Keith Emerson – Director of Winemaking
keith@vineyard29.com

Keith Emerson joined the Vineyard 29 team in April 2005. Born in Braintree, Massachusetts, Keith gained interest and a love for wine and food from his father, a popular east coast wine broker and restaurateur. This love soon turned into a goal of becoming a world-class winemaker and prompted him to study and graduate with an enology and viticulture degree from the University of California, Davis.

Keith accepted his first job at Cakebread Cellars where he received initial training in the meticulous production of fine wine. Longing for more, he soon joined the team at Gundlach Bundschu Winery in Sonoma as enologist and was named assistant winemaker the following year. One year later Keith was promoted to associate winemaker and became solely responsible for production of Gundlach Bundschu’s second label Block 13, which focused on outsourced fruit. The Block 13 program enabled Keith to cultivate his own personal style, and it soon became apparent that he also had a special gift for making wine that is fresh and vibrant, one that the consumer quickly takes notice of. During his tenure, Gundlach Bundschu was successful at improving organization, sanitation, teamwork, and above all, wine quality.

In March 2004, Keith’s travels took him to the southern hemisphere for a vintage at Palliser Estate Wines of Martinborough, New Zealand. There he quickly gained new respect for the phrase, 'challenging vintage'. After experiencing harvest frosts, rains, and even snow, Keith truly appreciates how lucky California winegrowers really are! For him, the experience was remarkable, working with one of the country's top winemakers to create a fine product from such a challenging vintage. In 2005, Keith and a colleague began the production of their own wine. Visit them at www.EmersonBrownWines.com.  In August of 2006, with the support of Chuck McMinn, Keith also began his consulting winemaking career.

Keith, his wife Stacey and their english springer spaniel, P.J. reside in Napa, CA. They enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, and spending good times with friends and family.