Chateau O'Brien
3238 Railstop Rd
Markham, VA 22643
(540) 364-6441
Website: Chateau O'Brien at Northpoint

April 9, 2010 Visit
I visited the vineyard on Friday and met Howard, the owner, for the first time. What an amazing place! Since my last visit they have made it even better! The outside deck will soon be able to be open year round. The place keeps amazing me! We are going to one of the events in May and I can't wait to write a review about it. Howard gave me a quick tour of his private cellar .. WOW .. it is great! You must visit these guys for a truly remarkable time.

Chateau O’Brien at Northpoint Winery and Vineyard began producing wine in 2005 to fulfill a passion and dream for Proprietor, Howard O’Brien, Jr. From his travels throughout the United States and around the world, he developed an enthusiastic interest in quality wine and a desire to learn more about the wine industry. His principles are founded on giving the customer a quality experience from the destination to the wine. After intensely assessing many potential land sites, placing the terroir and location in the utmost importance, he chose and purchased the Northpoint site in 2003. He began a major renovation of the existing structure that will serve as the tasting facility and planted his first vines. The winery and vineyard opened for full operation on November 1, 2006.

We strongly believe that the quality of our wines begins in the vineyard. Our wines embody the unique and enduring characteristics of the soil and climate. The steep slopes and rocky soil provide excellent drainage and trace elements that contribute to our wines.

Our vineyard is currently 15 acres with a planned expansion to 25 acres. Our rootstock was imported from France and grafted with American rootstock. The vines were hand selected for intensity of flavor and true varietal character and are nurtured through natural viticulture approaches.

In addition to this acreage, approximately 25 exclusive acres are owned at two other farms (Sycamore Springs Vineyard and Seven Oaks Vineyard) in different parts of Virginia due to the variety of microclimates.

Grown on the vineyards:
Viognier, Chardonay, Tannat, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec, Petit Mensing, Syrah, Pinot Grigio, and Tramminette.

Pictures from April Visit: