Barry O’Brien’s passion for different cultures—and how people around the world shape the land to meet their needs—plays a big role in the winemaking philosophy at ŌBV. The goal is simple: to make Culturally Inspired, Climate Appropriate wines. That means creating styles that actually make sense for Northern Michigan’s cool climate, like traditional Champagne-style sparkling wines, aromatic whites, and smooth, medium-bodied reds. Many of these wines are influenced by regions with similar growing conditions, such as Alsace, Champagne, Germany, and Northern Spain.

To make this vision a reality, Barry dove headfirst into the world of viticulture. He went back to school, invested in specialized equipment, and decided to cut back on travel so he could be fully hands-on with the vineyard. Growing grapes is labor-intensive and requires a lot of care—everything from working the soil to shaping the vines and keeping the fruit clean. But for Barry, it’s incredibly rewarding. It’s truly a labor of love: love for the land, love for the craft, and love for making wines that are both thoughtful and delicious.