Ruben Neves completed a stunning turnaround as Wolves took the bragging rights in the West Midlands derby.
Adama Traore and Danny Ings went closest to scoring for both sides in a tense first half at Villa Park, with the pair forcing Emi Martinez and Jose Sa into fine saves.
Villa started the stronger of the two sides in the second half and were rewarded as Ings headed home from a fine McGinn cross. McGinn doubled the host's lead after punishing a loose pass from Hwang Hee-chan to strike past Sa from distance.
Romain Saiss offered the visitors a lifeline, tapping home after wonderful play from Ruben Neves and Daniel Podence.