Veritas Vineyard and Winery

Visit Veritas, a Virginia Winery Near the Blue Ridge Mountains

Jun 4, 2009

Located on the Monticello Wine Trail, Veritas Vineyard and Winery is one of Virginia's 140 plus wineries and provides a delightful day in the country for visitors.

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Veritas Vineyard and Winery in Afton, Virginia offers visitors a relaxing respite from the busyness of city life. The winery is located about 70 miles from Charlottesville, Virginia and is an easy day trip. With dramatic views of the countryside, visitors will want to plan on taking photos. The winery is on the Monticello Wine Trail. From a distance the green roofs of Veritas provide a contrast to the light beige winery buildings. A long, white porch graces the tasting room. Visitors may want to take time to purchase a glass of wine and enjoy it on the veranda.

In 1992 Andrew and Patricia Hodson opened Veritas Vineyard and Winery. They chose the name Veritas from a quote by Pliny, a Roman historian who noted: "In Vino Veritas" which translates to "In Wine There is Truth." The Hodsons believe that "the truth in our wine is in our grapes." Today they have 25 acres of vines and a large tasting room. A spacious event room is available for special events including weddings while a smaller area overlooking the tasting room is perfect for smaller private events. Today the winery continues as a family-run winery. Andrew and his daughter, Emily, are the winemakers, while Patricia is the vineyard manager. Emily's husband, Edward Pelton, is in charge of the tasting room and special events. The Hodsons' daughter, Chloe is focusing on earning a Masters Degree in viticulture.

Veritas Vineyards and Winery Tasting Room

The tasting room has a warm, subdued décor. A stone fireplace surrounded by leather seats heightens the expectations for visitors. Conversation areas are provided throughout the large tasting room. A high ceiling and low lighting including chandeliers handcrafted by Edward Pelton, add to the ambiance.

Veritas produces several wines using their own grapes. They also purchase grapes from nearby wineries. Wines produced include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Rose, Kenmar, Claret, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Othello and Mousseux.

Red, White, Sparkling and Dessert Wine Award

As a winemaker, Emily achieved a top award in 2007 for the Kenmar 2005. She was the Overall Winner of the Red, White, Sparkling and Dessert wine categories in the Women Winemakers Challenge portion of the 2007 National Women's Wine Competition.

Wine Events at Veritas

During the summer, once a month on Saturday evenings, Veritas Vineyard and Winery offers outdoor Starry Night events. These special events include wine and live music. Cost varies between $15 and $50 depending on seating and food. An exciting way to greet the New Year is The Masked Ball that includes wine, a winemaker's dinner, dancing and an early morning breakfast.

Winery Tasting and Tour Schedule

Consider visiting Veritas with a picnic lunch. Enjoy a chance to experience peace in the country just a day trip away.

The copyright of the article Veritas Vineyard and Winery in Virginia Travel is owned by Kathleen Sullivan. Permission to republish Veritas Vineyard and Winery in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.