About Chris Denesha
I’ve spent the last 18 years working across both vineyards and wineries, including 14 years in Western North Carolina.
Most of that time has been focused on understanding what actually holds up in this region-from the first planting decisions through fermentation and the finished wine.
The terrain, soils, and weather create real constrains. Over time, you learn that success comes from making the right decisions early and carrying them through consistently from the vineyard to cellar.
I work with vineyard owners, wineries, and growers across North Carolina and the Southeast.
Some are just getting started. Others are established but looking to improve wine quality, reduce issues, or better align their vineyard and winemaking practices.
My approach is practical and connected across both sides of the process.
I focus on organic and low-intervention systems where they make sense, and on grape varieties that perform well in these conditions.
Just as importantly, I help carry those decisions through the cellar-so the finished wine reflects the work done in the vineyard.
18 years of farming and production experience from California and Utah to North Carolina.
14 years working in Western North Carolina
Co-Founder of plēb urban winery in Asheville, North Carolina
Currently Operation Denesha Farms
Hands-on vineyard and cellar experience
Advising vineyards and wineries across the Southeast
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” - Peter Drucker
In the media:
What others are saying:
“They’ve really been leaders in bringing us all together, and they’ve cultivated a space for learning and creativity.”
— Elizabeth Higley, Winemaker, Windsor Run Cellars (The Noble Grape, 2024)
“A beacon for the hopeful future of wine on the East Coast.”
— Jahdé Marley, wine writer & educator (Wines By The Hand/ZRS, 2024)
“Doom and gloomers in wine might consider taking a page from Chris Denesha’s book.”
— Kara Daly, Wine Is Confusing (2025)
This is long-term work.
The goal is to build systems that continue to function-season after season-and produce wines that reflect where they’re grown.
If you’d like to talk through your situation, the first call is free.
I’ll give you a clear sense of whether I can help and what the next step would be.
