Meet our winemaker who handcrafts Biltmore wines here at the estate in Asheville, North Carolina. With old-world skill and new-world passion for her craft, Sharon Fenchak and her team are taking Biltmore’s winemaking philosophy of creating approachable vintages to new heights in the industry.

Meet Sharon Fenchak, Executive Winemaker for Biltmore

In addition to handcrafting Biltmore’s award-winning wines, Sharon Fenchak’s responsibilities include oversight of Biltmore’s vineyard, partnerships with local and west coast partners, and the production team that creates more than 150,000 cases of wine annually.

After high school, Sharon joined the United States Army as a Communications Specialist. While stationed in Vicenza, Italy, she discovered a new appreciation and a growing passion for wine—particularly the sparkling moscato for which the region is noted.

Once she returned to the states, Sharon earned a bachelor’s degree in food science from Penn State University and a master’s degree in the same field from the University of Georgia at Athens. She worked as an assistant winemaker at Habersham Winery in Baldwin, Georgia, then became the winemaker for Chestnut Mountain Winery in Braselton, Georgia.

In 1999, Sharon joined Biltmore’s winery production team as assistant winemaker, learning from veteran French winemaker Bernard Delille and leading in-house research and development for new grape-growing technology and testing grape-production methods. Sharon and Bernard shared a philosophy of creating high-quality wines that reflect true varietal character while still being food-friendly and approachable.

Sharon was promoted to Winemaker in 2003 and continued handcrafting high-quality wines worthy of the finest Biltmore traditions of taste and style. When Bernard retired in 2018, Sharon became Executive Winemaker for Biltmore.

Try Biltmore wines for yourself

If you’re visiting Biltmore, your daytime admission ticket includes a complimentary tasting at the Winery in Antler Hill Village. Once you’ve discovered some new favorites, enjoy them by the glass or bottle at the Wine Bar or other relaxing locations around the estate.

Purchase our award-winning wines in estate shops, close to home with our Retail Locator, by phone at 800-968-0558, or online.