Andrew & patricia
Andrew and Patricia met and fell in love in Nottingham, England while Andrew was a young Neurologist and Patricia was a nurse. Their careers brought them to the east coast of the U.S. in the early 1970s, where they stayed until settling in Florida in the 1990’s. After successfully raising their three children and and at the height of their careers they decided to take a leap of faith and pursue their passion, wine. In 1999 they bought Saddleback Farm, which at the time was a simple horse and cattle farm. Patricia saw the potential in the land and planted several acres of grapes with a wish and prayer.
By 2001, they had their first vintage ready for production. That year, Andrew tried his hand at winemaking with great success and their love for the Virginia wine industry blossomed. Since then, Patricia and Andrew have worked tirelessly to expand on their vision, bringing Veritas into the world of events and the fine hospitality at the Farmhouse.The business is truly a family affair as they have been joined by all three of their children in the running and development of the business.
FOUNDERS AND OWNERS
Veritas Winery was started by Andrew and Patricia Hodson in 1999. Born out of their love of wine and commitment to producing quality wine, Veritas has grown into a 20-year-old family business that is on the leading edge of the Virginia wine industry. With over 50 acres in the Monticello wine region, and producing a complex portfolio of wine ranging from sparkling to beautifully balanced red wines, Veritas wine quality starts in the vineyard, and the terroir of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Winemaker Emily Pelton, daughter of Andrew and Patricia, has been the winemaker at Veritas for over 15 harvests and continues to author the beginning chapters of a young and vibrant wine region. Her philosophy is simple - she strives to give each varietal natural, balanced expression by focusing on attention to detail and cultural practices. Her old-world principles of viticulture and vinification are met with her innovative take on winemaking using state of the art technology and principles to capture the true essence and character of each varietal.
Family
Meet the
Emily moved to Virginia in 1999 with the intention of taking a year off of school to help her parents and sister Chloe transition as they moved from Florida to Virginia. While starting a vineyard in Virginia seemed like a far-flung idea to Emily to start, she quickly fell in love with the beauty of the industry and the area and decided to stay and pursue a career in the wine industry. Emily and Andrew worked alongside each other as a team in the inception of Veritas, and Andrew held down the fort when she went to Virginia Tech to get her Masters degree in oenology (fermentation science). Now fifteen vintages in, Emily has become head winemaker and proud mother of two beautiful girls, Lydia and Charlotte, who have grown up on the farm and watched the winery and the vineyard grow. Emily is one of the few winemakers who cut her teeth in the Virginia wine industry. She feels strongly that with select varietals and true Virginia-grown fruit our industry will be unstoppable. Her philosophy involves trying to achieve natural, balanced expression of the fruit by focusing on attention to detail and cultural practices. But most of all, she just tries to stay out of the way as she allows the wine to show off the beauty of where the grapes were grown.
LEAD WINEMAKER
EMILY Pelton
George Hodson took on the role of General Manager in the Summer of 2012 when he and his wife Tralyn relocated from Jacksonville, FL with their two beautiful daughters, Hailey and Amelia. George is the only son of Andrew and Patricia, and graduated from Emory University with a degree in Neuroscience before joining the family business.The family can often be found enjoying the beautiful Virginia weather through various activities on the farm and around the vineyards. George and his family are active members of City Church of Charlottesville, and when not working his pastimes include hunting, and spending time with his girls.
George, Tralyn, Hailey & Amelia Hodson
Chloe and Elliott first met when they were children in Elliott’s grandparent’s backyard. They reconnected years later when Elliott came to work at Veritas during the summer holiday from his winemaking program at Plumpton College in the U.K. What started as a great friendship and working relationship quickly blossomed into a romance and a year later they were married amongst the newly planted vines on Veritas’ highest vineyard. Chloe is Andrew and Patricia’s youngest daughter and the winery’s Project Manager, ensuring that all new ventures are approached with Veritas’ commitment to quality. She has worked in every department at the winery, from mowing the fields, to working in the vineyard, and planning weddings and events. Elliott is the Assistant Winemaker at Veritas and works alongside Emily. His attention to detail and passion for good, clean wine make him a wonderful addition to the family team. Their fur-baby Goose can frequently be seen bounding across the winery lawn and greeting guests with his good looks and a good nature.
Chloe, Elliott, Isla & Elsie
VERITAS TEAM
MEET THE
(Click on a team member to view more)
ANDREW HODSON
Andrew didn’t just start at Veritas, he actually started Veritas, planting the vines over 15 years ago with his bare hands. Andrew was born in Bideford, Devon, England and before becoming our chief bottle washer was a skilled Pediatric Neurologist. Andrew always appreciates a good joke.
Petit Verdot paired with a nice filet mignon.
Owner
Favorite Wine
PATRICIA HODSON
Patricia is often considered the heart of Veritas. Alongside her husband, Andrew, Patricia’s vision has helped to build our small family business into what it is today. Patricia was born in Shropshire, England and currently resides here on Saddleback Farm with her husband and flock of sheep. Oh, and she loves to dance, as many of you may know from attending our many Starry Nights and other Veritas events.
Cabernet Franc paired with our own home grown lamb.
Owner
Favorite Wine
EMILY PELTON
As the oldest daughter of the owners, it can be said that Emily has been here since the beginning of Veritas time. She moved to the farm in 1999 to take care of her youngest sister, Chloe, and helped get the vineyard started. Quickly, she fell in love with life here in Afton and enrolled in Virginia Tech’s Fermentation Science program. She’s been making wine here at Veritas ever since. Emily has a newfound passion for fishing and is truly obsessed with UVa Basketball (despite being a Tech grad!) She has two beautiful daughters and resides here in Afton.
Sauvignon Blanc paired with fresh raw oysters or Cabernet Franc paired with rare steak, red peppers and foie gras.
Winemaker
Favorite Wine
GEORGE HODSON
George joined the family business in 2012 after moving from his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida. After years in the surgical device sales industry, George now manages the business operations of Veritas and its sister companies. He is currently President of Virginia Wineries Association and The Monticello Wine Trail. George currently lives in Crozet with his wife, Tralyn, and two beautiful daughters.
Petit Verdot paired with fresh venison tenderloin.
CEO
Favorite Wine
ANDREW HODSON
Andrew didn’t just start at Veritas, he actually started Veritas, planting the vines over 15 years ago with his bare hands. Andrew was born in Bideford, Devon, England and before becoming our chief bottle washer was a skilled Pediatric Neurologist. Andrew always appreciates a good joke.
Petit Verdot paired with a nice filet mignon.
Owner
Favorite Wine
PATRICIA HODSON
Patricia is often considered the heart of Veritas. Alongside her husband, Andrew, Patricia’s vision has helped to build our small family business into what it is today. Patricia was born in Shropshire, England and currently resides here on Saddleback Farm with her husband and flock of sheep. Oh, and she loves to dance, as many of you may know from attending our many Starry Nights and other Veritas events.
Cabernet Franc paired with our own home grown lamb.
Owner
Favorite Wine
EMILY PELTON
As the oldest daughter of the owners, it can be said that Emily has been here since the beginning of Veritas time. She moved to the farm in 1999 to take care of her youngest sister, Chloe, and helped get the vineyard started. Quickly, she fell in love with life here in Afton and enrolled in Virginia Tech’s Fermentation Science program. She’s been making wine here at Veritas ever since. Emily has a newfound passion for fishing and is truly obsessed with UVa Basketball (despite being a Tech grad!) She has two beautiful daughters and resides here in Afton.
Sauvignon Blanc paired with fresh raw oysters or Cabernet Franc paired with rare steak, red peppers and foie gras.
Winemaker
Favorite Wine
GEORGE HODSON
George joined the family business in 2012 after moving from his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida. After years in the surgical device sales industry, George now manages the business operations of Veritas and its sister companies. He is currently President of Virginia Wineries Association and The Monticello Wine Trail. George currently lives in Crozet with his wife, Tralyn, and two beautiful daughters.
Petit Verdot paired with fresh venison tenderloin.
CEO
Favorite Wine
BILL TONKINS
ASHLEY MILLER
JOEL WALDING
Associate Winemaker
Vineyard Manager
Facilities Manager
Director of Culinary Operation / Executive Chef
ELLIOTT WATKINS
Elliott joined the Veritas Family from his hometown in Brighton, England in 2012. These days you can find him in the cellar working alongside Emily. He has a two year old black lab named Goose who he (and George) loves to take waterfowl hunting.
Viognier paired with smoked salmon.
Associate Winemaker
Favorite Wine
Bill TONKINS
Bill moved to Afton in 2007 with his wife Diane, and since that time has been managing over 100 acres of Veritas’ Vineyards. Bill is Patricia’s older brother and has been enjoying his role in the vineyard after a long and successful career in the British Army. Bill is a past president of the VVA (Virginia Vineyard Association) and a gubernatorial appointee to the Virginia Wine Board. In addition to the vineyards he manages for Veritas, Bill has his own vineyard of Petit Verdot which he lovingly calls Aftonshire.
Petit Verdot paired with some fine chocolate.
Vineyard Manager
Favorite Wine
JOEL WALDING
Joel Walding grew up in Nova Scotia Canada, where his love of food and service began at an early age. He later moved to Houston, Texas where he attended the International Culinary Academy and graduated with honors. He arrived at Veritas as Chef de Cuisine at the farmhouse while honing his love of customer interaction and farm to table cuisine. After a brief stint as a Private Chef, Joel returned to Veritas as the Executive chef in 2016. Joel lives in Palmyra with his wife Kelly, and two daughters Avery, and Savannah.
Claret paired with blackberry glazed duck breast, whole grain fingerling potatoes, blackened asparagus, red onion jam, and a merlot reduction
Director of Culinary Operation / Executive Chef
Favorite Wine
ELLIOTT WATKINS
Elliott joined the Veritas Family from his hometown in Brighton, England in 2012. These days you can find him in the cellar working alongside Emily. He has a two year old black lab named Goose who he (and George) loves to take waterfowl hunting.
Viognier paired with smoked salmon.
Associate Winemaker
Favorite Wine
Bill TONKINS
Bill moved to Afton in 2007 with his wife Diane, and since that time has been managing over 100 acres of Veritas’ Vineyards. Bill is Patricia’s older brother and has been enjoying his role in the vineyard after a long and successful career in the British Army. Bill is a past president of the VVA (Virginia Vineyard Association) and a gubernatorial appointee to the Virginia Wine Board. In addition to the vineyards he manages for Veritas, Bill has his own vineyard of Petit Verdot which he lovingly calls Aftonshire.
Petit Verdot paired with some fine chocolate.
Vineyard Manager
Favorite Wine
JOEL WALDING
Joel Walding grew up in Nova Scotia Canada, where his love of food and service began at an early age. He later moved to Houston, Texas where he attended the International Culinary Academy and graduated with honors. He arrived at Veritas as Chef de Cuisine at the farmhouse while honing his love of customer interaction and farm to table cuisine. After a brief stint as a Private Chef, Joel returned to Veritas as the Executive chef in 2016. Joel lives in Palmyra with his wife Kelly, and two daughters Avery, and Savannah.
Claret paired with blackberry glazed duck breast, whole grain fingerling potatoes, blackened asparagus, red onion jam, and a merlot reduction
Director of Culinary Operation / Executive Chef
Favorite Wine
TERRY MORRIS
ABBY WILSON
EMILY CLEMENSON
Marketing Manager
Tasting Room Manager
Wine Club Manager
Events Manager
TERRY MORRIS
Terry has been part of the Veritas Tasting Room team since 2005. She is the proud mother of 2 children, Eric and Kaylan and the grandmother of 2 more, Jameson and Emma. She currently lives in her hometown of Crozet, with her cat, Lola.
Vintner’s Reserve paired with a medium rare ribeye steak.
Tasting Room Manager
Favorite Wine
BEKAH ERKEL
Bekah's love for all things creative is met with a desire to genuinely connect through relationship marketing. She finds joy in generating an authentic branding voice through compelling copy, luxury photography, and innovative stylizing. When she’s not creating she enjoys traveling and taking in all the beauties this life throws her way. Her “free” time is usually spent on horseback, wine tasting with friends or enjoying a podcast on business development.
Viognier paired with a particularly hot indian or thai curry.
Marketing Manager
Favorite Wine
ABBY WILSON
Abby relocated to Crozet in August with her husband from Washington State where she worked at Chateau Ste. Michelle. She has put her extensive experience and expertise to work in restructuring and refocusing the Veritas Wine Club over the past months. She enjoys hiking, hanging out with her gentle giant dog (Sirius), drinking wine, reading about wine, and rock climbing with her husband Derrick.
Scintilla paired with a great veggie pizza, or for the non vegetarians sparkling wine goes great with fried chicken Vintners Reserve: savory mushroom dish, or just enjoyed on it's own.
Wine Club Manager
Favorite Wine
EMILY CLEMENSON
Emily relocated to Charlottesville from Lynchburg in 2018, where she worked in the wedding industry for over six years. One of the things she enjoys most about the wedding day is the joy of witnessing the exchanging of the vows between bride and groom. Her commitment to each and every couple’s vision and attention to every last detail are some of the reasons Veritas couples come to value and trust her fervently. When she isn’t making Bride’s and Groom’s dreams come true at her day job she is also currently working towards her Masters in Executive Leadership. She loves spending time with her adorable baby niece, working out at the gym, eating plenty of tacos, hiking or hanging out with family and friends.
Vintner's reserve paired with roasted chicken and mushroom risotto
Events Manager
Favorite Wine
BEKAH ERKEL
Bekah joined the team in July of 2019. Her love for all things creative is met with a desire to genuinely connect through relationship marketing. She finds joy in generating an authentic branding voice through compelling copy, luxury photography, and innovative stylizing. When she’s not creating she enjoys traveling and taking in all the beauties this life throws her way. Her “free” time is usually spent on horseback, wine tasting with friends or enjoying a podcast on business development.
Viognier paired with a particularly hot indian or thai curry.
Marketing Manager
Favorite Wine
TERRY MORRIS
Terry has been part of the Veritas Tasting Room team since 2005. She is the proud mother of 2 children, Eric and Kaylan and the grandmother of 2 more, Jameson and Emma. She currently lives in her hometown of Crozet, with her cat, Lola.
Vintner’s Reserve paired with a medium rare ribeye steak.
Tasting Room Manager
Favorite Wine
ABBY WILSON
Abby relocated to Crozet in August with her husband from Washington State where she worked at Chateau Ste. Michelle. She has put her extensive experience and expertise to work in restructuring and refocusing the Veritas Wine Club over the past months. She enjoys hiking, hanging out with her gentle giant dog (Sirius), drinking wine, reading about wine, and rock climbing with her husband Derrick.
Scintilla paired with a great veggie pizza, or for the non vegetarians sparkling wine goes great with fried chicken Vintners Reserve: savory mushroom dish, or just enjoyed on it's own.
Wine Club Manager
Favorite Wine
EMILY CLEMENSON
Emily relocated to Charlottesville from Lynchburg in 2018, where she worked in the wedding industry for over six years. One of the things she enjoys most about the wedding day is the joy of witnessing the exchanging of the vows between bride and groom. Her commitment to each and every couple’s vision and attention to every last detail are some of the reasons Veritas couples come to value and trust her fervently. When she isn’t making Bride’s and Groom’s dreams come true at her day job she is also currently working towards her Masters in Executive Leadership. She loves spending time with her adorable baby niece, working out at the gym, eating plenty of tacos, hiking or hanging out with family and friends.
Vintner's reserve paired with roasted chicken and mushroom risotto
Events Manager
Favorite Wine
JESSEE MCDOWELL
SHANNON MARSHALL
TARA DURSO
Venue Manager
HR & Accounting Manager
HR & Accounting Manager
