Who We Are
Virago Spirits is all about character. Inspired by the Virago, a heroic woman of great strength, courage, determination, and vision, we work to infuse those very characteristics - the spirit of Virago - into everything we do and all that we make. Whether to pursue the impossible or celebrate life's victories, Virago Spirits promotes strength of character and honors those who personify the Spirit of Virago.
Barry, Vicki, and Brad Haneberg
barry Haneberg
Founder & Distiller | Operations & Finance | Barry@ViragoSpirits.com
Food and spirits foster memories and have the power to bring people together in the enjoyment of life. Barry hopes to create that same experience for those who imbibe in Virago Spirits. After a career in investment banking in both Chicago and Frankfurt, Germany, he began conducting research in Berlin as he worked towards a PhD in history. He currently balances playing dad to twin girls and managing distilling operations at Virago.
Vicki Haneberg
Founder & Virago Tasting Room & Events Manager | Vicki@ViragoSpirits.com
An adoration of Richmond's food, beverages, and people drives the passion Vicki brings to Virago Spirits. A veteran of both Fortune 500 companies and nonprofits, she's always embraced the importance of human resources in her career. In addition to managing her disorganized husband and three now-grown children, Vicki manages our tasting room, coordinates our events throughout the region, and establishes the partnerships that drive our community engagement.
Brad Haneberg
Founder & Distiller | Legal | Brad@ViragoSpirits.com
Spirits are a sign of hospitality and Brad has seen this firsthand across the globe. Traveling from Richmond to Beijing for his law practice, he’s experienced the fellowship that comes with sharing food, drink, and conversation with a new friend. It’s a moment to slow down in a busy world and appreciate the company around you. Today, Brad blends his legal career with a passion for distilling to guide Virago Spirits on its path forward.
Raine Castle
Virago Tasting Room Bartender | Raine@ViragoSpirits.com
Step into our Tasting Room, and you will likely meet our bar manager, Raine. They have been with Virago Spirits since 2019. With a background in food and beverage, they funnel their creativity and precision into seasonally focused menus with unique takes on rum and gin-based cocktails. Raine enjoys expanding the parameters of typical cocktail flavors by utilizing unexpected ingredients such as chia seeds, snap peas, carrots, dried fruit, Chinese Five Spice and turmeric, to name a few.
Barton Haneberg
Founder & Distributer Relations | Barton@ViragoSpirits.com
International travel offers Barton the opportunity to bring back memories of adventure, curiosity, and comfort. It doesn’t matter where you are - people around the world offer a drink to break the ice or as a sign of friendship. With a beverage in hand, he believes the style, method, and flavor contained within a well-made cocktail embody the spirit and nuance of local culture. It’s personal, and that’s a beautiful thing. With this, Barton will focus on introducing Virago Spirits to the world, one distributor at time.
