For the reason that Biltmore Vineyard’s opening in 1985, Douglas performed a significant position in its progress
Asheville, N.C. – (August 26, 2022) – After greater than 4 a long time of labor for the property, Govt Officer and President of Biltmore Property Wine Firm Jerry Douglas retired on August 15. Accountable for the corporate’s manufacturing, improvement, advertising and gross sales, Jerry noticed the enterprise develop to the manufacturing of greater than 155,000 instances of wine yearly, with a wine membership of greater than 11,000 members. He performed a significant position in rising the corporate’s distribution, which is at the moment 13 states.
Jerry performed a key position in finishing up the imaginative and prescient over the previous 38 years, however Biltmore’s wine manufacturing began in 1971 when William Amherst Vanderbilt Cecil, the grandson of Biltmore’s founder George Vanderbilt, got down to reimagine the agricultural custom on the property. William Cecil as soon as mentioned, “What’s extra applicable for a French chateau than vineyards and a vineyard?”
Proving to be a labor of affection, 30 acres of muscadines have been planted unsuccessfully and French American hybrid grapes have been fruitless as effectively. With help from specialists at UC-Davis, the primary vinifera grapes have been planted in 1978 and sixth-generation French winemaker, Philippe Jourdain joined in 1979. In 1981, the vineyards expanded to 150 acres. Jerry labored for Worth/McNabb Promoting throughout this time and Biltmore was his largest account. Jerry researched whether or not wine can be a viable enterprise for the property and researched tendencies earlier than the Vineyard was established in 1983. Bernard Delille joined Philippe as assistant winemaker and later left a 32-year legacy of winemaking at Biltmore. Sharon Fenchak joined the Biltmore Wine staff in 1999 and was promoted to go winemaker in 2018.
Jerry was employed by the property as an worker in 1984. And not using a working background in wine and a level from the College of Georgia, Jerry accomplished the College of North Carolina Superior Administration Program and the College of California Davis Wine Govt Program.
“Throughout Jerry’s 38-year profession at Biltmore, our wine enterprise and the North Carolina wine business have grown tremendously, with Biltmore being one of many first licensed wineries on this state. Jerry has been on the forefront of that progress as a visionary of Biltmore Wines and government chief for our firm as an entire. He has inspired groups to stay collaborative, agile, and open to new alternatives which have significantly contributed to our success. We’re grateful for his management and congratulate him on this new chapter,” mentioned Biltmore CEO Invoice Cecil.
Throughout his tenure, Jerry’s management prolonged past the wine enterprise into Biltmore’s model administration. He led advertising and gross sales groups, oversaw company partnerships and new product launches. He served as head of the model division, driving to outline Biltmore’s model, perceive the wants of Biltmore’s visitors, and targeted on finest market alternatives. Most just lately, he made vital contributions to Biltmore’s strategic route as the corporate navigated restoration from the pandemic.
Jerry served on the boards of many organizations comparable to previous chairman of the American Vintner’s Affiliation, the nationwide board of administrators for the American Institute of Wine and Meals, and was a founding member of the Wine Market Council. He additionally served with the Congressional Wine Caucus Basis. Inside these positions, he helped develop the business in North Carolina to what it’s right now.
About Biltmore Vineyard
The Biltmore Vineyard is positioned on the property in Asheville, N.C. Beneath the route of head winemaker Sharon Fenchak, Biltmore produces a storied portfolio of award-winning wines utilizing grapes harvested from its personal property vineyards in addition to from companions in North Carolina and different premium rising areas throughout America. Every wine has a supply, an intention and a narrative behind it, very like the property itself. By these wines, share within the ongoing household legacy of agricultural innovation, conservation and sustainable enterprise. Proceed the story of George Vanderbilt’s legendary hospitality by having fun with a Biltmore wine with family and friends.
