Vote for Excellence: Why Veritas Winery Deserves Your Support for USA Today’s Best Winery Restaurant

As your trusted guides to Nelson 151, we’re excited to rally support for one of our most exceptional producers. When Veritas Vineyard & Winery’s renowned Farmhouse restaurant is nominated for USA Today’s prestigious Best Winery Restaurant award, it’s time for our community to show why Virginia wine country deserves national recognition.

In the heart of Virginia wine country, where rolling hills meet Blue Ridge Mountain views, Veritas Vineyard & Winery stands as a testament to what happens when passion meets excellence. The Farmhouse at Veritas has earned its nomination for USA Today’s 2025 Best Winery Restaurant award, and as your authentic guides to Nelson 151, we want to share exactly why they deserve your vote.

A Proven Track Record of National Recognition

The Farmhouse at Veritas isn’t new to USA Today’s spotlight. Their consistent excellence has earned recognition in multiple USA Today 10Best competitions, including ranking fourth in the Best Winery Restaurant category and third in the Best Winery Hotel category in 2020. This remarkable double recognition speaks to the comprehensive excellence that defines the Veritas experience.

They’ve continued to earn nominations in 2022 and 2023, where expert panels consistently recognize The Farmhouse at Veritas for its exceptional four-course dining experience. When industry experts repeatedly nominate the same establishment, it’s a clear signal of sustained excellence that deserves voter support.

Why The Farmhouse at Veritas Deserves Your Vote

World-Class Dining Experience: The four-course dinners, offered Tuesday through Saturday nights at 6:30 pm, feature homegrown and house-made farm-to-fork menus prepared by Chefs Cody McGhee, Christopher Tidwell, and James Robb. Each course is thoughtfully paired with Veritas wines, creating a harmonious dining experience that celebrates both culinary arts and winemaking excellence.

Authentic Farm-to-Table Commitment: This isn’t trendy farm-to-table marketing – it’s authentic Virginia agriculture. The Farmhouse at Veritas showcases the bounty of Nelson County through ingredients that truly represent the region’s agricultural heritage.

Complete Wine Country Experience: The Farmhouse at Veritas B&B, circa 1836, offers eight luxurious bedrooms in the heart of Virginia Wine Country. Guests can enjoy both indoor and outdoor dining, whether in the Garden House during summer or by cozy fireplaces in winter.

Historical Significance: The Farmhouse stood as a family home for nearly 200 years before opening to the public in 2012. Its elegance, simplicity, and comfort have withstood the test of time, creating the firm foundation of quality and authenticity that The Farmhouse prides itself on today.

Award-Winning Wines That Complement the Experience

Veritas Vineyard & Winery’s excellence extends far beyond their restaurant. Winemaker Emily Hodson, daughter of founders Andrew and Patricia Hodson, has maintained the winery’s reputation for producing wines that consistently feature in Virginia’s most prestigious competitions.

Their wines have earned recognition in the Governor’s Cup Case and Monticello Wine Awards numerous times, proving that the wine pairings at The Farmhouse aren’t just thoughtful – they’re award-winning. When you dine at The Farmhouse at Veritas, you’re experiencing wines that have been recognized by Virginia’s most discerning judges.

The Veritas Philosophy: Excellence Through Authenticity

Since 1999, when Andrew and Patricia Hodson planted 5 acres of grapes as a passion project, Veritas has grown to include over 50 acres of vineyards. Their philosophy centers on making wine with classic, old-world principles of viticulture and vinification, while using state-of-the-art technology to capture varietal and regional character.

Their name derives from the Roman historian Pliny the Elder’s observation “In Vino Veritas” – “In Wine there is Truth.” This commitment to authenticity permeates every aspect of the Veritas experience, from their vineyard practices to their restaurant’s farm-to-table approach.

Nelson 151 Pride: Supporting Our Community

As a proud member of the Nelson 151 Trail, Veritas represents the collaborative spirit that makes our craft beverage trail special. Their success elevates not just their own reputation, but the entire Nelson 151 community and Virginia wine country as a whole.

When visitors experience the excellence at The Farmhouse at Veritas, they discover what makes Nelson 151 Virginia’s most awarded craft beverage trail. Located at 151 Veritas Lane in Afton, Virginia, Veritas is perfectly positioned along Route 151, making it easy to combine with visits to other Nelson 151 producers.

Why Your Vote Matters

USA Today’s 10Best awards carry significant weight in the travel and hospitality industry. When The Farmhouse at Veritas wins recognition, it shines a spotlight on the quality and innovation happening throughout Virginia wine country. These awards aren’t just individual honors – they’re validation of the collective excellence that defines Nelson 151 as Virginia’s premier craft beverage destination.

The recognition process – where expert panels nominate top picks and readers vote for their favorites – ensures that winners represent both professional excellence and authentic visitor satisfaction. The Farmhouse at Veritas offers both, creating experiences that resonate with wine industry experts and everyday wine lovers alike.

Experience the Nominated Excellence

Whether you’ve already experienced The Farmhouse at Veritas or you’re planning your first visit, you’ll understand why USA Today’s expert panels consistently recognize this special place. From the moment you arrive at their scenic location in the foothills of the Blue Ridge, through your wine tasting experience, and especially if you’re fortunate enough to enjoy a four-course dinner at The Farmhouse, you’ll taste and feel what sets them apart.

Their consistent recognition speaks to something deeper than just good food and wine – it’s about creating authentic experiences that capture the essence of Virginia wine country hospitality.

Cast Your Vote for Virginia Excellence

As your authentic guides to Nelson 151, we’re proud to support producers like Veritas who consistently demonstrate that Virginia wine country belongs on the national stage. Their USA Today nomination reflects not just individual achievement, but the collective excellence that makes Nelson 151 special.

Ready to support Virginia wine country? Vote for The Farmhouse at Veritas in USA Today’s Best Winery Restaurant competition. You can vote once per day until the voting closes, so mark your calendar and help put Virginia on the map!

Want to experience the nominated excellence? Visit nelson151.com to plan your Veritas adventure and discover why their combination of outstanding wines, exceptional dining, and authentic Virginia hospitality continues to earn national recognition.

A Toast to Supporting Excellence

The Farmhouse at Veritas has earned their nomination through years of consistent excellence, authentic hospitality, and unwavering commitment to showcasing the best of Virginia wine country. Now it’s our turn to show support for the businesses that make Nelson 151 – and Virginia – a destination worth traveling for.

Your vote doesn’t just support one restaurant – it supports the entire Virginia wine country community and the dedicated producers who work every day to create exceptional experiences for visitors from around the world.

Vote today and help Virginia wine country earn the national recognition it deserves!

Because excellence deserves recognition – and Nelson 151 delivers excellence in every glass and every bite.