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 Hodson, 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.
EMILY, LYDIA & CHARLOTTE
EMILY HODSON - HEAD WINEMAKER
EMILY HODSON - HEAD
WINEMAKER
George 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
GEORGE HODSON - CEO
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 Hodson
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.
Head 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 HODSON
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.
Head 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
ANDY SHIPMAN
Associate Winemaker
Vineyard Manager
Executive Chef
Director of Operations
JESSEE MCDOWELL
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
ANDY SHIPMAN
Chef Andy was born in Virginia and raised in the Shenandoah Valley, where he lives with his wife and three sons. While studying at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, he worked for Top Chef contestant Joy Crump at her restaurant FOODE. In 2010, he first joined Veritas as Sous Chef. Three years later, he went down the road and took up the mantle of Sous Chef at the Farmhouse at Veritas. He served as the Chef at the Farmhouse from 2014-2020. When he isn't busy in the kitchen, he enjoys spending time with his family, books, and open-wheel racing.
Scintilla paired with tacos.
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
ANDY SHIPMAN
Chef Andy was born in Virginia and raised in the Shenandoah Valley, where he lives with his wife and three sons. While studying at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, he worked for Top Chef contestant Joy Crump at her restaurant FOODE. In 2010, he first joined Veritas as Sous Chef. Three years later, he went down the road and took up the mantle of Sous Chef at the Farmhouse at Veritas. He served as the Chef at the Farmhouse from 2014-2020. When he isn't busy in the kitchen, he enjoys spending time with his family, books, and open-wheel racing.
Scintilla with tacos.
Executive Chef
Favorite Wine
JESSEE MCDOWELL
Jesseé has been with Veritas since 2013, taking care of everything and everyone. When he isn’t ensuring that the Veritas ship is sailing smoothly, you can find him playing golf or basketball or cooking up a storm from behind the grill.
Petit Verdot with steak.
Director of Operations
Favorite Wine
JESSEE MCDOWELL
Jesseé has been with Veritas since 2013, taking care of everything and everyone. When he isn’t ensuring that the Veritas ship is sailing smoothly, you can find him playing golf or basketball or cooking up a storm from behind the grill.
Petit Verdot with steak.
Director of Operations
Favorite Wine
LYNDSEY RANDALL
Marketing Manager
Events Manager
RONA DEVITO-HUNTLEY
Wine Club Manager
SHANNON MARSHALL
Accounting Manager
ARIANA MCCARTHY
HR and Accounting Manager
SHANNON MARSHALL
Shannon has been with Veritas since 2018. She graduated from LU with a degree in Accounting and Business. Shannon lives in the Valley with her husband Corey and two children, Elyanah and Zach. In her free time, Shannon enjoys drawing, decorating, cooking, sitting on her front porch, and spending time with her German Short-haired Pointer, Rip.
Accounting Manager
Favorite Wine
Petit Verdot and Claret
SHANNON MARSHALL
Shannon has been with Veritas since 2018. She graduated from LU with a degree in Accounting and Business. Shannon lives in the Valley with her husband Corey and two children, Elyanah and Zach. In her free time, Shannon enjoys drawing, decorating, cooking, sitting on her front porch, and spending time with her German Short-haired Pointer, Rip.
Accounting Manager
RONA DEVITO-HUNTLEY
With a background in customer service, events, and working with the Deaf, Rona graced Veritas with her presence in the summer of 2021. She has a deep appreciation of good food, wine, and spirits coupled with a love of weekend adventures, live music, vintage cars, and discovering new places in the company of family and friends.
Scintilla paired with life's many celebrations!
Wine Club Manager
Favorite Wine
Rona Devito-huntley
With a background in customer service, events, and working with the Deaf, Rona graced Veritas with her presence in the summer of 2021. She has a deep appreciation of good food, wine, and spirits coupled with a love of weekend adventures, live music, vintage cars, and discovering new places in the company of family and friends.
Scintilla paired with life's many celebrations!
Wine Club Manager
Favorite Wine
LYNDSEY RANDALL
Lyndsey, a native of Spokane, Washington, relocated to Charlottesville at 16. After studying Marketing and Journalism at Virginia Commonwealth University, she dove into the legal world, working at the University of Virginia School of Law and the American Bar Association. Her pursuit of legal knowledge led her to Loyola University Chicago’s School of Law in Rome, Italy, where she earned her Master of Jurisprudence, the equivalent of a Master of Law for non-lawyers. However, her passion for wine grew during her time in Europe. After spending multiple years advocating for victims of violence at Legal Aid in Charlottesville, she now heads the Veritas Marketing Department, blending her love for wine with her marketing skills. Alongside her professional life, she teaches yoga, runs a small flower farm, and enjoys quiet moments with her husband and three cats.
Marketing Manager
Favorite Wine
2021 Claret or any of our Sparkling Wines
Lyndsey Randall
Lyndsey, a native of Spokane, Washington, relocated to Charlottesville at 16. After studying Marketing and Journalism at Virginia Commonwealth University, she dove into the legal world, working at the University of Virginia School of Law and the American Bar Association. Her pursuit of legal knowledge led her to Loyola University Chicago’s School of Law in Rome, Italy, where she earned her Master of Jurisprudence, the equivalent of a Master of Law for non-lawyers. However, her passion for wine grew during her time in Europe. After spending multiple years advocating for victims of violence at Legal Aid in Charlottesville, she now heads the Veritas Marketing Department, blending her love for wine with her marketing skills. Alongside her professional life, she teaches yoga, runs a small flower farm, and enjoys quiet moments with her husband and three cats.
2021 Claret or any of our Sparkling Wines
Marketing Manager
Favorite Wine
ARIANA MCCARTHY
Ariana joined The Farmhouse at Veritas as an Innkeeper and Retreat Coordinator in January, 2023, before moving to the Accounting and HR department in May 2024. She received a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from Florida State University and spent time professionally in Ireland, Austria, and Wyoming before settling in Staunton, VA.
Petit Verdot
HR and Accounting Manager
Favorite Wine
ARIANA MCCARTHY
Ariana joined The Farmhouse at Veritas as an Innkeeper and Retreat Coordinator in January, 2023, before moving to the Accounting and HR department in May 2024. She received a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from Florida State University and spent time professionally in Ireland, Austria, and Wyoming before settling in Staunton, VA.
Petit Verdot
HR and Accounting Manager
Favorite Wine
CHRIS HURST
Assistant Winemaker
CODY MCGEHEE
The Farmhouse Executive Chef
Farmhouse Innkeeper
JONATHAN GONZALEZ
DEAN HUGHES
Facilities Manager
DEAN HUGHES
Dean Hughes, a local to Afton, graduated from Nelson County High School in 1999. The first half of his career was spent working as a mechanic at local automotive shops. He transitioned into facilities management at Blue Mountain Brewery, where he worked for 7 years before joining Veritas in 2022. Dean’s vast knowledge and experience in plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry have greatly benefited us; he is a genuine “Jack of All Trades.” When he’s not “saving the day” at Veritas, you will likely find him at a ball field, fishing, hunting, or at the beach with his family. Dean resides in Afton with his wife, Crystal, and their four boys, Trevor, Mason, Levi, and Easton.
Claret
Facilities Manager
Favorite Wine
DEAN HUGHES
Dean Hughes, a local to Afton, graduated from Nelson County High School in 1999. The first half of his career was spent working as a mechanic at local automotive shops. He transitioned into facilities management at Blue Mountain Brewery, where he worked for 7 years before joining Veritas in 2022. Dean’s vast knowledge and experience in plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry have greatly benefited us; he is a genuine “Jack of All Trades.” When he’s not “saving the day” at Veritas, you will likely find him at a ball field, fishing, hunting, or at the beach with his family. Dean resides in Afton with his wife, Crystal, and their four boys, Trevor, Mason, Levi, and Easton.
Claret
Facilities Manager
Favorite Wine
CHRIS HURST
Chris moved to Afton in January 2019 after working for 11 years at an NFL sports agency in Cleveland, Ohio. On a whim, he applied for and received the harvest internship position at Veritas for the 2019 season. Following the 2019 harvest, he began working full-time as a cellar assistant. Under the guidance and tutelage of head winemakers Emily Hodson and Elliott Watkins, Chris worked his way up to his current position of assistant winemaker. Outside the wine industry, he enjoys rooting for Cleveland sports teams, playing basketball and drums, and spending time with his wife, Robin, and English bulldog puppy, Walter.
Sauvignon Blanc, Veritas Reserve
Assistant Winemaker
Favorite Wine
Chris HURST
Chris moved to Afton in January 2019 after working for 11 years at an NFL sports agency in Cleveland, Ohio. On a whim, he applied for and received the harvest internship position at Veritas for the 2019 season. Following the 2019 harvest, he began working full-time as a cellar assistant. Under the guidance and tutelage of head winemakers Emily Hodson and Elliott Watkins, Chris worked his way up to his current position of assistant winemaker. Outside the wine industry, he enjoys rooting for Cleveland sports teams, playing basketball and drums, and spending time with his wife, Robin, and English bulldog puppy, Walter.
Sauvignon Blanc, Veritas Reserve
Assistant Winemaker
Favorite Wine
CODY MCGEHEE
Chef Cody is a Lynchburg, Virginia, native and became the Executive Chef for The Farmhouse at Veritas in September 2023. He found his love for cooking at his uncle’s restaurant “Benjamin’s” in Forest, VA, then went on to cater weddings and events with Entwined Events before joining the Veritas team in November 2021. Outside of the kitchen, Cody enjoys Japanese Art, listening to live music, spending time with his family, and watching hockey. Guests can always expect his food to reflect the land from which it came, under the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Farmhouse Executive Chef
Favorite Wine
Cabernet Franc
CODY MCGEHEE
Chef Cody is a Lynchburg, Virginia, native and became the Executive Chef for The Farmhouse at Veritas in September 2023. He found his love for cooking at his uncle’s restaurant “Benjamin’s” in Forest, VA, then went on to cater weddings and events with Entwined Events before joining the Veritas team in November 2021. Outside of the kitchen, Cody enjoys Japanese Art, listening to live music, spending time with his family, and watching hockey. Guests can always expect his food to reflect the land from which it came, under the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Farmhouse Executive Chef
Cabernet Franc
Favorite Wine
JONATHAN GONZALEZ
Joining The Farmhouse at Veritas team in 2022, Jonathan loves meeting new guests as they come for a stay or dinner. With family in El Salvador, he loves traveling, photography, and journaling. When he’s not managing at the Farmhouse, you can usually find him at the gym or out with family and friends.
Viognier
Farmhouse Innkeeper
Favorite Wine
JONATHAN GONZALEZ
Joining The Farmhouse at Veritas team in 2022, Jonathan loves meeting new guests as they come for a stay or dinner. With family in El Salvador, he loves traveling, photography, and journaling. When he’s not managing at the Farmhouse, you can usually find him at the gym or out with family and friends.
Viognier
Farmhouse Innkeeper
Favorite Wine
ADAM BEAN
Sous Chef
Assistant Vineyard Manager and Cellar Assistant
KOVIE BOWEN
JOLIE EVES
Lab Technician
JOLIE EVES
Jolie has been with the Veritas Cellar Team for 17 years. Local to Afton, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Bridgewater College in Virginia. Prior to Veritas, Jolie worked at Hershey Chocolate of Virginia in Stuarts Draft as an analytical lab technician, as well as supported the microbiology department, which she really enjoyed. She loves that her job here at Veritas offers something new and different daily. A mom of two, when she isn’t working in our lab, Jolie can be found watching her kids play sports or cuddling with her miniature schnauzer, Ryker.
Viognier
Lab Technician
Favorite Wine
JOLIE EVES
Jolie has been with the Veritas Cellar Team for 17 years. Local to Afton, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Bridgewater College in Virginia. Prior to Veritas, Jolie worked at Hershey Chocolate of Virginia in Stuarts Draft as an analytical lab technician, as well as supported the microbiology department, which she really enjoyed. She loves that her job here at Veritas offers something new and different daily. A mom of two, when she isn’t working in our lab, Jolie can be found watching her kids play sports or cuddling with her miniature schnauzer, Ryker.
Viognier
Lab Technician
Favorite Wine
Adam bean
Classically trained in French technique from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Adams background is entirely in fine dining with several restaurant openings under his belt. With experience at Market St in Rhinebeck New York, Restaurant August in New Orleans Louisiana, and the Frasca Group in Denver Colorado. Adam met his wife, a Lynchburg native, while working in New Orleans. They made the move to Virginia in 2020, restored an old home from the 1800s, and have a beautiful baby girl.
Cabernet Franc
Sous Chef
Favorite Wine
ADAM BEAN
Classically trained in French technique from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Adams background is entirely in fine dining with several restaurant openings under his belt. With experience at Market St in Rhinebeck New York, Restaurant August in New Orleans Louisiana, and the Frasca Group in Denver Colorado. Adam met his wife, a Lynchburg native, while working in New Orleans. They made the move to Virginia in 2020, restored an old home from the 1800s, and have a beautiful baby girl.
Cabernet Franc
Sous Chef
Favorite Wine
KOVIE BOWEN
Kovie, a native of Charlottesville, grew up on a local farm and was interested in farming and viticulture from early on. In 2020, Kovie interned under both Bill Tonkins and Emily Hodson on our vineyard and cellar teams. In 2022, he returned as a full-time employee upon graduating from Randolph-Macon College, where he played lacrosse and studied communications and business. Working with both our cellar and vineyard teams, Kovie is interested in the future of efficient farming and grape growing in Virginia. He enjoys running, reading, and spending time outdoors in his free time.
2015 Scintilla
Assistant Vineyard Manager and Cellar Assistant
Favorite Wine
KOVIE BOWEN
Kovie, a native of Charlottesville, grew up on a local farm and was interested in farming and viticulture from early on. In 2020, Kovie interned under both Bill Tonkins and Emily Hodson on our vineyard and cellar teams. In 2022, he returned as a full-time employee upon graduating from Randolph-Macon College, where he played lacrosse and studied communications and business. Working with both our cellar and vineyard teams, Kovie is interested in the future of efficient farming and grape growing in Virginia. He enjoys running, reading, and spending time outdoors in his free time.
2015 Scintilla
Assistant Vineyard Manager and Cellar Assistant
Favorite Wine
