Chip Emmerich began his love of wine in the mountains of Santa Cruz, California where he lived for six years. After moving back home to Cincinnati in 1979, Chip missed California wine and its near perfect climate for growing fine wine grapes. For the next thirteen years he studied (self taught) how to transport grapes and make great wine. During this time Chip perfected his wine making techniques and in 1993 he founded Burnet Ridge, Inc. as a commercial winery.