Biltmore Winemakers Bernard Delille and Sharon Fenchak
Biltmore Winemakers Bernard Delille and Sharon Fenchak bring together the art and science of winemaking. Despite their distinctly different backgrounds, the two share a common approach to winemaking as they create high-quality wines that are true to varietal character as well as food-friendly and a great value.
Together, they have developed an outstanding portfolio of award-winning wines worthy of the finest Vanderbilt traditions of taste and style.
Bernard Delille
When asked to name his favorite wine, Bernard Delille says, "The one I'm drinking right now!"
A native of France, Delille joined the Biltmore Wine Company as assistant winemaker in 1986, rising to the position of winemaster in 1991. Delille is especially fond of sparkling wines and enjoys crafting them according to the traditional mệthode champenoise. According to Delille, sparkling wines aren't just for celebrations—they're surprisingly food-friendly, as well.
His background includes a master's degree in biochemistry and certificates in microbiology and enology from the Faculty of Science in Lyon, France. Prior to Biltmore, Delille was a winemaker in the Pyrenees Atlantiques region.
Sharon Fenchak
Sharon Fenchak's passion for winemaking brought her to Biltmore in 1999 and she attained winemaker status in 2003. In addition to creating fine wines, Fenchak is also involved in research and development for new grape-growing technology and production methods.
"As Biltmore Wines continue to grow," Fenchak says, "I hope to continue building the tradition of the Biltmore brand among wine enthusiasts locally, nationally, and globally."
Before Biltmore, Fenchak crafted wines for two different Georgia wineries. The Pennsylvania native holds a master's degree in food science from the University of Georgia, a bachelor's degree in food science from Penn State University, and has served in both the United States Army and in the United States Army Reserve.
