Stepping into Elegance: Veritas Vineyards & Winery
Following our visit to Afton Mountain Vineyards, there was much more of the Monticello Wine Trail to enjoy, and enjoy we did! Our next stop, Veritas Vineyards & Winery, located in Afton, Virginia , sits at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers spectacular mountain and vista views. Opening in June of 2002, Veritas Vineyards & Winery is a family run business owned and operated by Andrew and Patricia Hodson. Their daughter, Emily Hodson, along with Andrew are responsible for making Veritas award winning wines.
The tasting room at Veritas is truly the height of fashion and elegance. The interior boasts high ceilings, palatial furnishings, and a mezzanine overlooking the tasting room and a nice and inviting fireplace for the colder days. There is also a newly opened events facility, Saddle Back Hall, that is beautifully decorated and provides mountain and vineyard views. The facility is perfect for a wedding or banquet, and Veritas also provides catering for such events. Future plans at Veritas includes the opening of a restaurant where fine cusine will be served along with Veritas award winning wines.
Beautiful Tasting Room
Saddle Back Hall
Upon arriving to the tasting bar, we were warmly greeted by tasting associate Stuart Harvey, who told us a little about the winery and the fine wines we would taste. The following wines were offered for taste: Sauvignon Blanc 2005, Chardonnay 2005, Harlequin 2004 (Chardonnay 75%, Viognier 20%, Traminette 5%), Viognier 2005, Rose 2005, Cabernet Franc Primeur 2004, Claret 2004 (Cabernet Franc 60%, Merlot 40%), Merlot 2004 and the Vintners Reserve 2004. There were also three Reserve wines that we opted to taste for $1 each which were the Mousseux 2003 (Red Sparkling wine made from Cabernet Franc), Petit Manseng 2005 and the Kenmar 2004 (dessert wine).
Veritas Tasting Room
It is no wonder why Veritas wines have garnered such attention and awards. All the wines tasted displayed good varietal character and the Claret blend was one of the best we have tasted in the state. Other tasty selections to note were the Harlequin 2004, which made for a crisp and refreshing wine with bright tropical flavors on the palate. The Viognier 2005 displayed pleasant tree fruit and perfumed aromas with lush peach and apricot flavors on the palate, complimented by flutters of sweet honey. Moving to the reds, the Cabernet Franc 2004, which I enjoyed a glass of, and was later one of several bottles purchased, was light to medium in body with a nice cherry nose and filled with red fruit flavors. The Cabernet Franc is similar in style to the examples from the Village of Chinon in the Loire Valley I have boasted about. One of my favorite grape varieties, hailing from the Jurancon region of France , that I am seeing more of in Virginia is Petit Manseng. The Petit Manseng 2005 is done in a dessert style displaying tropical fruit flavors with hints of honey and nuttiness on the palate, and makes for a nice sweet ending to a savory dinner.
Wonderful Views
... and Tasty Cabernet Franc
Following our tasting, we decided to take full advantage of a lovely and sunny Fall day and enjoy a glass of the Cabernet Franc 2004. While basking in the pleasures of the day we pondered over which wines we would take home. Needless to say I have a nice supply of Veritas wines and look forward to returning and attending one of their events. We strongly suggest readers visit this charming winery and enjoy their fine wines. When you do make plans to visit, let them know Dezel of Virginia Vine Spot sent you.
~ Other News ~
Recently, I posted about Cabernet Franc, Virginia's Alternative Red, on the WineLog Blog. Please check it out, as Ben Bicais of Calwineries Blog provides informative feedback and a nice recommendation.
Stay tuned for the following:
- Several more winery visitis to wrap up
- Wine reviews
- Your Tasting Room Experience and Expectations
Happy Sipping!
Dezel
