OUR TEAM

Abingdon Vineyards was started in 2001 by Bob Carlson and his wife, Janet, as their retirement project. They ran it well into their 80's and have now passed it on to the next generation of wine enthusiasts. Abingdon Vineyards is a family affair - these three families work together to tend to the land, grapes, winemaking and our loyal customers. 

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ELIZABETH & LOREN GARDNER

Elizabeth, Loren, baby Ava Jean and doggies, Eli and Jackson are also known as the "Country Gingers." They stumbled upon a winery for sale when visiting their best friends who moved from California back to Virginia. They fell in love with the beautiful land, delicious wine and gracious community. 

Loren grew up in Napa Valley and has always been fascinated with the wine industry. He studied viticulture and wine making at UC Davis and built many wineries and vineyards with his construction company. He is thrilled to learn about a new terroir and regional grape varieties.

Elizabeth is passionate about food, art, nature and education. She is a Stanford graduate, Master Gardener, Certified Natural Chef and has a Masters in Education. She combined her passions with her business in Point Reyes, California - Food & Farm Tours (foodandfarmtours.com). She is looking forward to hosting events and bringing delicious artisan products into the winery.

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TERESA & KEVIN SUTHERLAND

Kevin has been the Vineyard Manager and Cellar Master at Abingdon Vineyards since 2005. His close attention to the grapes and wine making are the reasons for our success. 

Teresa is our tasting room manager. Her background in finance and sales keeps our office humming. She is informally know as "The Ginger Wrangler" around here!

Teresa and Kevin met at the Abingdon Farmer's Market at the Abingdon Vineyards wine booth and now live right next door to the winery! Their dog, Chester, vigilantly guards the vines.

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MEGHAN SULLIVAN & KEVIN FORRESTER

Kevin and Meghan are the "best friends" mentioned above and the reason the Gardners moved to Abingdon! Kevin grew up in Damascus, just a few miles from the winery. Meghan took a 4 month nurse fellowship in the area and loved it so much, she bought at house and stayed for 5 years! After Kevin and Meghan had their son, Ethan Boone, they moved to Point Reyes, California, to be closer to Meghan's family. It was there they met Loren and Elizabeth and became "chosen family."

Kevin works full time at Abingdon Vineyards and wears many hats - you will see him at the tasting room, working at the farmer's market, delivering wine to restaurants and helping with harvest and wine making.

Meghan and Ethan are the "fort holders," making sure the ginger crew is happy and healthy as they work long hours!