ABOUT ACRES
Virginia's #1 Full-Service Agritourism Team
ACRES was founded in 2020 and has served dozens of clients. From representing buyers and sellers of agritourism properties to providing consulting guidance and expertise to clients launching their agritourism businesses to helping existing owners improve operations and increase revenue and profitability—the ACRES team has the experience you need for success.
MEET THE FOUNDERS
Sydney Smith-Marlowe
Operations & Real Estate
Sydney has 20 years' experience in the wine industry. She was the general manager of a Loudoun County winery for 10 years, overseeing its financial health, operations, and marketing. Prior, she had an 18-year career in business development for a national nonprofit. Sydney is a licensed Realtor® focused on agritourism properties.
Mike Wagner
Real Estate & Hospitality
Beyond his two decades of experience as a real estate broker, Mike spent nearly 20 years in the hospitality industry as events director and manager of food and beverage. Mike has a BSBA in Marketing from Old Dominion University. He has a great love of quality wine and providing the finest service to guests in our tasting rooms.
Ben Renshaw
Vineyard Consulting
Ben launched his career in the wine industry in 1998. In 2005 he established a custom vineyard management, installation, and winemaking company. In 2007, he began making wine under the 8 Chains North label, opened the winery in 2010, and sold it in 2021. Ben is a well-respected vineyard consultant and winegrower in the region.
OUR NETWORK
While the founders of ACRES bring significant experience and leadership in a broad number of areas to help you improve or establish your business, we couldn’t do it without our extensive network of professionals who complement our core services. Our consultants and preferred vendors provide the industry experience needed to accomplish your goals. Interested in brand development, photography, or graphic design services? Need help with digital marketing and social media profiles? We’ll bring the right people to the table. ACRES caters to each client’s specific needs and offers consulting services as a complete package or a la carte. For example, you may only want to expand an established vineyard, or contract for winemaking. Or you’re permitted, but need guidance on tasting room best practices. Or perhaps you want to expand into events like weddings. We can consult on these elements for a term and budget that works for you.