Meet The Barbagallos
Above Ground Winery is the culmination of a lifelong journey rooted in agriculture, hospitality, and a passion for creating memorable experiences. After years of living and working in Loudoun County, Virginia, Matt and Mary Beth Barbagallo followed a dream that began with a small urban winery and a belief that great wine brings people together.
Their winemaking journey started in 2010 with a tasting room in downtown Purcellville. What began as a passion project quickly grew into something more when their first wines were enthusiastically embraced by customers and sold out in their inaugural year. Encouraged by that success, they began searching for a place where they could expand their vision and establish a vineyard of their own.
That search led them to Augusta County and the Shenandoah Valley. Surrounded by the beauty of Little North Mountain, they found a property that offered everything they had hoped for—a setting rich in agricultural heritage, rocky soil for grape growing, and an opportunity to create a destination where guests could relax, connect, and enjoy Virginia wine.
In 2014, they relocated to Augusta County and began building what would become Above Ground Winery. Today, the vineyard and winery reflect not only their dedication to estate-grown wines, but also their commitment to community, hospitality, and sharing the experiences that have shaped their journey. Every bottle, every vineyard row, and every guest experience is part of a story that continues to grow with each season.
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A Business Partnership
Matt began his winemaking experience in a two-car garage in Northern Virginia. For those who think winemaking is simple, it can be. Mother Nature plays the biggest part. Too much rain, not enough rain, humidity, frost. I think in recent years we've seen it all. Our elevation in Augusta County benefits us with warm days and cooler nights. If we could describe this area of the Shenandoah Valley, it would be similar to that of Burgundy, France, and Friuli, Italy. These high-elevation valleys and slopes mimic the classic central and eastern European valleys. ma
It was easy for Matt to decide which grapes to plant - Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. These grapes are best suited for cool climates. Along with Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Matt manages the vineyard, winemaking, and associated tasks.
Mary Beth is the General Manager, focusing on the tasting room and publicity. From the type of glassware to the color of the room, to the selection of cheeses, to events and media/marketing (website and social media), and all business matters that don't relate to winemaking and vineyard management. Think Front of House and Back of House.
Tasting Room
