One of Virginia’s most storied wineries is about to change hands.
Veritas Vineyards & Winery, founded in 1999 and one of the properties that helped put Virginia wine on the map, is changing ownership this summer as British founders Patricia and Andrew Hodson retire.
Meanwhile, two of Virginia wine’s hardest-working women are getting their due: Emily Hodson of Veritas and Aimee Henkle of Lost Creek took home two region’s highest honors.
And the rest of the week isn’t short on highlights either.
In this week’s edition
🎉 Events: Sabrage at Bluestone, a Michael Shaps vertical, NoVA MusicFest, and more
🍾 Bottle of the Week: Ankida Ridge’s Pinot Noir
📰 News: Veritas Vineyards & Winery acquired by investor group
🏆 Awards: The Joe Formica Award and the Judy Patterson Award both go to pioneering women in Virginia wine
🍷 New Releases: An aromatic white varietal you don’t see often in Virginia
💰 Deals: Discounted festival hotel rates and a deal for teachers and nurses
Events
This weekend (May 15 - 17)
Learn how to saber! Bluestone Vineyard is hosting a hands-on sabrage event with winemaker Lee Hartman on Friday from 5–7pm. There will be plenty of Blanc de Blanc, flying corks, and photo-worthy moments!
ALS Awareness vertical at Michael Shaps: On Saturday and Sunday, Michael Shaps Wineworks is hosting a special vertical tasting of L. Scott, the winery’s award-winning red blend, in honor of ALS Awareness Month.
Corks & Forks Festival: The Corks & Forks Wine + Food Festival comes to Tom Scott Park in Amelia on May 16, featuring local wineries like Woodbine, Muddy Paws, Elk Island and more.
Virginia Wine & Craft Festival: The Virginia Wine & Craft Festival takes over Front Royal on May 16, with Virginia wineries, cideries, and meaderies pouring alongside artisan vendors, food, and live music.
Next weekend (May 22 - 24)
Vineyard hike at SMV: Southwest Mountains Vineyards’ assistant winemaker Jeremy Mersch is leading a guided hike through the vineyard on May 23. Tickets include lunch at the top, and a bottle of wine — only 3 spots left!
Spring dinner in the vines at Accord: Accord Vineyards is hosting a five-course al fresco dinner on May 23 beside the Cabernet Franc vines, featuring live music by Joe Martin.
Jazz & Jambalaya at DuCard: DuCard Vineyards is hosting their third annual Jazz Festival on May 23 from noon to 9pm — featuring three bands, jambalaya and a logo glass.
NoVA MusicFest: 868 Estate Vineyards is hosting NoVA MusicFest on May 24 in Hillsboro — all ticket proceeds benefiting Cancer Can Rock.
Thursday, May 28:
Winemaker dinner at Dover Hall: Dover Hall is kicking off their Virginia Winemaker Dinner Series on May 28 with Corry Craighill of Valley Road Vineyards, whose 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve took home the 2026 Governor’s Cup.
Do you like this new design of the ‘Events’ section?
Bottle of the Week
Ankida Ridge Vineyards — Pinot Noir
Franklin County • Pinot Noir • $60
Why it’s here
Pinot Noir in Virginia doesn’t get taken seriously. Ankida Ridge’s should be. Their Franklin County site sits high enough in the Blue Ridge to produce the kind of tension and earthiness that I crave.
Tasting notes
Dark and layered, with forest floor running beneath everything.
🫐 Wild blackberry & dark cherry • 🌲 Forest floor & tea • 🍦 Vanilla & light spice
Wine News
Veritas is changing hands
Veritas Vineyards & Winery in Afton is set to change hands this summer, with a newly formed group called Veritas Legacy Partners LLC — led by health tech entrepreneur Kurt Wassenaar and Virginia investor Eric Trebour.
They are purchasing the winery from British founders Patricia and Andrew Hodson as they retire.
“We aren't changing what makes Veritas special; we are providing the support it deserves to flourish for the next generation,” Kurt Wassenaar told CBS19.
Founded in 1999, Veritas was one of the properties that elevated the state’s wine industry. The Hodsons built a luxury model that set the template for high-end wine tourism in the state.
According to Sarah Neish of The Drinks Business, there will be some continuity: Emily Hodson will stay on as head winemaker and George Hodson remains CEO. All wine club memberships and reservations will be honored under new ownership.
In other news…
Vine recovery after the freeze: Jim Law of Linden Vineyards is out with a frost follow-up documenting secondary bud development — a sobering look at what growers are working with after the April 21 freeze. Horton Vineyards is also sharing early observations on vine resilience in their blocks, as secondary buds begin pushing through.
Loudoun zoning changes: Loudoun County is considering zoning amendments that would change how farm wineries, breweries, and cideries are permitted to operate. Jen Breaux of Breaux Vineyards is leading an effort called “Protect the Pour” to challenge these zoning changes.
Awards & Reviews
Aimee Henkle wins the Judy Patterson Award: Lost Creek Winery's co-owner Aimee Henkle has received the 2025 Judy Patterson Award from Visit Loudoun — recognition for her work championing the Loudoun Wine Awards and founding the Uncork Loudoun initiative.
Emily Hodson wins the Joe Formica Award: Veritas Winery's head winemaker Emily Hodson has received the sixth annual Joe Formica Award from the Richmond Wine Society. The award honors those who have made significant contributions to wine appreciation and the Virginia wine industry.
New Releases
Rosemont’s 2025 Traminette: Rosemont Vineyards has introduced their 2025 Traminette, an aromatic white hybrid that combines Joannes Seyve 23.416 and Gewürztraminer.
Early Mountain’s 2024 Five Forks: Early Mountain Vineyards has released their 2024 Five Forks, a blend of Petit Manseng and Sauvignon Blanc, now available online and in the tasting room.
Greenhill’s 2025 Rosé: Greenhill Winery is debuting their 2025 Rosé at their 3rd Annual Spring Market.
Deals & Promotions
Festival hotel rates for NoVA MusicFest: 868 Estate Vineyards has partnered with Hilton to offer discounted hotel rates for festival goers attending NoVA MusicFest on May 24 and other upcoming events.
Teachers and nurses discount at Reserve: Reserve Winery & Lounge is offering 20% off bottles this week at both their downtown Lynchburg and Trivium locations for teachers and nurses.