8 Chains North Winery
A boutique Loudoun County farm winery with vineyard and mountain views, a fully fenced off-leash dog park, and a quiet 21+ upper level.
Crave Locally’s Take
- Family-Friendly
- Dog-Friendly
- Remote Work-Friendly
Set against vineyard views with the mountains in the distance, 8 Chains North is one of the most family- and pet-friendly destinations in Northern Virginia — without giving up the atmosphere adults come for.
What makes the property unusual is how deliberately it's laid out for different kinds of guests. Families and dog owners get a rare fully fenced off-leash dog play area, water bowls and plenty of outdoor space, while couples and adults can retreat to a dedicated 21+ upper level away from the busier areas. Indoors there are cozy sofas by the fireplace; outdoors, lounge seating, covered areas, fire pits and table-side fire features.
The experiences are elevated but approachable: guided tastings, vineyard and production tours paired with charcuterie and a barrel tasting, and private picnics among the vines. It manages something rare — welcoming, inclusive and lively, with pockets of calm for anyone who wants them.
Multi-stop Experiences
Farm, Brewery & Vineyard Adventure
A curated day of vineyard tasting, scenic brewery stop, and a private farm animal encounter — designed for families.
Wine & Dine Country Day
Chef-driven mill lunch, a boutique winery tour with barrel tasting, and a private tasting at a working Amish farm. Best for groups of 4+.
Boutique Winery Day
A behind-the-scenes boutique winery tour with charcuterie and barrel tasting, then an elevated seated tasting of six award-winning wines. 21+.
Best of Both Worlds — Family Winery & Brewery Adventure
A boutique winery tour with barrel tasting and charcuterie, then a brewer-led production tour with four beers and four food pairings.
The Perfect Date
Chef-driven lunch inside a restored historic mill, then a guided tasting of six wines paired with artisan chocolates. Live music on weekends.
Storybook Wine Country Escape
A scenic drive from Leesburg to historic Waterford, a farm-to-table wine pairing, and a guided wine & chocolate tasting.
Purcellville Escape
A curated full day of farm, winery tasting, and chef-driven mill dining — all planned for you.
Chauffeured Purcellville Escape
Our beloved Purcellville Escape — farm, winery, and mill dining — with private chauffeured transportation included, so every glass is enjoyed and every drive is handled for you.
Taste of Loudoun: Vineyard, Historic Mill & Brewery
A private full day for groups of 4+: boutique winery tour with barrel tasting, lunch in a restored historic mill, and a brewer-led brewery pairing.
Standalone Experiences
Behind the Scenes: Elevated Winery Tasting
A vineyard and production tour at 8 Chains North, a guided tasting of signature wines, custom charcuterie and an exclusive barrel tasting.
Two-Hour Vineyard Picnic
A private picnic among the vines at 8 Chains North with a bottle of 8CN wine, meats, cheeses and accoutrements. Runs until the end of October. 21+.
About the Owners
Cissi and Edz Sturans took over 8 Chains North in 2021, trading retirement plans for the challenge of running a working winery. Though new to the business, their enthusiasm for wine — and their respect for the vineyard's history — led them to keep founder Ben Renshaw on as winegrower.
Under his mentorship the couple has taken on every part of grape growing and production, learning from the ground up while honouring the winery's roots. Together they've built on Ben's vision, maintaining the reputation for quality and the deep connection to Loudoun County's land and community.
History of the Venue
"8 Chains North" refers to the original Furnace Mountain Vineyard, planted 528 feet — eight surveyor's chains — north of White's Ford, a Civil War crossing on the Potomac River.
Ben Renshaw, in Virginia wine since 1998, founded the winery in 2010 and developed vineyard sites across Loudoun County. The Sturans continue to farm them, including the Waterford Vineyard beside the tasting room, soon to be renamed Zoe's Vineyard. With vines dating back to 2004 and new plantings underway, the mix of Albariño, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Syrah and experimental Pinot Noir reflects both history and forward momentum.
Business Philosophy
Across its labels the focus is the same: hands-on, small-batch winemaking, mostly from estate-grown grapes, with the red program as the particular focus.
What’s in the Glass
8 Chains North produces 1,800 to 3,000 cases a year from mostly estate-grown grapes, making 10 to 18 varietals and blends each vintage. Whites and rosés are fermented and aged in stainless steel for freshness; reds mature in French and American oak. Sparkling wines are made by the Charmat (tank) method, including the Peacock Farm Rosé.
A parallel 8 Chains North West label uses premium fruit from Washington State for varietals that do better in drier climates.
Cabernet Franc, Virginia's most widely planted grape, stands out here for structure and complexity, often showing red plum, raspberry, blackberry, tobacco and black tea. Select reserve and library wines appear from time to time.
Guided tastings and self-selected flights are offered daily, with wine by the glass or bottle. Chocolate pairings and Bottle & Board Fridays are seasonal additions to a tasting.
Red grapes
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Petit Verdot
- Syrah
- Tannat
- Pinot Noir (experimental)
White grapes
- Albariño
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Viognier
Also poured
- Wine blends
- Rosé
- Sparkling (Charmat method)
- Reserve & library wines
- 8 Chains North West label (Washington State fruit)
- Handcrafted beer
Who This Place Actually Suits
Families
Families are welcome, with a separate 21+ upper level.
- Dedicated family area; stroller friendly, with changing tables in restrooms
- Children must stay within arm's reach of a parent at all times
- Bring quiet, table-friendly activities — running games, balls and frisbees are not permitted
- The upper level is a dedicated 21+ space
- Non-alcoholic drinks and crackers available; no kids' menu
Dogs
Licensed, well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome in the Tasting Room and on the patio.
- Licensed, well-behaved dogs on leash in the Tasting Room and on the patio
- Spacious fully fenced off-leash dog park with shade, seating and a waste station
- Dog water bowls and dog snacks available
- Not permitted in the Compass Rose Room, Vine Room or on the Deck
Adults & couples
A dedicated 21+ level, kept quieter than the main floor.
- Dedicated adults-only space on the upper level
- Romantic couch and cuddly seating, fireplace corner
- Mixed indoor lighting — neither bright nor dim
- Good for conversation, a date, or simply unwinding
Foodies
Lite Fare and boards curated to complement the wine.
- Lite Fare Friday to Sunday and during Wednesday trivia nights: charcuterie boards, bruschetta, Latvian piragi, personal pizzas and Nordic knot pretzels
- Pre-packaged meats, cheeses, spreads and crackers available daily
- Bottle & Board Fridays and optional chocolate pairings
Digital nomads
A direct invitation to work, with free Wi-Fi.
- The winery's visitor page invites guests to work at the winery and advertises free Wi-Fi
- Accessible power outlets
- Chatter and music can make the main areas moderately loud
Eating Here
Food is curated to complement the wine, with a Lite Fare menu available Friday to Sunday and during Wednesday trivia nights. Expect charcuterie boards, bruschetta, Latvian piragi, personal pizzas and Nordic knot pretzels.
A-la-carte pre-packaged meats, cheeses, spreads and crackers are available daily, and touches like Bottle & Board Fridays and optional chocolate pairings turn a tasting into a longer afternoon.
- Dietary
- Gluten-free and vegan options available.
- Bringing your own
- Outside food is allowed at your own table.
Amenities
- Fireplace and lounge-style couches
- Dedicated 21+ upper level
- Fully fenced off-leash dog park
- Covered deck and covered patio seating
- Fire pits and water features
- Picnic tables and pond-side seating
- Guest Wi-Fi
- Private event rooms: Compass Rose Room (up to 80) and Vine Room (up to 40)
