Let’s talk about what it really takes to build something meaningful—something you’re proud of, season after season, even when the forecast is unpredictable (literally and metaphorically).

That’s what kept coming to mind during my recent conversation with Emily Hodson, head winemaker at Veritas Vineyards and one of the most respected voices in Virginia wine. Emily has been making wine for 25 vintages—long enough to see trends come and go, and to learn exactly what it means to stay grounded while growing something extraordinary.

And yes, there are business lessons in there for all of us—even if you’ve never held a wine thief or battled mildew on a Merlot vine.

Behind Every Beautiful Glass of Wine Is a Whole Lot of Grit

Winemaking isn’t all sipping rosé in the sunshine. It’s farming. It’s food production. It’s creative problem-solving with a splash of weather drama and a side of logistics.

Emily’s job spans everything from soil science to fermentation chemistry to label approvals and production timelines. In her words, “You never really know what you’re going to do on any given day—and that’s the beauty of it.”

Sound familiar? Whether you’re running a business, raising a family, or reinventing yourself in a new season, that kind of flexibility and resilience is everything.

The Land Teaches You—If You’re Willing to Listen

One of my favorite parts of our conversation was hearing how Emily thinks about the land itself. Every vineyard has its own fingerprint, she says. Even blocks just a few hundred feet apart can grow grapes that express totally differently depending on the soil, slope, and sunlight.

It reminded me how true that is in business, too. What works for one person might not work for someone else—and that’s not a failure. It’s just a different field. Our job is to observe, adjust, and keep learning.

And when something’s not growing the way you hoped? You don’t throw out the whole vineyard. You adapt. You try again next season.

Virginia Wine Is Having a Moment—And It’s About Time

If you haven’t explored Virginia wine country yet, let me tell you: it’s not just pretty. It’s producing serious, world-class wine.

Cabernet Franc is a star in the region (and one of Emily’s favorites to work with), along with Petit Manseng, Viognier, and now Albariño. What I loved most, though, was hearing how the industry is evolving—not just in terms of what’s planted, but how consumers are showing up more informed, curious, and open to trying something new.

There’s a beautiful parallel there for those of us growing businesses or stepping into visibility later in life. Your voice, your story, your “grape” might not be mainstream yet—but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth cultivating.

You Don’t Need to Know Everything to Start Appreciating the Craft

Emily had another insight I’m still thinking about: You don’t need to understand every term on the label to enjoy wine. You just have to start noticing what you like.

That’s true of so many things we overcomplicate—whether it’s social media strategy, niche messaging, or picking a next step in your business. Start by paying attention. Keep showing up. Ask for help when you need it. And give yourself permission to learn along the way.

Whether you’re in a season of planting, pruning, or harvesting, I hope Emily’s story reminds you that great work is rarely rushed. It’s built through presence, persistence, and a little creative magic.

Want to taste some of Emily’s work for yourself? You’ll find her wines at Veritas, Flying Fox, and Merrie Mill in Virginia Wine Country—and yes, we’ll be sipping them at Wine Camp this July.

http://veritaswines.com 
https://www.flyingfoxvineyard.com/ 
https://www.merriemillfarm.com/