MEET THE TEAM

OUR TEAM

Owner Ben Renshaw is fond of the phrase, “It takes a lot of good beer to make good wine.” That it does, but it also takes a dedicated crew—from farming the grapes to processing and bottling to ensuring our customers have the best experience and enjoy what’s in their glass. Meet the 8 Chains North staff.

Management Staff

8 Chains North staff member and owner Ben Renshaw
Ben Renshaw
Owner and Winegrower

Heading our staff is Ben Renshaw. Ben began his career in the Loudoun County wine industry in 1998, working in various positions for a number of wineries. In 2004 he established a custom vineyard management and installation company, and soon after he began making wine under the 8 Chains North label. Ben is a self-described “dirt farmer” and loves nothing more than tending to his vines. His tireless work in the field makes the critical difference in the cellar.

8 Chains North staff member and general manager Sydney Smith-Marlowe
Sydney Smith-Marlowe
General Manager

Sydney joined 8 Chains North management in April 2013, after an 18-year career in corporate relations at a national nonprofit. She has an extensive background in brand management, marketing, and business development. She also has more than 12 years experience in wine and service industries. Sydney manages the day-to-day business operations of and marketing for the winery. She has a daughter and two step-daughters, and resides in Loudoun County with her husband.

8 Chains North staff member and tasting room manager Emily Powers
Emily Powers
Tasting Room Manager

Emily became part of the 8 Chains North team in September of 2013. She is a wine enthusiast with an extensive customer service background. As manager of both the tasting room and Wine Club, she loves to share her passion for Virginia wine. Emily and her staff provide an exceptional wine tasting experience, and enjoy introducing customers to their new favorite glass of wine. Emily resides in Loudoun County with her husband and three sons.

8 Chains North staff member and events manager Elly Sullivan
Elly Sullivan
Events Manager

Elly joined 8 Chains North in January 2018. She moved to Virginia in 2013 and fell under the spell of all its beauty—especially the wine! Elly was a teacher until discovering the world of weddings. She has worked in that industry for the last several years as a day-of coordinator, wedding designer, and planner. She brings organization and creativity to managing events at the winery, helping to ensure lasting memories for her clients. Her husband and four children are the loves of her life.

Tasting Room Associates

8 Chains North staff member and tasting room associate Alexis
Alexis
Barb
8 Chains North staff member and tasting room associate Beth
Beth
Bill
Carla
8 Chains North staff member and tasting room associate Diane
Diane
8 Chains North staff member and tasting room associate Jason
Jason
8 Chains North staff member and tasting room associate John
John
8 Chains North staff member and tasting room associate Kaity
Kaity
8 Chains North staff member and tasting room associate Katie
Katie
8 Chains North staff member and tasting room associate Kelly
Kelly
Kristy
8 Chains North staff member and tasting room associate Kyle
Kyle
8 Chains North staff member and tasting room associate Leigh Anne
Leigh Anne
8 Chains North staff member and tasting room associate Leslie
Leslie
Favorite Wine:

Furnace Mountain Red

8 Chains North staff member and tasting room associate Margery
Margery
8 Chains North staff member and tasting room associate Mark
Mark
Paul
8 Chains North staff member and tasting room associate Tori
Tori

If you are interested in working in the Loudoun County wine industry and potentially joining the 8 Chains North staff, please see our Employment page.