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
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.
Bookable experiences
Go beyond the traditional tasting room with an immersive winery experience designed for wine lovers. Your visit begins with a guided tour of the vineyard and production facilities — a behind-the-scenes look at how grapes are grown, harvested and turned into award-winning wines. Learn the winemaking process from the people who do it, then sit down to a guided tasting of the winery's signature wines. The experience also includes a custom charcuterie board and an exclusive barrel tasting, sampling wine straight from the barrel to see how it evolves before bottling.
Booking link coming soonA private two-hour picnic among the vines. It includes a bottle of your favourite 8CN wine along with a generous assortment of meats, cheeses, crackers and other mouthwatering accoutrements.
Booking link coming soonTastings, music & other features
The family behind it
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.
Where the name comes from
"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 four vineyard sites now totalling about 21 acres 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.
The wine program
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 for roughly 22 months 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. Across both, the focus is the same: hands-on, small-batch winemaking.
The estate farms roughly 18 acres in the Middleburg AVA, and the red program is the particular focus — typically aged in oak for at least 24 months and built to evolve. 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.
The spaces
Indoors, a cozy spot by the fireplace, lounge-style couches and traditional table seating let guests settle in however they prefer, with a quieter 21+ upper level for a more intimate visit.
Outdoors there are picnic tables, outdoor chairs, covered deck and covered patio seating, fire pits, water features and mature trees, with views of the vines, the mountains and pond- and creek-side seating.
For private use, the Compass Rose Room seats up to 80 and the Vine Room up to 40, while the full winery — tasting room, patio and lawn — hosts 110 or more.
What's in the glass
Red
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Petit Verdot
- Syrah
- Tannat
- Pinot Noir (experimental)
White
- 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
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
Families
Family friendly throughout, with one clear expectation.
- Entire location is family friendly, plus a dedicated family area
- Stroller friendly, 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
- Non-alcoholic drinks and crackers available; no kids' menu
Dogs
One of Northern Virginia's most dog-friendly wineries — indoors included.
- 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
Working remotely
Genuinely workable — the main areas stay quiet.
- Main areas tend to stay quiet
- Free guest Wi-Fi on a shared password, strong signal
- Accessible power outlets
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.
- Available on site
- Snacks · Light fare · Coffee & espresso
- Dietary
- Gluten-free available · Vegan options available
- Bringing your own
- Outside food is welcome indoors and outdoors, and you may bring your own non-alcoholic drinks.
Groups & celebrations
Indoor and outdoor spaces host private celebrations, corporate retreats and team-building days among the vines. The Compass Rose Room takes up to 80 and the Vine Room up to 40; the full winery — tasting room, patio and lawn — holds 110 or more. Packages include furniture, AV equipment and beverage service such as guided tastings or an elevated wine experience.
- Corporate retreats
- Weddings
- Private celebrations
- Team building
- Picnics
Drop-in parties up to 6 guests — larger groups should be arranged ahead.
Wine club
- Ask the team about the current wine club tiers and pickup schedule — we'll confirm details with the winery before your visit.
Want a full day built around 8 Chains North Winery?
Tell us who's coming and we'll pair this estate with the right second stop, book it all, and send you the itinerary.