Against the backdrop of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, since 2002 and every year since, the vintners of Veritas Vineyard and Winery have been producing a variety of both red and white Virginia wine.
The secret to their unique, yet complex wine is the result of blending the old-style practices of French wine making with the cooler climate found in the Shenandoah Valley.
Planting their first vines in 1999, their inaugural vintage came two years later. A French hybrid of the Gewürztraminer, the Traminette varietals are reportedly as sweet as a dessert wine but with citrus and honey hues.
Joining the family business owned by Andrew and Patricia Hodson, in 2003, daughter Emily takes viticulture as seriously. So much so that only two years after joining Veritas, Emily’s 2005 Traminette won the Women Winemakers Challenge Portion of the 2007 National Women’s Wine Competition. An honor ordinarily coveted by a west coast vineyard, Emily proves that good wine can come from the Mid-Atlantic States.
Veritas produces approximately 18 different varities of wine in both red and white. Their whites include: Chardonnay 2008, Kenmar 2007, Mousseux 2006, Petit Manseng 2008, Saddleback Chardonnay 2008, Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Scintilla, Viognier 2009, and White Star 2008.
Their Reds include: Cabernet Fanc, 2008 or a 2007 reserve, Claret 2008, Merlot 2008, Othello 2007, Red Star 2008 and a Rosé 2008.
Veritas is open Monday thru Friday from 9:30 to 5:30 and offers wine tasting and tours. They charge $5.00 per red or white flight of wines. This price can be discounted if you are purchasing a bottle or preferably a case from them. If you have eight or more in your party, please call ahead to arrange a tour.
If it has always been your dream to have your wedding at a vineyard, there are four facilities to choose from, depending on the size of your party. From 50 to 250, Veritas can easily accommodate your special event.
If you thought winemaking was exclusive to California, let the Virginia wines of Veritas delight your taste buds. You’ll never look at wine quite the same again.
Veritas is just one of the many Virginia vineyards and wineries that you can visit on a wine tour in Central Virginia. For lodging, choose from many different options, including hotels, b&b’s, and virginia cabin rentals.
For more information about Veritas, please call them at: 540-456-8000 or visit their website: http://www.veritaswines.com. They are located at 151 Veritas Lane in Afton, Virginia 22920 .