Meet Biltmore’s Winemaker: Sharon Fenchak
Sharon Fenchak joined the Biltmore Wines team in 1999, and as of 2018 was promoted to the role of head winemaker for all of Biltmore’s wines. Sharon has a wealth of winemaking experience, passion for agriculture and food science, and ties to the southeastern United States – qualities that make her uniquely well matched to the Biltmore brand.
As a child, Sharon Fenchak spent many Sunday afternoons visiting her grandparents, all of whom lived within driving distance of her home in Pennsylvania. Her grandmothers, in particular, were closely connected to the land and enjoyed feeding family and friends from the bounty of their gardens.
Their influence fueled Sharon’s growing interest in agriculture and food science, a focus she maintained even as a Communications Specialist in the United States Army. While stationed in Vicenza, Italy, Sharon discovered an appreciation for the wines of the region—particularly Moscato for which the area is noted. Today, we see this passion reflected throughout Biltmore’s wine portfolio.
After returning to the states, Sharon earned a bachelor’s degree in food science from Penn State University, followed by a master’s degree in the same field from the University of Georgia at Athens. With a deepening interest in the science of winemaking, she sought work as an assistant winemaker at Habersham Winery in Baldwin, Georgia, under the wing of winemaker Andrew Beaty. With skills gained from that experience, Sharon became winemaker at Chestnut Mountain Winery in Braselton, Georgia, where she oversaw the wine development process.
In 1999, Sharon joined Biltmore’s winery production team as assistant winemaker to veteran French winemaker Bernard Delille. Despite their different backgrounds, Sharon and Bernard shared a philosophy of creating high-quality wines that reflect true varietal character while still being food-friendly and approachable. In addition to making wines, her role featured research and development for new grape-growing technology and grape-production testing methods for the estate.
Sharon was promoted to winemaker in 2003 and continued crafting Biltmore’s storied portfolio of wines. On Bernard’s retirement in 2018, Sharon became Biltmore’s head winemaker and vice president of winery production, which includes oversight of the estate’s vineyards and partnerships with growers in other parts of America, including the west.
Looking to the future, Sharon hopes to continue building the tradition of the Biltmore brand among wine enthusiasts at all levels – locally, nationally, and globally.
