Venue Highlight: Veritas Vineyard and Winery
Are you planning your wedding and searching for the finest wedding venues that Virginia has to offer? Located just outside of Charlottesville, at the base of Afton Mountain, lies Veritas Vineyard and Winery. A sprawling 250-acre farm, vineyard, and wedding venue with the most amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The vineyard is a sweeping vista that sets the scene for a tucked-away wedding with an air of romance.
As a wedding photographer who has worked at some of the most beautiful wedding venues in Richmond, Charlottesville, and beyond, I have to admit, that the panoramic scene at Veritas Vineyard and Winery is a truly unforgettable landscape! The perfect backdrop for the most amazing wedding photos, to cherish for a lifetime. I know how difficult it can be setting out to plan the wedding of your dreams. And that often includes finding the venue that best embodies your vision. So I’ve put together a venue highlight for Veritas Vineyard and Winery. Below, I’ll cover the spaces they have available to plan your wedding. The ins and outs of navigating their food and beverage service, and above all, what you can expect your wedding at Veritas Vineyard and Winery to cost.
A Guide to Planning Your Wedding at Veritas Vineyard and Winery
If you are thinking of planning your wedding at Veritas Vineyard and Winery, it is important to note that the venue does require the use of a planner. You may use their in-house staff as your primary day of coordination or you have the option of hiring an approved professional wedding planner. If you opt to hire your own wedding planner, it is important to note that you are not required to hire a planner from their approved vendor list, but it is recommended. The approved vendors for Veritas Vineyard and Winery have familiarity with the venue and what it takes to execute a wedding to a level of perfection that is unrivaled!
Your Wedding Rehearsal at Veritas Vineyard and Winery
Veritas Vineyard and Winery provide their couples with the option of hosting their wedding ceremony rehearsal the day before their wedding. Your rehearsal must be complete prior to 4 p.m.
Day of Setup
You are more than welcome to bring in your own décor. The only restriction at Veritas Vineyard and Winery is that you must hire a licensed professional to hang items from their draped ceiling. But, there are no restrictions on decorations such as candles or rose petals.
The day of your wedding a standard “day-of” setup can occur six hours prior to your guest’s arrival. If, for some reason, your wedding day decor requires setup prior to this time frame, an additional staffing fee of $25 per person per hour will be listed on your venue rental.
Removal of decor and items must occur by 10 a.m. the day after your wedding unless prior arrangements have been made and agreed upon. There will be an additional fee if items are left past the allocated or agreed-upon time frame on the day after your wedding.
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Spaces Available to Host Your Wedding at Veritas Vineyard and Winery
There are a variety of spaces at Veritas Vineyard and Winery to plan your wedding day. Each space is elegant, and neutral, providing you with the room needed to add design and decor that fits your wedding day vision. Each space at Veritas Vineyard and Winery offers its own size and guest accommodations, so I’ll break them down for you, a little bit more.
Saddleback Hall
Dubbed the grand ballroom of Veritas Vineyard and Winery, Saddleback Hall is the heart and soul of this stunning winery and wedding venue! Inside you’ll find classic details like floor-to-ceiling windows and exquisite hardwood floors. The space is open to the configuration of your choosing for dinner and dancing. But my favorite part of this space has to be the French Doors. They open up the venue’s deck and before your eyes will lay stretching views of the vineyard and mountains! All in all, this space is able to accommodate up to 250 guests, making it the ideal choice for weddings with a larger-sized guest list.
The Tasting Room
Want that elegant rustic vibe that wineries are typically known for? At Veritas Vineyard and Winery, you can host your wedding reception in their tasting room! This gorgeous, romantic space can be used for an indoor wedding ceremony, a wedding reception, or an adjoining wedding reception and cocktail hour. Much like the Grand Hall, The Tasting Room also has French doors that open up to the venue’s deck. Allowing you to use this combined space for a fun cocktail hour before welcoming your guests inside for a delectable dining experience. This space is ideal for weddings with mid-size guest lists as it can accommodate up to 100 guests.
The Mezzanine
If you are planning on accessing the Tasting Room at Veritas Vineyard and Winery for your wedding, use of that space comes with access to The Mezzanine. This space is lofted above the tasting room and can seat up to 40 guests. It overlooks the tasting room below and provides an unforgettable intimate view for your guests!
The Deck
This particular space is also connected to the tasting room. The French doors of the tasting room open up to the elegant wooden deck and offer views of the Veritas Vineyard and Winery’s lawn and vineyards! The deck is tended and provides shelter from the elements. Additionally, in colder months, the deck also has a working outdoor fireplace to provide an intimate and cozy atmosphere where your guests can mix and mingle without worry. However, this space is only available for use from the months of April through November. Additionally, this is another break-out area of Veritas Vineyard and Winery that is best for mid-size weddings as it can accommodate up to 100 seated guests comfortably.
The Cellar
As a wedding photographer who works in Richmond, Charlottesville, and beyond, there are so many spaces that make my heart pitter-patter with delight at the thought of providing my couples with an amazing backdrop for their wedding day portraiture. The Cellar at Veritas Vineyard and Winery is one of those spaces! Barrels of aging wine line the walls and the vibe is close and intimate with a cement floor and planked ceiling. It’s the perfect place to sneak away for a few unforgettable wedding day photos, before joining your guests for cocktail hour!
The Bridal Suite
One of the many amenities of hosting your wedding at Veritas Vineyard and Winery is the ability to prepare for your day, on-site. The venue gives access to their bridal suite in order to spend the morning before your wedding ceremony preparing with hair and makeup, or popping the bubbly. You and your wedding party may access the bridal suite beginning at 11 a.m. on the day of your wedding. During your wedding, you may leave behind any necessary items in the bridal suite in order to access them later. But, they must be collected before departing on the night of your wedding.
The bridal suite feels more like a spa retreat than a getting-ready parlor. The space inside is gorgeous for those getting ready photos! It is decked out in elegant shades of white and creams and the natural light streaming in is unbelievable! Overall, The Bridal Suite at Veritas Vineyard and Winery features two smaller rooms, two bathrooms, and a larger room with space for you, your wedding party, and your closest family members. Additionally, you’ll enjoy those picturesque views of the vineyard from your suite as you prepare to wed your soul mate!
The Study
Veritas Vineyard and Winery also has an additional getting-ready space for the morning of your wedding and it’s called The Study. This relaxing space opens up to a private study that overlooks the vineyard with a view of the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. Here, you can fasten your cufflinks, and take a shot before meeting your bride down the aisle. The space has hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling glass doors, and board and batten ceilings. It is elegant meets masculine in an unexpected way.
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The Total Cost of Hosting Your Wedding at Veritas Vineyard and Winery
The total cost of your wedding at Veritas Vineyard and Winery will vary, however, I can provide you with the starting costs and amenities that are included in your venue rental package.
The venue rental fee for a Friday wedding is priced at $11k, Saturday weddings are priced at $13k, and Sunday weddings are priced at $11k. In addition to the venue fees, you will also need to meet a food and beverage minimum of $20k.
The total cost of your venue fee comes with the following additional amenities.
The Venue:
- The Veritas Tasting Room, 6 pm – 12 am
- Saddleback Hall, 6 pm -1 2 am
- The Grounds, 6 pm – 12 am
- The Bridal Suite, starting at 11 am
- The Study, starting at 11 am
- The Deck Tent (Tented March – November) 6 pm – 12 am
Design & Decor:
- Mahogany Chivari Chairs and Chocolate Chair Cushions
- White Wooden Folding Ceremony Chairs
- Aged Barrels
- High-Top Cocktail Tables
- Movable Bars
- 6’ Round Tables and one 3’ Sweet Heart Table
- Four 6’ Farm Tables and Three 7’ Farm Tables
- White, or Ivory Linens and Napkins
Table Ware:
- All Plates
- All Flatware
- Veritas Wine Glasses and Flutes
- Water Goblets
- Rocks Glasses
Lighting:
- Pin Spotting on Tables, Canned Lights for Uplighting the
Dance Floor.
- Twinkle Lights around the perimeter of Saddleback Hall
- Bistro Lighting on Deck
The Culinary Experience at Veritas Vineyard and Winery
The executive chef at Veritas Vineyard and Winery is Andy Shipman, and he is known for his distinguished cuisine that reflects the Veritas experience. The food selection is refined and sophisticated, yet warm, welcoming and delectable! Additionally, Veritas Vineyard and Winery along with Andy Shipman, are committed to using the freshest ingredients in their cuisine.
Veritas is a licensed restaurant, so no outside catering is permitted for your wedding day. The only exception to that rule is your wedding cake, which Veritas will cut and serve for you and your guests at no additional fee. When planning your wedding at Veritas, you can expect to schedule a menu tasting with them anywhere from six to eight months ahead of your wedding day. It’s a fun time to taste the flavors of your wedding and finalize selections ahead of your best day ever! The final headcount for your food and beverage package must be communicated to Veritas no later than 14 days prior to the day of your wedding.
Below is a sample selection of the items available on Veritas Vineyard and Winery’s wedding day menus.
Passed Hors d’oeuvres
- Eggplant Caponata with Pine Nuts, And Bulgarian Feta On Crostini
- Virginia Ham Biscuit with Apple Butter
- Duck Confit Arancini
- Pimento Cheese & Caviar Servied on a Cracker
- Beef Carpaccio with Horseradish Crème Fraiche
Platters
- Artisanal Cheese & Charcuterie Board with a selection of Meats, Cheeses, Fruit Jams, and Fresh Breads
Soup & Salad
- Corn & Goat Cheese Bisque
- Pickled Fresno Chilis, Charred Corn Salad, and Green Onions
- Strawberry Salad with Baby Spinach, Sliced Strawberries, Bulgarian Feta, Roasted Sunflower Seeds, Shaved Red Onion, and finished with a Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing
Entrées
- Filet Mignon, servied with Yukon Gold Rosti, Grilled Asparagus, and Bordelaise Sauce
- Oven Roasted Chicken served Over Kale-Mushroom Farrotto, Grilled Asparagus, and Preserved Lemon-Parsley Pistou
- Rockfish Fillet over White Cheddar Grits, Sautéed Squash, and Charred Tomato Salsa
Additionally, Veritas Vineyard and Winery offer a selection of kid’s meals. You will have a total of three entrées choices at your tasting. Additionally, you can speak to the staff about a kid’s meal selection for guests who are aged 10 and under.
Your Bar Package
While Veritas Vineyard and Winery is, of course, known for its amazing wines, their expertise stretches far beyond the labels they bottle in-house. In fact, their personal belief is that a meticulously cultivated bar is the perfect finishing touch for your wedding day! With that, they offer a variety of bar packages. This includes selections such as their house labels, craft beer, and classic cocktails. Below is a list of their current bar packages to enhance the food and beverage experience at your wedding.
Note: All of the beverage packages listed below include unlimited Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale, cranberry juice, orange juice, soda water, tonic water, lemons, limes, and bottled water.
Standard Beverage Package
A standard beverage package is priced at $18 per person for the first hour and an additional $10 per person for each hour thereafter.
Inclusions in a standard beverage package are your choice of 4 Veritas wines from the front of their tasting sheet. As well as your choice of 4 bottled beers or ciders.
Classic Beverage Package
A classic beverage package is priced at $22 per person for the first hour and an additional $12 per person for each hour thereafter.
Inclusions in a classic beverage package are your choice of 4 Veritas wines from the front of their tasting sheet. Your choice of 4 bottled beers or ciders, and a selection of mixed drinks made from their classic lineup
Premium Beverage Package
A premium beverage package is priced at $26 per person for the first hour and $14 per person for each hour thereafter.
Inclusions in a premium beverage package are your choice of 4 Veritas wines from their tasting sheet. Your choice of 4 bottled beers or ciders, a selection of mixed drinks made from their classic lineup, and a sparkling wine toast.
Non-Alcoholic
There is also a non-alcoholic bar option! This is for your littlest guests, expectant mothers, and guests who are not yet legal drinking age. This package is priced at $10 per person.
Add-ons
Want to further customize some of the bar packages listed above? Veritas Vineyard and Winery offers the following add-ons to your selected beverage package.
Champagne Toast
Includes your choice of their Scintilla sparkling wine, priced at $45 per bottle. Or a Sparkling Rosé, priced at $40 per bottle.
Signature Cocktails
Have a fun signature cocktail in mind? One that shows off your personality with a fun flavor combo and an even better name? Veritas Vineyard and Winery offers signature drinks as part of a beverage package add-on for $7 per drink.
Lemonade Or Iced Tea
Not everyone enjoys libations. Furthermore, you may be hosting a family-friendly wedding with littles in attendance! If so, Veritas Vineyard and Winery offers the add-on of lemonade or iced tea for $1.50 per serving.
From where to host your wedding to food and beverage packages, that was the complete venue highlight for Veritas Winery and Vineyards! If you’re still looking for unforgettable wedding venues in the Richmond and Charlottesville area, you can read all about Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, right here!
Or, if you’re searching for a wedding photographer who can capture the joyful moments of your best day ever, you can click here to contact me!
