Emmanuel Kemiji became only the 12th American to achieve the rank of Master Sommelier. He is also one of nine people to pass the exam on his first attempt. While in town for the 30A Wine Festival, Kemiji sat down with me in the podcast studio at SOWAL House in Rosemary Beach, FL, to discuss his wines, the wine industry, and how to enjoy fine wine and food best.
Formally the Director of Wine & Spirits at the Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco, Kemiji is currently a managing partner at Clos Pissarra winery in Priorat, Spain, and the proprietor of Miura Vineyards in Santa Rosa, CA.
Born in the United States, Kemiji grew up in Spain and resides in Puerto Rico. He obtained degrees in Spanish Literature and Economics from the University of California at Davis, where he also studied Viticulture. It was during his time at UC Davis that Kemiji’s interest in wine began to emerge.
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Southern Americana podcast host Paul Stanley and Master Sommelier Emmanuel pose for a shot in the SOWAL House podcast studio. (OneSouthernMedia/2022)
Americans typically refer to wine by grape type. However, European define wines by regions. Emmanuel recommends “Wine for Dummies,” as a reference for those wanting to learn more about wine. More importantly, don’t be intimidated by all the convoluted wine terms that professionals throw around.
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Mixing Wine and Beer Expertise
Kemiji not only excels at making great wines, but he also joined forces with Opelika, Alabama master beer brewer Kerry McGinnis to create a new line of beers at Red Clay Brewery.
McGinnis spent time at Miura Winery learning how wine is harvested and made while a student at Auburn University. A few harvests later, the pair formed a friendship that eventually led to a business venture. “Beer is popular with winemakers,” said Kemiji. “After all, we drink lots of beer after a long day of harvesting.”
Although Kemiji’s ideas and ingredients appeared unconventional to beer brewers, Red Clay released the first Miura craft beer in August of 2020. Today, the Miura Double Master Collection contains three beers with an ongoing coast-to-coast and Puerto Rico promotion schedule.
Listen as Emmanuel describes how wine is make and more importantly, how wine-lovers can enjoy wine.