OUR TEAM

From Napa to Appalachia... Loren & Elizabeth Gardner grew up in California's Wine Country and discovered Abingdon Vineyards when they were helping their best friends move back to Virginia. The winery was started in 2001 by Bob Carlson and Janet Nordin, both retired engineers. In the summer 2018, the Gardner Family purchased the winery and have been working hard to grow the legacy of Abingdon Vineyards. This incredible team, along with many other friends and volunteers, work together to tend to the land, grapes, wine and our beloved guests. 

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ELIZABETH & LOREN GARDNER

Elizabeth, Loren, Ava Jean, Eli and Jackson are known as the "Country Gingers." They discovered Abingdon Vineyards when helping their best friends move 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 excited to learn about this unique terroir and create world class wines with regional grape varieties.

Elizabeth is a Stanford graduate, Certified Natural Chef, Master Gardener and has a Teaching Credential and Masters Degree in Education. An entrepreneur at heart, she has started and sold two businesses in California. Her passions for community building, event planning, marketing and design help make Abingdon Vineyards a distinguished brand and destination.

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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, delivering wine to restaurants and helping with harvest and wine making. 

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ADAM BOLT

Our Vineyard Manager and Cellar Master, Adam takes great care of our 13 acres of vines. Exceptional wine starts with exceptional grapes, so Adam focuses on producing quality fruit with a respect for the land. 

Adam grew up in Durham, NC and studied Environmental Science at Emory & Henry. He started his career here at Abingdon Vineyards and then worked for 4 years developing the viticulture program at Nicewonder Vineyards. He is now back at Abingdon Vineyards, which he calls "home."  

Adam is an accomplished musician and often writes songs while picking grapes. You can learn more about his music here.