Chateau O'Brien at Northpoint Winery and Vineyard

April 20, 2024.  Chateau O’Brien sits at the top of a steep hill just off the Markham exit from Interstate 66 in Fauquier County.  To get to the winery, be prepared to make a quick hairpin turn off of Old Markham Road (Route 688) onto a heavily-rutted 45%-incline gravel road across an unguarded railroad track.  Shortly you will pass under the gate for the winery as you continue to climb through the vineyard.  But the trip up the hill is worth it.

Chateau O’Brien at Northpoint is the creation of Howard O’Brien who bought the site in 2002 and opened the winery in 2006.   Instead of the typical Virginia red brick, Howard renovated a pale yellow farmhouse, accented by a rust colored roof as his winery.  It appears to be have been built in terraces as part of the hillside. 

 

Entering the main doors, you come out of bright sunshine into a cool tile vestibule with tasting bars on either side.  Straight ahead of you is a circular gathering space called “the Rotunda” with a panoramic view of the valley and Interstate 66 far below.  This must be one of those places to savor the Autumn colors.   The Rotunda opens onto a patio outside.  When we visited several years ago, we remember a Virginia summer’s wet heat and how the coolness of Chateau O’Brien and the breezes it gets were such a relief. 

 

We were able to visit with Mike and Amanda, our servers, who were bright and welcoming.  They told us that Chateau O’Brien has around 6 acres at the Northpoint site and around 22 acres at another site.  All production and bottling takes place at North Point.  All of their wine is estate.  Mike said that their annual production was certainly under 5,000 cases. 

Chateau O’Brien is a 21 and over facility.  No children allowed.  And no pets either.  Outside food is allowed.  There is a limited selection of cold cheeses and meats available for purchase. 

Mike also told us that the winery does not do weddings and special events.  The winery website, however, features weddings prominently.  Best to get confirmation yourself if that is your interest.  Tour buses and limousines may have trouble on the hill.  The parking lot at the top is small and still requires some climbing to get to the winery door.  Handicapped parking is very limited.  

We did not get a chance to sample two unusual wines: (1) the 2021 Mourvédre – a difficult grape to grow in Virginia.  Not sure if this is released yet but it appears production was limited and the bottles are pricy; (2) Arinarona – a Tannat-Cabernet Sauvignon cross from Uruguay.  Chateau O’Brien was the first to grow and bottle this grape in Virginia (and the U.S.).  The 2019 Arinarona is priced at $89.00 on-line.  Price notwithstanding, it’s always good to see Virginia winery innovating and experimenting. 

Here’s what we did sample on this pleasant afternoon:

2021 Northpoint White.  I think this is a 50/50 Chardonnay-Pinot Gris blend.  Kim had a glass of this and rated it a B-, I think. 

2017 Luigi's Luscious Red.  My notes say that this is a 50/50 blend of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.  I got some sweetness and definitely strong tannin with this wine.  The tasting notes at the winery say this is silky.  I say not so much, but it is warm at the throat – a nice finish.  I rate it a B. 

2018 Petit Verdot.  The Petit Verdot is 100% of that varietal.  Full-bodied and grippy.  Warm on the throat.  Some pepper on the nose and black plum on the palate.  I rated it a B.

2017 Vintners Reserve.  This is a B+ wine.  It is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Tannat in equal measures.  More tannin and light fruit.  Very balanced and smooth.

2019 Tannat Limited Reserve.  A good representative of traditional Tannat after 28 months in French oak.  Full-bodied and dark fruit.  Some veggie on the nose.  I rated it a B. 

Come for the view and stay for the wines at this friendly casual winery.

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