Above Ground Winery joins Virginia Tech’s Sentinel Vineyard Project

Above Ground Winery, a high-elevation, estate vineyard and winery in Middlebrook, Virginia, has announced its inclusion as a research site in Virginia Tech’s Sentinel Vineyard Project. This collaborative effort, led by Dr. Mizuho Nita (Extension Grape Pathologist) has been funded by the Virginia Wine Board since 2019 to provide seasonal updates and valuable insights to grape growers across the state.

Above Ground Winery, the first winery in the Town of Purcellville, relocated its operations to Middlebrook, in Augusta County in 2014 to expand its vineyard and winemaking operations.

The Sentinel Vineyard Project brings together approximately 20 experienced growers, winemakers, owners, and consultants to share viticulture and enology-related data. Focusing on two widely grown Virginia cultivars, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc, the group collects monthly data on growth stages, pests, diseases, harvest parameters, and weather factors, including wind, rainfall, and humidity. This collaborative approach fosters knowledge-sharing and supports the Virginia wine industry’s growth and resilience.

The data collection device was placed in the vineyard on Friday, June 13. Data collected for all sites are monitored remotely by both Virginia Tech and participants in the Sentinel Vineyard Project dashboard. In addition, the field research specialist, Ian McLellan, placed pheromone insect cards throughout the vineyard to monitor specific insect populations. These data sets will benefit the Virginia wine industry.

“We’re thrilled to be part of this initiative,” said Matt Barbagallo, owner and winemaker at Above Ground Winery. “Partnering with Virginia Tech and other experienced growers allows us to contribute to and benefit from cutting-edge research that strengthens our region’s viticulture practices.”

Information gathered through the project is disseminated to the wider grape-growing community via Virginia Tech’s Extension outlets, including monthly viticulture meetings, Viticulture Notes, Dr. Nita’s blog, and a seasonal newsletter. Past issues of Viticulture Notes and additional resources are available on the Sentinel Vineyard portal site: https://ext.grapepathology.org. These resources are extremely helpful for those interested in planting a vineyard.

For program and technical information, please contact Dr. Mizuho Nita, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist for Grape Disease Management, (540) 232-6047.

For more information about Above Ground Winery or to schedule a visit, go to www.agwinery.com or contact Mary Beth Barbagallo at marybeth@agwinery.com or call (540) 430-4394.

Located in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley American Viticulture Area, Above Ground Winery is dedicated to producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Shenandoah Valley. Committed to sustainable practices and innovation, the winery is contributing to the advancement of Virginia’s wine industry through research and collaboration.