy Ting’s entry into wine began with a dinner conversation and a harvest season lab tech job in 2013. A science teacher with a Ph.D. in applied biology from Georgia Tech, she brought a researcher’s rigor to the cellar from day one — training under Michael Shaps, Ben Jordan, and Jake Busching at Michael Shaps Wineworks before taking on the winemaking role herself in 2016. She launched her own independent label to focus on approachable, terroir-driven wines designed to encourage people to linger longer and connect over meals. Beyond her personal label, Joy serves as Research Enologist for the Winemakers Research Exchange — working with winemakers across the Commonwealth to design and execute cellar experiments that elevate regional wine quality and share results with the broader Virginia wine community. It is a role that combines her love of teaching, her background in research science, and her deep commitment to Virginia wine’s future — and it earned her the title of Virginia Wine Person of the Year.

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