Dennis Wynne, vineyard director for Biltmore, was awarded "Winegrower of Excellence for 2008" at the North Carolina Winegrower’s Association’s annual meeting on Thurs., February 5. To qualify for this award, recipients must have at least 5 grape bearing acres which have consistently produced high quality fruit for a minimum of 5 years and their vineyards must be available for research which will benefit the industry. Potential recipients are nominated by NCWA members, and wine and vineyard educators within North Carolina. 

 

Incorporated in the state of North Carolina as a non-profit, the goal of the North Carolina Winegrower's Association is to help members grow better grapes, make better wine and market the final product more effectively. Current membership of the NCWA is more than 350. 

 

“We are very excited that Dennis was honored with this award. He has been an integral part of our wine program for 28 years and this recognition is well deserved,” said Jerry Douglas, senior vice president of sales and marketing for The Biltmore Company.

 

Biltmore’s 94-acre vineyard is located in a valley near the French Broad River on the west side of the property. Varieties grown include Chardonnay, Riesling, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. All grapes are picked by hand, with each harvest averaging 250 tons of grapes annually.

 

The first vineyards at Biltmore were established in 1971 in an area below Biltmore House. French-American hybrids were planted initially, with vinifera plantings following in a few years. Inspired after several years of experimenting, William A.V. Cecil, then president and owner of Biltmore, decided that a winery was the natural outcome of ongoing research and a logical extension of his grandfather's intention that the estate be self-supporting.

 

Biltmore wines are available in Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia.

 

To learn more about Biltmore Wines or to access the regional wine-buying guide, please visit www.biltmorewine.com. 

 

Photography may be found at http://www.biltmore.com/media/photo-gallery.asp?cat_id=7.