Jon has come a long way since his days as a kid in Redwood City, a suburb south of San Francisco. In those days, he remembers his parents drinking Mateus Rosé and Blue Nun, popular wine brands in the 70s. It wasn’t until Jon went away to college at UC Davis where, on a lark, he enrolled in the Fermentation Science program, that he was introduced to the greater world of California wine.
As it turns out, Jon’s lessons took place not only in the classroom, but also in his dorm room. He and a dorm mate, whose family owned a small farm and winery in Lodi, decided to use some of the family fruit to make wine in their dorm room. It was a red blend and, at that point, Jon realized that if he could make decent wine in a dorm room, then he could make really good wine out in the world.
In 1985, Emmerich tested his wings in France for an internship where he augmented his knowledge of the traditional wine making craft. After graduating from The University of California, Davis in 1987 with a BS in Fermentation Science, Emmerich worked a harvest at Stags Leap Wine Cellars. He then spent a year at Conn Creek Winery and Sebastiani before moving to Silverado Vineyards in 1990.
Emmerich is Past President of the Napa Valley Wine Tech Group and Past President of the Winemaking Techniques Committee of the California Enological Research Association. He is currently on the Board of The Trellis Alliance, an advisory committee to The University of California, Davis Viticulture and Enology Department.
Managing winemaking is just one part of what Jon does at Silverado Vineyards. He spends a lot of time on the road, meeting consumers and carrying the Silverado story outside the Napa Valley. He also spends copious amounts of time working in Silverado’s estate vineyards to understand the terroir and communicate its story through the wines. Jon sums it up nicely – “If my staff enjoys their work and our customers enjoy our wines, then I have done my job. In the end, that’s what really matters.”
HISTORY
“The beginning of vine planting is like the beginning of mining for precious metals: the winegrower also ‘prospects’.” - Robert Louis Stevenson, The Silverado Squatters, 1880
A century later, the Miller family began the journey Stevenson described, establishing Silverado Vineyards in 1981. “It was beautiful land, and it was land that was working,” says Diane Miller of their first vineyards, purchased in the 1970s. Diane and Ron sold their grapes to some of Napa’s best vintners, who made award winning wines from them year after year. Encouraged, they struck out on their own with the goal of making the best wines the estate could produce at a fair price. This has remained the guiding philosophy over the years. The winery’s name, Silverado, comes from the abandoned mining town at the top of the Napa Valley, where Stevenson stayed so many years ago. It is an appropriate symbol: three generations of the Miller family are still “prospecting” for wine, staying true to the idea of coaxing something precious from the soils we are privileged to care for.
SUSTAINABILITY
From vine to bottle, the making of exquisite wine depends on the experienced hands of a strong community. Good wine is about people, from every hand that helps create our Cabernet to every current and future friend who lifts a glass of our wine around the dinner table. We would not be Silverado without a strong community, which is why we feel so strongly about being a good neighbor.
Of course that starts with how we go about our daily tasks. 100% of the estate is sustainably farmed: 15% is farmed organically; 70% is Certified Napa Green; 50% is preserved in the Land Trust exclusively for open space and agriculture use. 50% of the winery is powered by our solar panels. We are proud of these accomplishments, but they are just the just a beginning. We know we can and will do better.
For our winery crew we ensure better than Napa average compensation, comprehensive benefits and flexible schedules. We also donate time, money and wine to over 70 organizations annually that need our help to keep their communities safe, healthy, learning and enjoying the pleasures of artistic endeavor.
For us, sustainable is not simply a farming method. It is an approach to all of our activities. It is the driving force behind everything we do to ensure that this winery and estate are here for generation of our customers, neighbors and the Millers to enjoy.
VINEYARDS
This is a great wine growing property. Each one of the vineyards has its own distinctive flavors and character. We work to make better use of the land, to farm it better, to help each block express exactly what and where it is. I believe that’s how to make wine.
Stags Leap Vineyard Cabernet, Merlot
Miller Ranch Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
Mt. George Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
Soda Creek Ranch Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc
Firetree Vineyard Chardonnay
Vineburg Vineyard Chardonnay
WWW.SILVERADOVINEYARDS.COM
WESLEY KURZ - SOMMELIER / ASSISTANT F&B MANAGER FAIRMONT GRAND DEL MAR
WELCOME TO FAIRMONT GRAND DEL MAR
Basking in San Diego’s endless sunshine, Fairmont Grand Del Mar welcomes guests to a warm Mediterranean estate, replete with signature charm and Southern California style. Unrivaled Five Diamond service delivers every indulgence, including a championship Tom Fazio golf course, Five-Star spa and exquisite dining.
Set amidst Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, this 249-room luxury San Diego resort captures the elegance and comfort of an old-world Mediterranean estate with an enviable Southern California locale. Its design honors the indelible style of visionary architect Addison Mizner (1872 – 1933) who drew his inspiration from Spain’s palaces, France’s sun-washed coastal retreats and Florence’s decorative arts to define the revered communities of Palm Beach and Boca Raton.
Mizner’s aesthetic is especially well suited, given San Diego’s warm climate and the community’s affinity for outdoor living. Combined with the resort’s impeccable service and unrivaled amenities – including an award-winning spa, championship golf course, acclaimed restaurants and boutique shopping – it’s really no surprise Fairmont Grand Del Mar is TripAdvisor's #1 Luxury Hotel in California.
DINING
The imaginative chefs of Fairmont Grand Del Mar embrace the intricate craftsmanship of this luxury San Diego resort’s stunning architecture and exquisite details, creating a fluid transition from place to plate. Six venues offer a wide array of dining options. Enjoy elegant fine dining and creative contemporary cuisine, or savor casual poolside fare, gourmet espressos and cocktails — all complemented by the enchanting sounds of nightly entertainment. With an extensive wine program, seasonal menus, Afternoon Tea, cooking classes with the executive culinary team, and events for oenophiles, epicureans and connoisseurs alike, there’s no shortage of enticing culinary offerings at this world-class San Diego resort.
ADDISON
Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s signature restaurant, Addison, features Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef William Bradley’s artisanal approach to cooking, combining local ingredients with contemporary French influences. A seasonal menu offers an inspired evening of culinary expertise paired with a Grand Award-winning wine list of nearly 3,600 selections and Addison's world-class tasting environment, replete with ideal glassware, perfect storage of wines and knowledgeable service.
AMAYA
With stunning views of Fairmont Grand Del Mar's Mediterranean-inspired architecture and pristine golf course, you'll forget you're actually dining at a San Diego restaurant. Let Amaya whisk you off to the coasts of Spain, Italy and France, as you enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner on the shaded terrace or within the relaxed yet refined dining room. Amaya’s menus reflect the season's finest market ingredients and are therefore subject to change. Special menus and private dining rooms are also available for groups. Please contact Amaya directly for more information.
LOBBY LOUNGE
Warm fireplaces and elegant furnishings highlight this resort's beautiful lobby, flanked on one side by the handsome Library – an intimate setting with antique books and comfortable chairs – and on the other, a commanding marble bar and rich colors set a sophisticated mood.
Sip expertly crafted cocktails, like the refreshing Margarita Blossom or an Amor Dulce Amor Martini featuring strawberry-infused tequila. Pair one (or two) with light fare, such as the Crispy Tuna Roll, Mediterranean Tuna or California Cheese and Charcuterie.
THE CLUBHOUSE GRILL
From pre-round pick-me-ups to late-night cravings, Chef de Cuisine Joshua Dorfner satisfies hungry diners with his delicious, approachable cuisine that keeps them coming back for more. Start the day with refreshing smoothies, breakfast classics or Chef's signature Chicken 'n' Waffles. Relax into the afternoon with grill fare, including sandwiches, burgers and Baja classics. Then spice things up after the sun goes down with a Southern California-inspired tapas menu. Savor Calamari Fritti, Mahi-Mahi Fish Tacos or seasonal dips while sipping specialty cocktails or local craft beers.
CENT'ANNI CAFE
Cent’ Anni honors a traditional Italian toast meaning “one hundred years.” This gourmet café offers organic iced teas, steaming espressos, breakfast on-the-go, pressed sandwiches, seasonal soups, fresh salads, gelato and daily special offerings.
CLUB M
Lose yourself in the rhythmic beats and pulsing lights of Club M, Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s sultry nightclub. Mix, mingle and dance the night away with live music and guest DJs every weekend.
AFTERNOON TEA
Fairmont Grand Del Mar welcomes you for an elegant afternoon in the charming setting of the Library. Enjoy beautiful music and a perfect pot of fine tea, or glass of wine, with pastries and tea sandwiches to complete this time-honored tradition.
POOLSIDE
Soak up the San Diego sun and relaxed surroundings at Poolside, Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s family-friendly Resort Pool. Snacks, fresh fruits and ice cream delights add to a menu of salads, sandwiches, grilled favorites and a host of refreshing, specialty drinks.
IN-ROOM DINING
In-room dining at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar is available 24-hours a day. Perfect for early-risers, a private dinner for two, late night meals, or for a small gathering. Relax in the comfort and privacy of your guest room and choose from an extensive selection of hearty comfort foods, tasty light meals and signature gourmet dishes. Younger guests will enjoy our special children's menu of favourites, with lots of delicious finger-friendly options.
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