In 2001, Emily Hodson decided to take a break from her career in infectious diseases and initially intended to take a few months to work on her family’s recently purchased farm, which is now Veritas Vineyard & Winery. Since then, Hodson has earned a Master’s in Fermentation Science from Virginia Tech and turned winemaking into her career, marrying her love of science with her passion for creativity.
Hodson has also contributed to the wine community through her work with Winemakers Research Exchange and her collaboration with colleagues and the USDA to reduce or eliminate downy mildew. Now, nearly 25 years into winemaking, she has been awarded the Rich Smith Award of Excellence, an annual recognition of one winemaker in the U.S. who demonstrates passion, commitment, and collaboration. “It was a surprise and an honor to be on the list with some of the people who have been previously awarded,” Hodson said. “It’s fun for Virginia and the East Coast to be recognized.”
Hodson says that the work that she’s been able to do is possible because of how supportive the Virginia wine board is, and her peers’ willingness to work together and collaborate. She also credits the land for the quality of her wine. “My site is so phenomenal. The aspect, the elevation, the soil drainage, matched with the grapes that we’ve been slowly adding to our program like Cabernet Franc or Tannat,” she said.
While Hodson loves nearly all elements of winemaking, she says what is most rewarding is having the opportunity to create something every year that’s grown here and expressed here. As for the future, Hodson says there are a number of exciting projects in the works at Veritas, including the release of her first single varietal bottle of tannat.
Emily Hodson at a Glance
Winemaking Philosophy: “Stay out of the way! Do as little as possible -- I really want to show the farming. All of these wines are grown, and I always try to highlight that every opportunity I get. I try to stay out of the way and express how the grapes saw the vintage, not how they “should” be.
What She Loves About Winemaking: “I love the mix of agriculture and growing something, with the science of creating something.”
What She’s Pairing With Her Wine: Hodson makes about 19 wines, so there are plenty of options, but some of her favorites are local fried chicken with Viognier and Caromont Farm's goat cheese with Sauvignon Blanc.