Inside Winemaking - the art and science of growing grapes and crafting wine (general)

In this episode, winemaker Shawn DeMartino shares his journey from Argentina to becoming a winemaker in Napa Valley. He discusses his experiences working with renowned mentors and the significance of hands-on learning in winemaking. Shawn also highlights his innovative work building the Sentinel Vine Manager app, a program leveraging high fidelity geospatial technology to monitor vineyard health and production. The episode explores the balance between tradition and innovation in winemaking and offers tips for managing vineyards of all sizes.

Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/

Resources from this Episode

Sentinel Vine Manager - https://www.sentineltech.eu/

Grace Family Vineyards - https://www.gracefamilyvineyards.com/

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Direct download: IW_Ep181_Master.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am EDT

Dan Person of Carboniste discusses the art and science of sparkling winemaking in this episode. The conversation covers technical aspects of winemaking, including sugar and CO2 pressure management in Pet-nat production, the impact of acidity and pH on wine quality, and the evolution of American sparkling wines. Dan also talks about the unique packaging and branding of Carboniste, aiming to bring a fresh perspective to the sparkling wine market. 

Whether you're a novice or an experienced connoisseur, this episode offers valuable knowledge and practical tips on creating distinctive sparkling wines.

Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/

Resources from this Episode

Carboniste -

https://carboniste.com/

This episode is sponsored by Sentia. This revolutionary portable device measures six critical analytes during wine production: free sulphur dioxide, malic acid, glucose, fructose, titratable acidity, and acetic acid.

Save time, save money, and take control of your wine testing with the trusted technology of the portable Sentia wine analyser. For more information, including how to buy, visit www.sentiaanalysis.com or search for “Sentia wine analyser” online. And don’t forget, for an exclusive 15% off invitation for podcast listeners, quote “insidewinemaking15” on the Sentia website contact form. Don’t leave it to chance – protect your wine and take control of your testing with Sentia.

Follow and Review:

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Direct download: IW_Ep180_master.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

In this episode, we discuss contemporary winemaking with insights from industry pioneer Britt Richards. Britt Richards of Head High Wines shares her inspiring journey from early influences to hands-on experiences at Fresno State and various esteemed vineyards, highlighting the balance of science and art in crafting exceptional wines. We explore the complexities of producing high-quality Chardonnay, emphasizing the importance of fruit quality and minimalist winemaking techniques. We also cover the challenges of creating affordable yet premium wines and dive into innovative trends such as skin-contact white wines and de-alcoholized wines. 

Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/

This episode is sponsored by Innovint. Finally, a user-friendly software built with winemaking in mind. InnoVint helps wineries of all sizes grow, make, and sell wine more efficiently. See how our vineyard tracking, wine production, and inventory management solutions can help your wine business thrive. https://www.innovint.us/

Resources from this Episode

Head High - https://www.headhighwines.com/ 

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Direct download: IW_Ep177_master.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

In this episode, we sit down with Vincent Fritzsche of Vincent Wine Company. Vincent shares his journey from California to Oregon, where he has built a unique one-man operation in the Willamette Valley, focusing on crafting high-quality Pinot Noir. Our conversation spans a range of topics, including the impact of mentorship and online wine communities, the balance of technical knowledge and passion in winemaking, and the intricacies of vineyard selection and harvest workflows.

Vincent also offers insights into his hands-off approach to winemaking, emphasizing the importance of allowing the natural characteristics of the grapes to shine through minimal intervention. Additionally, you'll hear about Vincent's plans to expand his winery and plant a small vineyard in the Eola Amity Hills. 

Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/

Resources from this Episode

Vincent Wine Company: https://vincentwinecompany.com/

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

 

Direct download: IW_Ep174_Master.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

In this episode, we have a conversation with viticulture specialist Fritz Westover. He shares his knowledge of vineyard management, focusing on cane pruning and shoot management methods. We discuss the significance of fruit drop timing, approaches to prevent powdery mildew and the advantages of maintaining a sustainable vineyard floor. 

We also go over the emerging wine regions of the U.S., the choice of appropriate trellis systems, and the problems posed by climate change and pests to grape cultivation. This episode is useful for both novice and seasoned winemakers looking to improve their grape farming and winemaking processes.

Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/

Resources from this Episode

Westover Vineyard Advising: https://www.vineyardadvising.com/

Virtual Viticulture Academy: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/

Download Fritz’s member-only Crop Estimation Grower Guide to learn how to estimate, when to estimate, and tips for improving estimation accuracy: https://mailchi.mp/virtualviticultureacademy.com/crop_estimation_tips

 

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

 

Direct download: IW_Ep172_Master.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

Join me as I bring back viticulturist Fritz Westover to unpack questions from our dedicated Inside Winemaking community. Listen in as we discuss the intricacies of vineyard management, sustaining vineyard health and productivity over time, and the crucial steps involved in preparing a vineyard for replanting, with a particular focus on the nuances of soil health. 

Whether you're looking to increase your planting density or enhance soil fertility with innovative practices like biochar, this episode provides guidance for growers facing these universal challenges. We also answer questions on the significance of vine spacing, the challenges of procuring quality vine material, and the cutting-edge world of biological pruning wound protection. 

Resources from this Episode

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Direct download: IW_Ep168_Master.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

Join us as we explore the life of Josh Phelps, a seasoned player in the wine industry, from his roots in restaurant work to the strategic cultivation of his winemaking empire. Listen in as Josh recounts his time at Kimberly Jones Selections where he honed his skills in sales and faced the tough skin-building challenge of rejection, and shares how he scaled his initial 100-case winemaking venture to an impressive 40,000.

Discover how Josh and his father work together to manage their wine brands while remaining authentic. Get a glimpse into their diverse wine projects, such as Steady State and Spaceage, and understand how these wines evolve with time. We also discuss effective wine sales strategies, the evolving landscape of market gatekeepers, and the indispensable value of personal connections in the wine business. 

Resources from this Episode

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Direct download: IW_Ep167_Master.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

I recently sat down with Shawn Johnson of Amulet Estate, who shared the revolution in winemaking processes brought by innovative software and fermentation techniques. His story intertwines with mine as I recall my years learning the winemaking craft from mentors like Mark Harold and the brilliant minds at Nicholson Ranch.

Come with us behind the scenes of Amulet Winery, where attention to detail and a passion for quality over quantity yield wines that evoke the land and the artists who shape them. From fermentation to the precision required in blending, you'll get a rare glimpse into the winemaking techniques that elevate the Cabernet Sauvignon.

As we round out our conversation, get a glimpse into the everyday adventures of the vineyard—from sugar levels and acidity to the use of native yeasts and oak influence. You'll hear firsthand accounts of the historical importance captured in each vintage and how equipment choice and yeasts can bring out the flavors that are a wine's signature.

Resources from this Episode

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Direct download: IW_Ep166_Master.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

Listen in as I sit down with Dan Limoges, a winemaker and grape grower from North Georgia who has truly immersed himself in the craft. Dan shares the narrative of his transition from Iowa to the wine-laden landscapes of Georgia, where he and his wife have established Limoges Cellars. His passion for the vine-to-bottle process is evident as we talk about their hands-on approach to developing their vineyard and winery.

In this conversation, we uncover the challenges of starting a vineyard in the unique climate and geography of North Georgia. Discover the story behind the Limoges’ land search, the importance of community relations, and the strategic decisions that were made, from the layout of the vineyard to the selection of grape varieties. We navigate through the complexities of viticulture in a region where elevation plays a crucial role in combating Pierce's disease and where the beauty of the Appalachian foothills presents both opportunities and obstacles.

The journey from concept to reality in Limoges Cellars' winery and tasting room is filled with creative solutions to winemaking challenges, such as cold stabilization techniques and the integration of community resources. Join us to learn more about Limoges Cellars and how they have grown their successful operation in North Georgia.

Resources from this Episode

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Direct download: IW_Ep165_Master.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am EDT

Join the conversation with viticulturist Fritz Westover and discover the alchemy of grape growing in climates that challenge even the most seasoned growers. From the humble Pennsylvania plant lover to an acclaimed viticulturist, Fritz unpacks his storied journey and the problems faced by vineyards far from Napa Valley.

Learn how Fritz helps vineyards weave through the complexities like market saturation and extreme weather while also considering how variety selection can make or break the success of a vintage. Our discourse is a blend of wisdom and practical tips — like combatting hail with side netting — that can determine a vintage’s fate. 

The Virtual Viticulture Academy stands as a testament to Fritz's dedication to supporting the viticulture community, providing a shared space for knowledge, guidance, and camaraderie among grape growers across the globe. Listen in and let your passion for the art and science of winemaking flourish with the insights and stories shared in our discussion.

Episode Sponsor:

This podcast is sponsored by Innovint: https://www.innovint.us/  

Has your winery turned into a complete Excel sheet show? 

Say hello to InnoVint – it’s winemaking software to get you off of spreadsheets and into the modern era. InnoVint was founded and built by winemakers, so they know where your pain points are. 

No matter the size of your winery, InnoVint provides you with instant access to your production records in the format you need to make quick, informed decisions. Basically, they take the tedious data management stuff off your plate. 

With a desktop and mobile platform, the insights you need are just a few clicks away (even if you’re offline!). Make the right calls at the right time. InnoVint is an approachable solution focused on exactly what winemaking teams need. 

Automate your TTB compliance. Know the true cost of each wine. Improve your cellar workflow and be more effective than ever before! 

Join the 4,500 winery professionals saving up to 30 hours per week. Schedule a call today on InnoVint.us, and don’t forget to mention the Inside Winemaking Podcast.

Innovint has a special deal for Inside Winemaking listeners, and they are offering to provide lunch when you complete a demo of their software with a team member and mention the podcast.

Resources from this Episode

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Direct download: IW_Ep164_Master.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am EDT

In this episode, Pavle Milic takes us through a journey of his life, passions, and entrepreneurial spirit. Starting with his roots in Colombia and transition to the hospitality scene in New York, Milic has carved out a unique niche in the culinary and wine world in Arizona. The discussion navigates through the landscapes of Colombia and the burgeoning wine industry of Arizona, underscoring the importance of location, experimentation, and tasting room design.

Delving deeper into the realms of viticulture, Pavle paints an evocative picture of Arizona as an emerging wine country. With personal anecdotes and extensive knowledge, he details the state's high-elevation vineyards and the challenges of working with a diverse set of grape varietals. Milic also shares insider details about his restaurant, FNB, and his winery, Los Milics Vineyards, highlighting their distinct approaches to food and wine that celebrate Arizona's unique terroir.

In this episode, you will hear:

  • Exploration of Colombian culture and cuisine.
  • The journey of opening a restaurant in Scottsdale with a focus on local wines, overcoming economic challenges, and building community support.
  • The growth of the Arizona wine industry highlighting the unique climate, varietals, and the influence of the Four Corners Development Project.
  • The creation of a personal wine label and the development of a winery through partnership.
  • Innovative winemaking techniques and the emergence of Arizona's wine country as a destination.

Resources from this Episode

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Direct download: IW_Ep163_Master.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am EDT

Collin Cranor and Craig Ploof - Grape Culture

In this episode, Colin and Craig discuss their journey from Livermore Valley to establishing their own winery in Napa Valley. They explain their focus on single-vineyard wines and the importance of site-driven winemaking. Our discussion included the role of data and technology in their winemaking process, including the use of Wine X-Ray and the Pulsair system for cap management. They express their excitement about being part of the Napa Valley wine community and the potential for growth and success in the region.

This podcast is sponsored by Innovint. Has your winery turned into a complete Excel sheet show?

Say hello to InnoVint, it’s winemaking software to get you off of spreadsheets and into the modern era. InnoVint was founded and built by winemakers, so they know where your pain points are.

No matter the size of your winery, InnoVint provides you with instant access to your production records in the format you need to make quick, informed decisions. Basically, they take the tedious data management stuff off your plate.

With a desktop and mobile platform, the insights you need are just a few clicks away (even if you’re offline!). Make the right calls at the right time. InnoVint is an approachable solution focused on exactly what winemaking teams need.

Automate your TTB compliance. Know the true cost of each wine. Improve your cellar workflow, and be more effective than ever before!

Join the 4,500 winery professionals saving up to 30 hours per week. Schedule a call today on InnoVint.us and don’t forget to mention the Inside Winemaking Podcast.

Innovint has a special deal for Inside Winemaking listeners and they are offering to provide lunch when you complete a demo of their software with a team member and mention the podcast.

 

Check out the Fundamentals of Winemaking Made Easy video course

 

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

Now on Spotify

And Amazon Music

Direct download: Ep._162._Grape_Culture.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:30am EDT

This episode features Corinne Rich and Katie Rouse, who, together comprise Birdhorse Wines. Our conversation covers their winemaking backgrounds, the creation of the Birdhorse brand, the vineyards they have partnered with, oxidative white winemaking, novel winemaking techniques, and the hustle of building a brand with full-time jobs.  

This podcast is sponsored by Innovint. Has your winery turned into a complete Excel sheet show?

Say hello to InnoVint, it’s winemaking software to get you off of spreadsheets and into the modern era. InnoVint was founded and built by winemakers, so they know where your pain points are.

No matter the size of your winery, InnoVint provides you with instant access to your production records in the format you need to make quick, informed decisions. Basically, they take the tedious data management stuff off your plate.

With a desktop and mobile platform, the insights you need are just a few clicks away (even if you’re offline!). Make the right calls at the right time. InnoVint is an approachable solution focused on exactly what winemaking teams need.

Automate your TTB compliance. Know the true cost of each wine. Improve your cellar workflow, and be more effective than ever before!

Join the 4,500 winery professionals saving up to 30 hours per week. Schedule a call today on InnoVint.us and don’t forget to mention the Inside Winemaking Podcast.

Innovint has a special deal for Inside Winemaking listeners and they are offering to provide lunch when you complete a demo of their software with a team member and mention the podcast.

 

Check out the Fundamentals of Winemaking Made Easy video course

 

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

Now on Spotify

And Amazon Music

Direct download: Ep._161_Corinne_Rich_and_Katie_Rouse_-__Birdhorse_Wines.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:30am EDT

This episode features Kira Ballotta, owner and winemaker for the two brands celebrating past and present trailblazing women.  If a wine brand was a historical fiction novel, Olivia Brion would be the main character in that novel. Each bottle of wine tells a different “chapter” of her story. Life being somewhat more surprising than fiction, the stories of Olivia Brion are inspired by the full lives of real trailblazing women from history.  Cantadora is the natural evolution of Olivia Brion. Where Olivia Brion focuses on stories from history, Cantadora features women from today, giving back to the shared community in exceptional ways.  Our conversation in this episode ranges from Kira’s background, the varietals she works with, the challenges of building small brands, and the women that Kira has partnered with in creating the Cantadora wines.

Direct download: Ep._160_Kira_Ballotta.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:30am EDT

This episode features Amy Whiteford and Dave Phinney in a conversation about the development of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills and Santa Barbara County AVA. Both Amy and Dave have independently been on the podcast before Amy back in 2014 and 2016. Our conversation ranges from their shared work background, the reasons for developing a vineyard in Santa Rita Hills, the characteristics of the site, the diversity of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay selections, challenges of hillside plantings, avocado trees in the vineyard, straddling the AVA line, the name Our Lady of Guadalupe, the wine I get to make using fruit from this vineyard for Naked Wines, and the launch of the new wine brand Our Lady of Guadalupe Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.


Mike NuÑez - NuÑez Vineyard Management

This episode features Mike Nuñez, who owns and operates Nuñez Vineyard Management, a farm labor contractor and vineyard development specialist based in Napa Valley. Mike and I discuss the barn we made wine together in back in 2004, Mike’s career path, the services that his company manages, and then an in-depth outline of how Mike plans every critical step in planning, designing, planting training, and managing a new vineyard. There’s no way we could have covered every vineyard-specific detail in one podcast, but this episode could be a resource for anyone serious about the most important aspects of vineyard development.

This podcast is sponsored by Innovint. Has your winery turned into a complete Excel sheet show?

Say hello to InnoVint, it’s winemaking software to get you off of spreadsheets and into the modern era. InnoVint was founded and built by winemakers, so they know where your pain points are.

No matter the size of your winery, InnoVint provides you with instant access to your production records in the format you need to make quick, informed decisions. Basically, they take the tedious data management stuff off your plate.

With a desktop and mobile platform, the insights you need are just a few clicks away (even if you’re offline!). Make the right calls at the right time. InnoVint is an approachable solution focused on exactly what winemaking teams need.

Automate your TTB compliance. Know the true cost of each wine. Improve your cellar workflow, and be more effective than ever before!

Join the 4,500 winery professionals saving up to 30 hours per week. Schedule a call today on InnoVint.us and don’t forget to mention the Inside Winemaking Podcast.

Innovint has a special deal for Inside Winemaking listeners and they are offering to provide lunch when you complete a demo of their software with a team member and mention the podcast.

 

Check out the Fundamentals of Winemaking Made Easy video course

 

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

Now on Spotify

And Amazon Music

Direct download: Ep._158_Mike_Nunez_-_Nunez_Vineyard_Management.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

This episode features the return of Ben Matthews, who was a part of Episode 83 in 2018, and went on to found Terratorium, which is the focal point of conversation for this episode. Ben has been a long-time podcast listener and he and I met when he came out to Napa for the Deep Winemaking (wine camp) in 2017. A year later Ben came back to Napa to work harvest with me at Seavey Vineyard. Upon returning to Cincinnati and founding Terratorium Ben brought me into the business to help with vineyards and winemaking. 2021 was our first year of full production and the complicated path of producing our Riesling felt like a story we could share on the podcast. Our conversation covers Ben’s telling of building Terratorium, the desire to make a Riesling, Tondre Grapefield in Santa Lucia Highlands, and the many obstacles and discussions we had in order to create our desired style of Riesling. We talk through every step of the winemaking, including all of the chemistries, during this discussion.

Direct download: Terratorium_Riesling.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Greg Brewer - Brewer-Clifton, Datom, and Ex Post facto

This episode features Greg Brewer, founder and winemaker at Brewer-Clifton, which is a winery in Santa Barbara producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Our conversation runs the gamut from Greg’s background, his experience working with grapes from Santa Rita Hills, harvest and processing logistics, my jealousy for Santa Rita’s huge picking window, DIAM corks, Greg’s stainless bin fermentors, his philosophy in sourcing a block for vineyard designated wines before planting vines, how little analytical data plays into his winemaking, the stainless Chardonnay brand Diatom, and Syrah for Ex Post Facto.

This podcast is sponsored by Flextank For nearly 20 years, winemakers in the United States and Europe have used Flextanks to make world-class wines. Flextanks have many uses in a winery including the maturation of wines. They breathe like a barrel with precise and consistent linear micro-oxygenation to your wines. The Flextank system uses its proprietary Flexstaves line of staves which are sourced from premier French and American cooperages to age both red and white wines.

Today’s technologies are playing a bigger and bigger role in wineries these days. Flextanks have a long track record of replacing traditional wood oak barrels with a revolutionary breathable polymer that is scientifically engineered to achieve Oxygen Transfer Rates similar to your choice of either a 2-year or neutral barrel. Independent scientific studies and trials have validated this technology. Unlike a barrel, however, the molecules you want to retain- like ethanol and water- do not escape the Flextank wall, which means these tanks do not lose the Angel’s share as with barrels…this means less topping is needed.

Not only do Flextanks breathe like a barrel, but they are also unbelievably simple to clean- reducing water and labor costs- and are designed in a variety of sizes and profiles to make more efficient space use in any cellar. Flextanks are built here in the United States and come with a free lifetime warranty.

To learn more about how you can modernize your winery and lower your barreling costs, simply go to Flextank.com. Discover how the Flextank system with Flexstaves is today’s new way to make award-winning wines.

 

Check out the Fundamentals of Winemaking Made Easy video course

 

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

Now on Spotify

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Ep._156_Greg_Brewer_-_Brewer-Clifton_Datom_and_Ex_Post_Facto.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:45pm EDT

This episode features Megan Gunderson, Vice President of Winemaking for Hall Wines. Megan oversees the production of wines for the Hall, WALT, and BACA brands. Our conversation ranges from Megan’s professional background, the stories Hall wines from Napa, the WALT wines from Oregon to Sta Rita Hills, the BACA Zinfandel wines, production logistics, partnerships with grapegrowers, fermentation tank materials, and Innovint’s winery production software.

This podcast is sponsored by Innovint. Has your winery turned into a complete Excel sheet show?

Say hello to InnoVint, it’s winemaking software to get you off of spreadsheets and into the modern era. InnoVint was founded and built by winemakers, so they know where your pain points are.

No matter the size of your winery, InnoVint provides you with instant access to your production records in n the format you need to make quick, informed decisions. Basically, they take the tedious data management stuff off your plate.

With a desktop and mobile platform, the insights you need are just a few clicks away (even if you’re offline!). Make the right calls at the right time. InnoVint is an approachable solution focused on exactly what winemaking teams need.

Automate your TTB compliance. Know the true cost of each wine. Improve your cellar workflow, and be more effective than ever before!

Join the 4,500 winery professionals saving up to 30 hours per week. Schedule a call today on InnoVint.us and don’t forget to mention the Inside Winemaking Podcast.

Innovint has a special deal for Inside Winemaking listeners and they are offering to provide lunch when you complete a demo of their software with a team member and mention the podcast.

 

Check out the Fundamentals of Winemaking Made Easy video course

 

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

Now on Spotify

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Ep._155_Megan_Gunderson_-_Hall_Wines.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

This episode features Scott McLeod, winemaker, and one of the founders of WineXRay. Our conversation covers Scott’s background building the Francis Ford Coppola brands, the development of WineXRay with his business partner Gianni Colantuoni, the color and tannin components that the WineXRay technology measures, its practical uses in a winery, the basic traits of anthocyanins and tannins in wine, the effects of temperature on red-grape phenolic development in the vineyard, consequences of the September 2022 heatwave, extraction dynamics during primary fermentation, the pros and cons of shade cloth in the vineyard, and the limits grapevine virus and diseases have on phenolic synthesis.

This podcast is sponsored by Sentia. The Sentia hand-held wine analyzer is a portable device for rapid measurement of 6 key analytes during wine production - free sulfur dioxide, acetic acid, malic acid, titratable acidity, glucose, and fructose.

Using existing technology developed by Universal Biosensors and applied in human health for over 10 years, you save time and money with Sentia. Sentia has been developed for winery personnel who don’t want to spend hours testing using traditional techniques or waste time preparing samples, sending them off to a lab, and then waiting for results. In less time, you can test, make adjustments, then move on to the next task.

Portability and speed of results are just some of the unique attributes of Sentia. No special skill is required, calibration is automatic, there are minimal or no reagents and it’s cost-effective. PLUS, it’s compatible with major winery management software platforms. Sentia is distributed nationally, as well in Canada, Mexico, South America, and Europe.

For a demonstration, quote, and sales in your area, go to universalbiosensors.com/sentia or look for “Sentia wine analyzer” in your browser. In North America, you can also call Pelle Nilsson at 503 801-1694.

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

Now on Spotify

And Stitcher Radio Too

 

Check out the Fundamentals of Winemaking Made Easy video course

Direct download: Ep._154_Scott_McLeod_-_WineXRay.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am EDT

This episode features Clark Smith, who is a winemaker, author, wine technology innovator, and winemaking instructor. Our conversation in this episode covers Clark’s background in winemaking, the development of Vinovation, alcohol adjustment in wines, micro-oxygenation, the enology courses he used to teach at UC Davis, making wine without SO2, his book Postmodern Winemaking, what modern and postmodern winemaking entail, and his video course: Fundamentals of Winemaking Made Easy.

Direct download: Ep._153_Clark_Smith_-_Postmodern_Winemaking_and_Video_Course.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

This episode features Matt Parish, who is one of the top winemakers within Naked Wines. Our conversation wove through Matt’s international corporate winemaking, his work with Naked Wines as an employee and later as a winemaker, the tools and tactics Matt uses to build wines in various styles, and his current international collaborations.

Direct download: Ep._152._Matt_Parish_-_Naked_Wines_and_Vinture.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Dan Petroski - Massican Wines

This episode features Dan Petroski, found, winemaker, and creative director of Massican Wines. Dan jokes that Massican is the best white wine winery in Napa Valley. Our conversation covers Dan’s background with magazines, a career in publishing, his ventures in Sicily, learning to make wine in California, Dan’s experiments focused on the elimination of additives, the pied du cuve at Larkmead Vineyards, Massican Blue in the Harvard pigment library, Dan’s number one secret to success. salinity in white wines, saliva drivers, and his endeavors with Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon blanc.

This podcast is sponsored by Flextank For nearly 20 years, winemakers in the United States and Europe have used Flextanks to make world-class wines. Flextanks have many uses in a winery including the maturation of wines. They breathe like a barrel with precise and consistent linear micro-oxygenation to your wines. The Flextank system uses its proprietary Flexstaves line of staves which are sourced from premier French and American cooperages to age both red and white wines.

Today’s technologies are playing a bigger and bigger role in wineries these days. Flextanks have a long track record of replacing traditional wood oak barrels with a revolutionary breathable polymer that is scientifically engineered to achieve Oxygen Transfer Rates similar to your choice of either a 2-year or neutral barrel. Independent scientific studies and trials have validated this technology. Unlike a barrel, however, the molecules you want to retain- like ethanol and water- do not escape the Flextank wall, which means these tanks do not lose the Angel’s share as with barrels…this means less topping is needed.

Not only do Flextanks breathe like a barrel, but they are also unbelievably simple to clean- reducing water and labor costs- and are designed in a variety of sizes and profiles to make more efficient space use in any cellar. Flextanks are built here in the United States and come with a free lifetime warranty.

To learn more about how you can modernize your winery and lower your barreling costs, simply go to Flextank.com. Discover how the Flextank system with Flexstaves is today’s new way to make award-winning wines.

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

Now on Spotify

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Ep._151_Dan_Petroski_-_Massican_Wines.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Josh Widaman - Pine Ridge Vineyards

This episode features Josh Widaman, Estate Winemaker from Pine Ridge Vineyards in the Napa Valley. Our conversation was focused on Cabernet Sauvignon and covered, the cellar updates at Pine Ridge, their 160 acres of vines in Napa, Wine XRay, and high-brix winemaking.

This podcast is sponsored by Innovint. Has your winery turned into a complete Excel sheet show?

Say hello to InnoVint, it’s winemaking software to get you off of spreadsheets and into the modern era. InnoVint was founded and built by winemakers, so they know where your pain points are.

No matter the size of your winery, InnoVint provides you with instant access to your production records in n the format you need to make quick, informed decisions. Basically, they take the tedious data management stuff off your plate.

With a desktop and mobile platform, the insights you need are just a few clicks away (even if you’re offline!). Make the right calls at the right time. InnoVint is an approachable solution focused on exactly what winemaking teams need.

Automate your TTB compliance. Know the true cost of each wine. Improve your cellar workflow, and be more effective than ever before!

Join the 4,500 winery professionals saving up to 30 hours per week. Schedule a call today on InnoVint.us and don’t forget to mention the Inside Winemaking Podcast.

Innovint has a special deal for Inside Winemaking listeners and they are offering to provide lunch when you complete a demo of their software with a team member and mention the podcast.

 

 

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

Now on Spotify

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Ep._150__Josh_Widaman_-_Pine_Ridge_Vineyards.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:59am EDT

This episode features Marcus Notaro, Head Winemaker, at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars in Napa Valley. This was a chance for me to ask Marcus about grapegowing and winemaking in central Washington, where he used to make wine for Col Solare focusing on vineyards in the Red Mountain AVA. Our conversation covered Marcus’ background, viticulture in Washington, “stabulation,” a new idea to me, styles of Chardonnay, and Cabernet from Stag’s Leap.

Direct download: Ep._149_Marcus_Notaro_-_Stags_Leap_Wine_Cellars.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:12am EDT

David Bos - Bos Wine

This episode features David Bos in his third time on the podcast. In this episode, we cover David’s return to Michigan, organic farming near Lake Michigan, the new Bos Wine Garden in Elk Rapids, and the basics of advancing a newer wine region in the US.

This podcast is sponsored by Innovint. Has your winery turned into a complete Excel sheet show?

Say hello to InnoVint, it’s winemaking software to get you off of spreadsheets and into the modern era. InnoVint was founded and built by winemakers, so they know where your pain points are.

No matter the size of your winery, InnoVint provides you with instant access to your production records in n the format you need to make quick, informed decisions. Basically, they take the tedious data management stuff off your plate.

With a desktop and mobile platform, the insights you need are just a few clicks away (even if you’re offline!). Make the right calls at the right time. InnoVint is an approachable solution focused on exactly what winemaking teams need.

Automate your TTB compliance. Know the true cost of each wine. Improve your cellar workflow, and be more effective than ever before!

Join the 4,500 winery professionals saving up to 30 hours per week. Schedule a call today on InnoVint.us and don’t forget to mention the Inside Winemaking Podcast.

Innovint has a special deal for Inside Winemaking listeners and they are offering to provide lunch when you complete a demo of their software with a team member and mention the podcast.

 

 

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

Now on Spotify

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: David_Bos_-_Bos_Wine.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:23pm EDT

This episode features Natalie Winkler and viticulturist for Salvestrin Winery in the Napa Valley. Our conversation during this podcast was heavy on technical farming. Natalie shared her experience in transitioning vineyards from conventional to organic and biodynamic farming. We discussed cover crops, soil building, carbon sequestration, conservation tillage, and even a little about winemaking.

This podcast is sponsored by Innovint. Has your winery turned into a complete Excel sheet show?

Say hello to InnoVint, it’s winemaking software to get you off of spreadsheets and into the modern era. InnoVint was founded and built by winemakers, so they know where your pain points are.

No matter the size of your winery, InnoVint provides you with instant access to your production records in n the format you need to make quick, informed decisions. Basically, they take the tedious data management stuff off your plate.

With a desktop and mobile platform, the insights you need are just a few clicks away (even if you’re offline!). Make the right calls at the right time. InnoVint is an approachable solution focused on exactly what winemaking teams need.

Automate your TTB compliance. Know the true cost of each wine. Improve your cellar workflow, and be more effective than ever before!

Join the 4,500 winery professionals saving up to 30 hours per week. Schedule a call today on InnoVint.us and don’t forget to mention the Inside Winemaking Podcast.

Innovint has a special deal for Inside Winemaking listeners and they are offering to provide lunch when you complete a demo of their software with a team member and mention the podcast.

 

 

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

Now on Spotify

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Natalie_Winkler_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:18am EDT

This episode features Michael Accurso who is the Director of Emerging Wine Brands for the En Route, Bella Union, and Post & Beam wines within the Far Niente Family of Wineries. Our conversation ran through Michael’s background, Anderson Valley winemaking, Pinot Noir - clones and extraction practices, the remodeling of the winery in Rutherford in Napa, building of the Post & Beam Napa Cabernets.

This podcast is sponsored by Innovint. Has your winery turned into a complete Excel sheet show?

Say hello to InnoVint, it’s winemaking software to get you off of spreadsheets and into the modern era. InnoVint was founded and built by winemakers, so they know where your pain points are.

No matter the size of your winery, InnoVint provides you with instant access to your production records in n the format you need to make quick, informed decisions. Basically, they take the tedious data management stuff off your plate.

With a desktop and mobile platform, the insights you need are just a few clicks away (even if you’re offline!). Make the right calls at the right time. InnoVint is an approachable solution focused on exactly what winemaking teams need.

Automate your TTB compliance. Know the true cost of each wine. Improve your cellar workflow, and be more effective than ever before!

Join the 4,500 winery professionals saving up to 30 hours per week. Schedule a call today on InnoVint.us and don’t forget to mention the Inside Winemaking Podcast.

Innovint has a special deal for Inside Winemaking listeners and they are offering to provide lunch when you complete a demo of their software with a team member and mention the podcast.

 

 

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

Now on Spotify

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Michael_Accurso_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:34pm EDT

Interview with winemaker Andy Robinson from Seghesio Family Vineyards. January, 2023

Direct download: Andy_Robinson_-_Seghesio.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:21pm EDT

This episode features an interview with winemaker Angelina Mondavi

Direct download: Angelina_Mondavi_Interview.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:02pm EDT

This episode features KK Carothers, who is the winemaker at Bryant Estate in Napa Valley. Our conversation covers KK’s path to winemaking, the wines from Bryant Estate, estate grapegrowing, building a fumé blanc wine, and a review of harvest 2022.

This podcast is sponsored by Innovint. Has your winery turned into a complete Excel sheet show?

Say hello to InnoVint, it’s winemaking software to get you off of spreadsheets and into the modern era. InnoVint was founded and built by winemakers, so they know where your pain points are.

No matter the size of your winery, InnoVint provides you with instant access to your production records in n the format you need to make quick, informed decisions. Basically, they take the tedious data management stuff off your plate.

With a desktop and mobile platform, the insights you need are just a few clicks away (even if you’re offline!). Make the right calls at the right time. InnoVint is an approachable solution focused on exactly what winemaking teams need.

Automate your TTB compliance. Know the true cost of each wine. Improve your cellar workflow, and be more effective than ever before!

Join the 4,500 winery professionals saving up to 30 hours per week. Schedule a call today on InnoVint.us and don’t forget to mention the Inside Winemaking Podcast.

This podcast is sponsored by Total Wine. When you discover a new favorite bottle of Chardonnay, sparkling wine, or gin at Total Wine & More, you’ll discover a whole lot more. Like the friendly smile of an expert guide ready to help you find that perfect bottle. And the confidence of knowing you just found something special. So, explore the wondrous selection and totally low prices at Total Wine dot com; where you’ll find what you love, and love what you find. Drink responsibly. Be 21.

 

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

Now on Spotify

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Ep._143_KK_Carothers_Bryant_-_Estate_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:13am EDT

This is a sponsored episode featuring Ashley DuBois Leonard Founder and CEO of Innovint a wine production software company.

Direct download: Ep-142-Ashley-Leonard-CEO-and-Founder-of-Innovint.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:03pm EDT

Nick Gislason - Hanabi Lager

This episode features Nick Gislason the founder and brewer of Hanabi Lager, which he brews with his wife and partners in the Napa Valley. Nick works as a winemaker, yet his curiosity for brewing, especially “grain-forward lagers”, was never shelved and has grown into Hanabi Lager Co., a brewery that he designed and built in his spare time. You might learn more about fireworks than winemaking in this conversation. Our conversation covers Nick’s background, how his fascinations with Japanese fireworks and brewing as a teenager inspired the artwork for Hanabi, technical aspects of brewing Pilsner, the search for heirloom barley, and spore-traps for monitoring Powdery Mildew in vineyards.

This podcast is sponsored by Sentia. The Sentia hand-held wine analyzer is a portable device for measuring free sulfur dioxide and malic acid in your wine. Using existing technology developed by Universal Biosensors and applied in human health for over 10 years, you can now measure key analytes during your winemaking process in less than a minute.

Sentia has been developed for cellar personnel who don’t want to spend hours in a lab using traditional techniques or have to wait for results that are sent to an outside lab. In less time, you can test and make adjustments, then move on to the next task. Portability and speed of results are just some of the unique attributes of Sentia. No special skill is required, calibration is automatic, there are minimal or no reagents and it’s cost-effective. Sentia is distributed nationally so for more information or sales in your area, go to universalbiosensors.com/sentia or look for “Sentia wine analyzer” in your browser.

This podcast is sponsored by Total Wine. When you discover a new favorite bottle of Chardonnay, sparkling wine, or gin at Total Wine & More, you’ll discover a whole lot more. Like the friendly smile of an expert guide ready to help you find that perfect bottle. And the confidence of knowing you just found something special. So, explore the wondrous selection and totally low prices at Total Wine dot com; where you’ll find what you love, and love what you find. Drink responsibly. Be 21.

 

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Nick_Gislason_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Ep. 140: Bertus van Zyl - Belong Wine Co., Tank Garage Winery, and James Cole Winery

Direct download: Bertus_van_Zyl_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:21pm EDT

This episode features Megan Brodie the Manager of Global Product Development & Winemaking for BevZero, a company that specializes in alcohol removal technologies for wine and other beverages.

Direct download: Ep._139_Megan_Brodie_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:18am EDT

This episode features Steve Matthiason, who has had an outsized role in the North Coast Californian wine industry both as a viticultural consultant and as a winemaker. This episode served as a chance to catch up since we worked together twelve years ago. We talked about Steve and his wife, Jill’s, building of Matthiasson including the wines, brand, and now a winery on the eastern edge of Napa. Of course, no conversation with Steve would be complete without discussions of technical vineyard work including Powdery Mildew spore trapping.

This podcast is sponsored by Innovint. Has your winery turned into a complete Excel sheet show?

Say hello to InnoVint, it’s winemaking software to get you off of spreadsheets and into the modern era. InnoVint was founded and built by winemakers, so they know where your pain points are.

No matter the size of your winery, InnoVint provides you with instant access to your production records in n the format you need to make quick, informed decisions. Basically, they take the tedious data management stuff off your plate.

With a desktop and mobile platform, the insights you need are just a few clicks away (even if you’re offline!). Make the right calls at the right time. InnoVint is an approachable solution focused on exactly what winemaking teams need.

Automate your TTB compliance. Know the true cost of each wine. Improve your cellar workflow, and be more effective than ever before!

Join the 4,500 winery professionals saving up to 30 hours per week. Schedule a call today on InnoVint.us and don’t forget to mention the Inside Winemaking Podcast.

 

This podcast is sponsored by Total Wine. When you discover a new favorite bottle of Chardonnay, sparkling wine, or gin at Total Wine & More, you’ll discover a whole lot more. Like the friendly smile of an expert guide ready to help you find that perfect bottle. And the confidence of knowing you just found something special. So, explore the wondrous selection and totally low prices at Total Wine dot com; where you’ll find what you love, and love what you find. Drink responsibly. Be 21.

 

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Steve_Matthiasson_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am EDT

This episode features Maya Dalla Valle, who has taken over the helm of viticulture and winemaking at her family's estate in Napa and also developed a new joint venture between Dalle Valle and the Supertuscan estate, Ornellaia.

Direct download: Maya_Dalla_Valle.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:16pm EDT

This episode was a double interview between Jim Duane from Inside Winemaking and Daniel Baron from The Winemaker’s Journey Podcast.

Direct download: Daniel_Baron_complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:42am EDT

This episode of the Podcast features Natalie MacLean, author, wine educator, and host of the Unreserved Wine Talk Podcast. Natalie, who is based in Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, told us the story of her transition from tech to wine, she gave an in-depth portrayal of the Canadian winemaking regions, and we discussed the work that she does today including creating wine and food pairing classes, writing her third book, and the Unreserved Wine Talk Podcast. Natalie is currently seeking beta readers for her new book, a memoir, and leaves an invitation during our conversation.

Direct download: Ep._135_-_Natalie_MacLean_-_Unreserved_Wine_Talk_Podcast.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:22pm EDT

This episode of the Podcast features Nick Devlin, CEO of Naked Wines. Our conversation covers Nick’s background in London, the stories of Naked wines evolution, insights from the relationships they’ve built with their customers (Angels), the different value propositions that Naked offers to winemakers and to consumers, growth during the pandemic, and my new J.M. Duane Rosé and Grenache wines.

This podcast is brought you by Wine Compliance Alliance Thinking of starting your own wine business? Maybe you’d like to make your own wines and sell to customers who are both inside and outside of your home state? Maybe you are already working with a winery to make the wines you’d like to sell? Your business is going to need certain licensing to be able to do that.

Wine compliance alliance in Napa CA offers services to assist with the federal and state applications your business will need so you make sure to get the right fit licensing for your business type and sales model. To schedule your own consult call to discuss the specifics of your business go to winecompliancealliance.com/contact

Check out my two previous podcasts with Ann Reynolds who runs Wine Compliance Alliance:

 

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Ep._134_Nick_Devlin_-_Naked_Wines.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:22pm EDT

This episode of the Podcast features Randy Heinzen in his return to the podcast. During a trip to Paso Robles in January 2019 Randy gave me a in-depth tour of vineyards in Paso Robles. Randy then let me know about a young planting on his family’s ranch, Coakley Vineyard, that included new, cleaned-up clones of Grenache. His excitement for the potential of this new wine was infectious and I have spent the past two years building that very wine by leveraging the opportunity to work with Naked Wines. In this episode, we talk about viticulture in Paso Robles, building the Coakley Vineyard Grenache from grapes to wine, Randy delivers with new terms such as phyllosilicates the “point of discontinuity”, and triple-trimming Grenache pre-set.

Direct download: Ep._133_Randy_Heinzen_Paso_Robles.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:17pm EDT

This episode of the Podcast features Joe Nielsen the winemaker from Ram’s Gate Winery in Sonoma, California. During our conversation, Joe and I discuss his path to becoming a winemaker, the Ram’s Gate wines, and the wine MBA from Sonoma State.

This podcast is brought you by Total Wine, a wonderland for wine, spirits, and beer lovers!

No matter what’s on your holiday table, we have the wine—and the savings—to match. Here’s our recipe for a toast-worthy feast. Pop open some bubbly as guests gather ‘round. Pair baked ham with Cabernet for some tasty magic. Turkey and stuffing play nicely with Pinot Noir. Pour Riesling with apple pie for a dessert that really sings.

While you’re at it, check out the Top 20 Wines of the Year and discover standout gifts for everyone on your list. Plus, there are so many new festive flavors to fall for like pumpkin brews and margarita wine cocktails.

With over eight thousand wines, four thousand spirits, and twenty-five hundred beers to choose from, you can expect the unexpected, and always at ridiculously low prices with the best service in America.

What’ll it be today?

Choose curbside pickup, in store pickup, shipping or delivery. Explore more in store, online, or on our app Total Wine.com

Spirits not available in Virginia or North Carolina.

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Ep._132__Joe_Nielsen_-_Rams_Gate_Winery.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:43pm EDT

This episode of the Podcast features Francois Margot from DIAM Bouchage, a company that designs, manufactures, and markets technological cork closures. Our conversation covers the unique qualities of natural cork and the DIAM’s innovations that were developed to address cork closures’ mechanical performance, sensorial neutrality, and Oxygen control. Francois describes in great technical detail the production and performance of DIAM’s range of cork closures. This is not a podcast sponsored by DIAM. I have been using DIAM corks in the wines I am producing for Terratorium Wines and Naked Wines. Because of those associations I have been motivated to study the DIAM technologies and felt it valuable to share with the podcast audience.

Direct download: Ep._131__Francois_Margot_-_DIAM_Cork_Closures.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:25pm EDT

This episode of the Podcast features Matt Dees, winemaker for the Hilt Estate and Jonata wineries in Santa Barbara County. Matt and I talked about his background, the building of the Jonata, and the new Hilt Estate in the Santa Rita Hills AVA. I had a great time talking with Matt and came away more prepared to make my own wines from Santa Barbara for the first time this 2021 harvest. LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE The Hilt Estate - Santa Rita Hills, California Jonata Winery - Santa Ynez, California

Direct download: Matt_Dees_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:49pm EDT

This episode of the Podcast features Danielle Cyrot, who is the winemaker for Cade Winery and 13th Vineyard on Howell Mountain in the Napa Valley. Our conversation ranges from mountain winemaking, the trials of the 2020 vintage, Cade’s growth with the acquisition of 13th Vineyard, the Plumpjack group, and LEED Certification for wineries.

Direct download: Ep._129__Danielle_Cyrot__Cade_Winery.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:16pm EDT

This episode of the Podcast features Miguel Garcia who is the Sustainable Agriculture Program Manager for the Napa County Resource Conservation District. Miguel has been very helpful to the Seavey Vineyard team in our efforts towards soil management and carbon sequestration. I asked him to record this podcast so people would be aware of the ways in which Miguel in his position with the RCD is available to help farmers with a variety of conservation projects. We discussed Miguel’s background, his efforts to engage a Spanish-speaking audience of farmers, biochar, cultivation’s relationship with soil biology, rainfall simulators, and soil carbon sequestration.

Direct download: Miguel_Garcia_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:37pm EDT

This episode of the Podcast is a Zoom recording with Lance Vande Hoef who represents the grape machine harvest equipment for Pellenc in the US. We recorded this podcast with video in order to make it available as a Youtube video to show some of the Pellenc equipment in action. Pellenc makes tractors, harvesting machines, destemmers, sorters, and hand equipment, but much of our conversation centers around their machine harvesting capabilities and the ability to harvest and press in the field for white and rosé winemaking. We recorded this podcast in September 2020. For harvest of 2021, Lance’s son, Blake Vande Hoef, has begun offering in-field pressing services with Pellenc equipment in his new venture, Integrity Wine Company.

Direct download: Lance_Vande_Hoef_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:30pm EDT

This episode features Peter Yeung and Robert Vernick from the X Chateau Wine Podcast. Peter and Robert collectively offer a tremendous source of insight into the wine market, winemaking trends, sales trends, finance, and customer engagement based in a shared fascination for studying and drinking wine. In 2019 Peter co-authored the book Luxury Wine Marketing. This episode is not focused on winemaking per se but presents a wealth of ideas that winemakers can consider for their own marketing strategies. Listeners can explore the topics from this episode in much more depth on the X Chateau Podcast, which is available on all podcast platforms

Direct download: X_Chateau_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:18am EDT

This episode features WSU Food Scientist Charlie Edwards. Charlie is a teacher, researcher, and expert in wine microbes. I was finally able to have the high-level conversation about Brettanomyces that I’ve been longing for on the podcast. We also talked about wine bacteria, techniques to find points of contamination in a winery, the books he has authored, and the viticulture and enology degree programs that are available at Washington State.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Charles Edwards Faculty Page - Washington State University

Wine Microbiology: Practical Applications and Procedures 2nd Edition book by Kenneth Fugelsang and Charles Edwards published 2007

Illustrated Guide to Microbes and Sediments in Wine, Beer and Juice photobook by Charles Edwards published 2005

Washington State University - Fermentation Science

 

This podcast is brought you by Total Wine. There’s a sizzling lineup of cool sips at Total Wine & More. We’re talking summer’s greatest hits you’ll want to put on repeat like our top twelve wines under fifteen dollars.

And you can raise a glass to America with a star-spangled selection of pours made in the USA. Next, do yourself a FLAV·OR with ready-to freeze cocktail pops And fun, fizzy hard seltzers Pineapple? Mango anyone?

Here’s our recipe for a delicious summer evening. Take warm weather, smoked ribs, and just add Bordeaux

Let your imagination go grill crazy. From good ole fashioned hot dogs to turkey burgers with all the toppings you can’t go wrong with Chardonnay.

And when it comes to seafood, salmon and tuna swim nicely with fruity and fresh reds

So, no matter if you’re cooking out or chilling in You’re sure to find cool prices on over eight thousand wines, four thousand spirits, and twenty-five hundred beers.

Choose from curbside pickup, in-store pickup, shipping, or delivery.

Explore more in-store, or at Total Wine.com.

 

If you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering trying the new wines from Terratorium, the brand that grew out of this podcast.   

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

 

Direct download: Charlie_Edwards_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:42am EDT

Tony Biagi - Patria Wines

This episode features Tony Biagi a winemaker who has a tremendous resume of winemaking in Napa Valley. Our conversation covered Tony’s background, the role of a winemaking consultant, Tony’s demand for “a pound of flesh” during harvest, his wines from Paso Robles and other regions in California. Tony was incredibly candid about the development and operations of Patria Wines, his personal wine project.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Patria Wines - Napa Valley

Amici Cellars - Napa Valley

Lasseter Family Winery - Sonoma Valley

Hourglass Winery - Napa Valley

The Vineyardist - Napa Valley

Caliza Winery - Paso Robles

Jada Vineyard - Paso Robles

Alma Rosa Winery - Santa Barbara County

 

This podcast is brought you by Total Wine. There’s a sizzling lineup of cool sips at Total Wine & More. We’re talking summer’s greatest hits you’ll want to put on repeat like our top twelve wines under fifteen dollars.

And you can raise a glass to America with a star-spangled selection of pours made in the USA. Next, do yourself a FLAV·OR with ready-to freeze cocktail pops And fun, fizzy hard seltzers Pineapple? Mango anyone?

Here’s our recipe for a delicious summer evening. Take warm weather, smoked ribs, and just add Bordeaux

Let your imagination go grill crazy. From good ole fashioned hot dogs to turkey burgers with all the toppings you can’t go wrong with Chardonnay.

And when it comes to seafood, salmon and tuna swim nicely with fruity and fresh reds

So, no matter if you’re cooking out or chilling in You’re sure to find cool prices on over eight thousand wines, four thousand spirits, and twenty-five hundred beers.

Choose from curbside pickup, in-store pickup, shipping, or delivery.

Explore more in-store, or at Total Wine.com.

 

If you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering trying the new wines from Terratorium, the brand that grew out of this podcast.   

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

 

Direct download: Ep._125_Tony_Biagi_-_Patria_Wines.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:37pm EDT

Frank Renaldi - WinemakingInstructions.com

This episode features Frank Renaldi who is a winemaker and winemaking instructor. In a joint venture with Musto Wine Grape Company in Hartford, Connecticut Frank has created a comprehensive set of tutorial videos that are geared towards home winemakers, yet contain a high level of technical enology so as to be useful for commercial wineries as well. Our conversation covered Frank’s compulsive winemaking at home, the paths that he took to learn enology, how he geared his video courses to address the early difficulties that winemakers encounter, and the in-person courses he teaches in Hartford. His catalog of videos, some of which are free, are affordable and broken down by topic. My introduction to Frank came from Christina Musto, a previous guest on the podcast.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

WinemakingInstructions.com - video catalog

Musto Wine Grape Company - Hartford, CT - Source for grapes, equipment, supplies, and many winemaking resources

Enology supply and laboratory companies:

Scott Labs

Enartis

MyEnologist

Zenith White for tartaric acid stabilization

Ep. 58: Christina Musto - Musto Wine Grape Company

 

This podcast is brought you by Total Wine. There’s a sizzling lineup of cool sips at Total Wine & More. We’re talking summer’s greatest hits you’ll want to put on repeat like our top twelve wines under fifteen dollars.

And you can raise a glass to America with a star-spangled selection of pours made in the USA. Next, do yourself a FLAV·OR with ready-to freeze cocktail pops And fun, fizzy hard seltzers Pineapple? Mango anyone?

Here’s our recipe for a delicious summer evening. Take warm weather, smoked ribs, and just add Bordeaux

Let your imagination go grill crazy. From good ole fashioned hot dogs to turkey burgers with all the toppings you can’t go wrong with Chardonnay.

And when it comes to seafood, salmon and tuna swim nicely with fruity and fresh reds

So, no matter if you’re cooking out or chilling in You’re sure to find cool prices on over eight thousand wines, four thousand spirits, and twenty-five hundred beers.

Choose from curbside pickup, in-store pickup, shipping, or delivery.

Explore more in-store, or at Total Wine.com.

 

If you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering trying the new wines from Terratorium, the brand that grew out of this podcast.   

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

 

Direct download: Frank_Renaldi_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:46pm EDT

This episode features winemaker Michael Terrien. Michael is on a roadshow to promote the new Adventures excursion opportunities from Obsidian Wine Co. Michael has his hands in many projects from California Pinot noir to Maine wild blueberry sparkling wine and the portfolio of estate wines from Obsidian Ridge in Lake County, CA. I had a great conversation with Michael ranging from the details of making blueberry wine, the partnership that is Obsidian, dynamic pricing for his brand, Becheur, and his uncanny faith in a wine’s capacity to take care of itself.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by Wine Compliance Alliance. Winery compliance. Bring it up to winery owners or their staff and you get either a completely blank look or a grimace of some sort. In other words winery compliance is a topic that is either very unfamiliar or very disliked. Or both! But yet, every winery is required to do it and can suffer serious consequences if they don't.

Wine Compliance Alliance focuses on providing wineries with solutions to both of these areas of issue. If a winery has little familiarity with their compliance requirements our office can provide training assistance to get them up to speed to be able to manage it themselves. If a winery would prefer instead to have their files managed for them we’ve got you covered there too.

Wine Compliance Alliance, Full throttle from grape to bottle. Find out more at WineComplianceAlliance.com

 

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Micheal_Terrien_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:18am EDT

This episode features Ehlers Estate Winemaker, Laura Diaz Munoz. Laura and I talk about her winemaking roots in Spain, her work around the globe, the singular focus of estate winemaking, organic farming, and growing the Bordelais varietals up-valley in Napa.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

  • Ehlers Estate - Napa, CA

  • Terrratorium Wines

  • Send me an email if you want to join the Zoom meeting about building Terratorium on 4/16/2021 jim@insidewinemaking.com

This podcast is brought to you by Bucher Vaslin North America. At Bucher Vaslin North America, we offer the highest quality equipment and winemaking supplies to assist you throughout your entire process.  Bucher Vaslin North America is the exclusive supplier of Bucher Vaslin and Sutter Presses, Delta Reception Equipment, Cazaux Pumps, Costral Bottling Lines, Lamothe-Abiet Winemaking Products and ALIEN Robotic Optical Sorter. 

Our service team and technicians are professionally trained and certified to provide you parts, maintenance, and field service support throughout the year. Your success is our priority! For more information and to contact us please visit  www.bvnorthamerica.com/contact.

 Interested in reducing SO2 usage?

Excellence B-nature is a great solution and alternative to SO2 to protect your grapes and juices from microbial contamination. B-Nature is a non-Saccharomyces, non-fermenting, pure Metschnikovia pulcherrima yeast species that helps to control microbial development. It protects grapes from spoilage microbes and prevents VA, ethyl acetate, the production of volatile phenols, it also prevents the depletion of nutrients thus improving Saccharomyces dominance, health, and fermentation capacity.

To use B-Nature

  • Sprinkle directly on grapes at 30 g/ton as soon as possible after picking

  • In the harvest truck, before transportation

  • During tank filling, before maceration, or cold settling

  • During juice lees maceration

  • Works for Sparkling, whites, roses, and reds

B-Nature is produced by Lamothe-Abiet and distributed by Bucher Vaslin North America. For more info, www.bvnorthamerica.com/lamothe

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Laura_Diaz_Munoz_complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:35pm EDT

This episode features Jeff Murrell and the smoke-taint removal technology that he has developed. Jeff is a chemist, who works at StaVin and also runs a wine analytical lab, VinSci. It is within VinSci that Jeff is offering the rental of his equipment, SRx, to process smoke-tainted wines. As of March 2021, this is a very new tool for winemakers. Jeff and I talk about his technical background, the way he thinks about the compounds causing the negative aftertastes of tainted wines, the development of the SRx column, and his thoughts on the abilities and limits of the current technology. At this point in time, Jeff is having interested winemakers bring their wines in for an on-the-spot trial and tasting.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

 

 Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

 

Direct download: Jeff_Murrell_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:12am EDT

This episode features Philip Corallo-Titus who is the Winemaker at Chappellet a position he has held since 1990. He also serves as Director of Winemaking at his family’s winery Titus Vineyards, which he now runs with his brother. We talked about old school Chappellet, Chenin blanc, managing mountain tannins, winery design, and the new Titus Winery.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by Total Wine. Fling into spring at Total Wine & More, where fresh flavors are in full bloom. We’re talking Rieslings and rainboots, bubbly and brunch, or Pinot on the porch, anyone? No matter what’s on your table, we have the wine—and the savings—to go with your menu.

Sauvignon Blanc plays nicely with smoked salmon. Bacon practically begs for Chardonnay. And which Rosé are you feeling today? We surely have a shade to match.

Brighten up your glass with fresh cocktails. Rosé Prosecco makes for a beautiful twist on a Mojito, or mix up your Sangria with a spritz of berry seltzer. With over eight thousand wines, four thousand spirits, and twenty-five hundred beers to choose from, you can expect the unexpected.

Always at the best prices in town. With the best service in America.

What’ll it be today?

Choose curbside pickup, in-store pickup, shipping, or delivery.

Explore more in-store, or at Total Wine.com.

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

 

Direct download: Philip_Corallo_Titus_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:01pm EDT

This episode features winemaker Erica Stancliff, who has many roles in Sonoma including making wine for Trombetta, her family’s winery, consulting for a handful of client wineries, and advocacy work with the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance. This is a great conversation that ranged from highly technical enology from Erica’s stint working for Enartis Vinquiry to her current winemaking roles hands-on with small wineries.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by Black Dog Consulting.

Wine has been made since Antiquity; Kings, Queens, and common folk alike have all Revered and Coveted it. Over the centuries, Vintners have carefully documented the eccentricities. This activity persists today.

Joining forces with the Cadre of Consultants and Vendor Partners in the Black Dog Consulting Network gives the Vintner unparalleled access to Tribal knowledge, the best Support, and Products on the Market; often at lower cost. This comes with adjacent support from their Cadre of Consultant Agents; mostly at no cost to the end-user.

Most of the firms in the US are sole proprietors, whereas Black Dog Consulting operates as a "hive mind." This means if a situation arises where it is beyond the scope of expertise of your local agent, the rest of the cadre will address it and find a solution. They are a team of accomplished agents with a diverse background who are attempting to take a crowdsourced approach to your beverage science solutions.

This is a novel approach to wine consulting in the continental United States. You can reach them via email bdwineconsulting@gmail.com

  • @Blackdogconsultingwine

  • @BetweenTwoBudsPodcast

  • @TheDeliberateWinemaker

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Erica_stancliff_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:54pm EDT

This episode is a sponsored podcast from Airocide, which is an air purification system that has uses in production, administration, storage, and tasting room areas within a winery. Paul Frommelt, who has a long history working with wineries representing oak barrels, glass, and even cave construction, is my guest as he is now the supplier for Airocide systems for wine environments. We discuss the technical actions of Airocide’s technology, the different models available, and the problems it’s air purification can solve, but not before I squeeze all the knowledge of oak barrels, tanks, ovals, and square wood tanks from Paul’s years of experience helping equip wineries.

Direct download: Paul_Frommelt_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:37pm EDT

This episode features Nicole Hitchcock the winemaker for J Vineyards and Winery in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley. Our conversation was an opportunity to pull all the stops on my technical questions about sparkling wine and Nicole was delightfully up to the task. “Bubble velocity” is my new favorite term to casually drop into conversations. Nicole also led me through her Chardonnay and Pinot noir winemaking and the reasons the Russian River Valley is a special place to make wine.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by Black Dog Consulting.

Wine has been made since Antiquity; Kings, Queens, and common folk alike have all Revered and Coveted it. Over the centuries, Vintners have carefully documented the eccentricities. This activity persists today.

Joining forces with the Cadre of Consultants and Vendor Partners in the Black Dog Consulting Network gives the Vintner unparalleled access to Tribal knowledge, the best Support, and Products on the Market; often at lower cost. This comes with adjacent support from their Cadre of Consultant Agents; mostly at no cost to the end-user.

Most of the firms in the US are sole proprietors, whereas Black Dog Consulting operates as a "hive mind." This means if a situation arises where it is beyond the scope of expertise of your local agent, the rest of the cadre will address it and find a solution. They are a team of accomplished agents with a diverse background who are attempting to take a crowdsourced approach to your beverage science solutions.

This is a novel approach to wine consulting in the continental United States. You can reach them via email bdcwineconsulting@gmail.com

  • @Blackdogconsultingwine

  • @BetweenTwoBudsPodcast

  • @TheDeliberateWinemaker

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Nicole_Hitchcock_Complete_C_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:33am EDT

This episode features the features Garrett Buckland in a conversation about strategies to adjust farming winegrapes during a changing climate. Garrett, who has been on the podcast before, is a consulting viticulturist based in Napa, and one of the first people I call with difficult vineyard questions.

This podcast was recorded in July, 2020, a month before California suffered catastrophic fires across the state and affected nearly every winegrowing region on the Pacific Coast. Hindsight allows a perspective that reveals a glaring blind spot in our discussion of climate change. We never once mentioned fires nor smoke and yet that would become the defining element of the 2020 vintage. It was a part of climate change that we had under-appreciated in magnitude.

I do believe there is a great deal of valuable discussion of technical viticulture in this episode with Garrett. He came through on my request to outline strategies to adjust vineyard practices to maximize vine health, farm high quality grapes, and think about how to farm grapes in changing climate.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by Total Wine. Total Wine is a holiday Wonderland with over 8,000 wines, 3,000 spirits and 2,500 beers all in one place.  Awe-inspiring. But not intimidating. they over deliver on choice, expert help and low prices

There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than to walk into Total Wine’s Wonderland. With prices this low, you can afford to explore, be fearless in your curiosity.

Friendly guides will help find gifts for everyone on your list. Including yourself. 

Yes, you’ll find the first growths, the top shelfs and easy wines for tonight’s dinner. But they also give a voice and shelf space to small growers and distillers.

Need a gift idea? Put a bow on a bottle of Bordeaux and you’re done. Total Wine’s experts can help you discover highly rated Bordeaux and more. On a budget? In There are over 1,500 wines under $10—just the thing for gift exchanges.

Total Wine offers lots of easy ways to shop including online, in store or curbside pickup, same-day delivery and shipping. Go to totalwine.com to check out options available in your area.

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Garrett_Buckland_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:30pm EDT

This episode features a guru of American Pinot Noir. Founding winemaker at Kosta Browne, and now proprietor and winemaker at Cirq and CHEV, Michael Browne is continuing his craft of building hand-made Pinot Noir, and has written a newly published book documenting his life and wines. We sat down in the middle of a cold and windy vineyard to record our conversation the day before the book released. I enjoyed Michael’s book and the opportunity to sit down and dig further into his stories.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by Total Wine. Total Wine is a holiday Wonderland with over 8,000 wines, 3,000 spirits and 2,500 beers all in one place.  Awe-inspiring. But not intimidating. they over deliver on choice, expert help and low prices

There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than to walk into Total Wine’s Wonderland. With prices this low, you can afford to explore, be fearless in your curiosity.

Friendly guides will help find gifts for everyone on your list. Including yourself. 

Yes, you’ll find the first growths, the top shelfs and easy wines for tonight’s dinner. But they also give a voice and shelf space to small growers and distillers.

From Lobster Mac & Cheese to Pineapple glazed ham, Total Wine & more’s experts have spot-on pairing recommendations 

Total Wine offers lots of easy ways to shop including online, in store or curbside pickup, same-day delivery and shipping. Go to totalwine.com to check out options available in your area.

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

If you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Michael_Browne_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:09pm EDT

This episode features the Steven Mirassou, who continues his family’s long legacy of making wine in California’s Livermore Valley. Our conversation traverses back and forth between Steven’s winemaking experience and an exploration of viticulture and wines from Livermore Valley. Livermore is part of California’s Central Coast, but at only 2K acres under vine it is a unique AVA nestled in the San Francisco Bay Area. Steven guides me through the vineyards of Livermore and describes how the different sites are suited to his three brands: Steven Kent, Mia Nipote, and Lineage.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by Wine Compliance Alliance. Ann Reynolds, who runs Wine Compliance Alliance has been on the podcast twice before. In Ep. 45 we discuss common compliance issues that wineries deal with and in Ep. 61 she has a solo episode where she covers the compliance items for starting a new winery.

Winery compliance. Bring it up to winery owners or their staff and you get either a completely blank look or a grimace of some sort. In other words winery compliance is a topic that is either very unfamiliar or very disliked. But yet, every winery is required to do it and can suffer serious consequences if they don't. Wine Compliance Alliance focuses on providing wineries with solutions to both of these areas of issue. If a winery has little familiarity with their compliance requirements our office can provide training assistance to get them up to speed to be able to manage it themselves. If a winery would prefer instead to have their files managed for them we’ve got you covered there too. Wine Compliance Alliance, Full throttle from grape to bottle.

Find out more at winecompliancealliance.com

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

This episode features the Steven Mirassou, who continues his family’s long legacy of making wine in California’s Livermore Valley. Our conversation traverses back and forth between Steven’s winemaking experience and an exploration of viticulture and wines from Livermore Valley. Livermore is part of California’s Central Coast, but at only 2K acres under vine it is a unique AVA nestled in the San Francisco Bay Area. Steven guides me through the vineyards of Livermore and describes how the different sites are suited to his three brands: Steven Kent, Mia Nipote, and Lineage.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by Wine Compliance Alliance. Ann Reynolds, who runs Wine Compliance Alliance has been on the podcast twice before. In Ep. 45 we discuss common compliance issues that wineries deal with and in Ep. 61 she has a solo episode where she covers the compliance items for starting a new winery.

Winery compliance. Bring it up to winery owners or their staff and you get either a completely blank look or a grimace of some sort. In other words winery compliance is a topic that is either very unfamiliar or very disliked. But yet, every winery is required to do it and can suffer serious consequences if they don't. Wine Compliance Alliance focuses on providing wineries with solutions to both of these areas of issue. If a winery has little familiarity with their compliance requirements our office can provide training assistance to get them up to speed to be able to manage it themselves. If a winery would prefer instead to have their files managed for them we’ve got you covered there too. Wine Compliance Alliance, Full throttle from grape to bottle.

Find out more at winecompliancealliance.com

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

 

Direct download: Steven_Mirassou_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am EDT

This episode of the Podcast is a Zoom recording with Quinn Roberts who is the Master Cooper at Tonnellerie O in Benicia, California. The Zoom platform allowed for sharing of photos to support the discussion of oak forests and coopering oak barrels for winemaking so we made the podcast into a Youtube video as well. The conversation traverses from the management of oak trees and forests, the differences in oak between France and the Midwest region of the US, timing and methods for tree selection, the processing of stave wood, seasoning, coopering, toasting and finishing barrels that are then ready to be filled in a winery. Quinn is a tremendous source of knowledge when it comes to crafting barrels to fit a full range of wine styles, especially given his deep understanding of European wines.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by  the hope that you are keeping safe and healthy. if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show using the Paypal link. Thank you for the support!!

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Quinn_Roberts_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:29pm EDT

This episode features the father and son team crafting Cabernet franc and Chenin blanc wines led by long-time Napa Valley baller, John Skupny, who first crushed grapes for their brand, Lang and Reed, in 1993. Reed Skupny joined his father after working for several wineries in France and Napa Valley, and was the driving force to bring Chenin blanc into their small portfolio. I used to work with Reed when he was at Antica Napa Valley and I was working for Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, but had recently had the chance to get to know John. We recorded this podcast with social-distancing in mind and it leaves the audio quality a bit rough at moments, but John and Reeds’ stories are more than worth it.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by Fruition Sciences. At the start of 2020 we know what is on your mind. As winemakers and winegrowers we are thinking about keeping our vines healthy while producing consistent quality yields year in and year out. However, we know that you are also considering the effects of climate change on our vineyards and wines and the improved management of our natural resources like water.

We have great news. Now, we, winegrowers and winemakers, can use a compelling method that allows us to keep our vines healthy and improve yield and grape quality while also saving water and reducing costs. We are happy to inform you that this is possible. The method is called 360viti-Water Pilot and is base on sap flow sensors technology.

This impressive technology developed by Fruition Sciences is based on more than ten years of experience show stunning results in California, Australia, and France. The method measures and monitors the transpiration rate of your vines so you can make sure that they receive the right amount of water at the optimal time. You will precisely know when your vines need water so that you can respond appropriately, keeping them healthy and performing at their optimal levels. Because this measurement is plant based, you will be able to target and address the needs of the specific vines or areas of your vineyards, improving the quality of your grapes when it comes time to harvest.

Given the latest heatwave episodes this will be a necessary measure to keep your vines safe. Please contact the Fruition Sciences team today. Together we will change the way we use our precious resources while taking care of our beloved vines.

To learn more visit fruitionsciences.com or you can also send an email to leyla@fruitionsciences.com or find us on Linkedin. We are also available by phone at 888-295-5187.

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: LangandReed_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:32am EDT

This episode features Ron Alvarado, who is one of the founders of Ficks Hard Seltzer. Our conversation covers Fick’s start up based in San Francisco, the early days of low-sugar mixers, the path to learning fermentation with orange juice, flavor stability in cans, the warfare of store shelf placements, and the quest to find and produce real fruit flavors in their seltzers.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

If you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show using the Paypal link. Thank you for the support!!

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

 

Direct download: Ron_From_Ficks_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:10pm EDT

This episode’s guest is Dusty Nabor, who is based out of Ventura County in Southern California. Using fruit from Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and the Santa Rita Hills Dusty has built a set of brands and is often a resource I call when I have questions about making Grenache. In our conversation we cover Dusty’s efforts to learn winemaking, how he has used both grapes and bulk wines to build his brands, and his approach to judging ripeness on the vine.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by Wine Compliance Alliance. Ann Reynolds, who runs Wine Compliance Alliance has been on the podcast twice before. In Ep. 45 we discuss common compliance issues that wineries deal with and in Ep. 61 she has a solo episode where she covers the compliance items for starting a new winery.

Winery compliance. Bring it up to winery owners or their staff and you get either a completely blank look or a grimace of some sort. In other words winery compliance is a topic that is either very unfamiliar or very disliked. But yet, every winery is required to do it and can suffer serious consequences if they don't. Wine Compliance Alliance focuses on providing wineries with solutions to both of these areas of issue. If a winery has little familiarity with their compliance requirements our office can provide training assistance to get them up to speed to be able to manage it themselves. If a winery would prefer instead to have their files managed for them we’ve got you covered there too. Wine Compliance Alliance, Full throttle from grape to bottle.

Find out more at winecompliancealliance.com

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

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Direct download: Dusty_Nabor_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:55pm EDT

This episode features Dr. Anita Oberholster, Associate Specialist Cooperative Extension in Enology from UCDavis. Anita did her PhD at the Australian Wine Research Institute and earned her degree from Adelaide University. As extension enologist at UCDavis, Anita brings research and developments from the Dept. of Viticulture and Enology to the wine industry and continually interacts with its stakeholders. Our conversation covers Red Blotch Associated Virus, winery sanitation, and smoke taint. In order to reach the industry while we are sheltering in place the Dept of V&E has created and new program with former podcast guest, Dr Dave Block, called “Office Hours with Dave and Anita” and will be held over Zoom on Tuesdays from 2-3 PM PST.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by Scott Laboratories -- For over 85 years, Scott Labs has been the leader in providing the North American wine and beverage industry with innovative solutions and products, including fermentation goods, filtration and filter media, equipment, packaging and cork products, and laboratory services. They recently published their annual Winemaking Handbook which is now available for download. Hard copies are also available to be shipped upon request.

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal link at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Anita_Oberholster_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:53pm EDT

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what are the most essential operations in a winery during this COVID19 pandemic, which has limited all of our ability to staff the cellar. Given that I work alone in the cellar at Seavey, I asked Tyler Thomas, from Dierberg and Star Lane Vineyards, to synthesize his thinking on this topic from the viewpoint of a medium-sized winemaking operation.  In the end I put in my two cents regarding the need to think about how we need to think and plan for similar reductions in capabilities during the harvest season.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by the hope that you are keeping safe and healthy. if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show using the Paypal link. Thank you for the support!!

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

Direct download: Tyler_Thomas_Essential_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:37pm EDT

This episode is my opportunity to answer questions that have been submitted by listeners. As is my style the answers are a practical approach addressing how I would think about these situations in my own cellar. Thank you to all the people who have emailed their questions and also sent them in from my Instagram page.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by the hope that you are keeping safe and healthy. if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show using the Paypal link. Thank you for the support!!

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

Direct download: Winemaking_QA_with_Jim_Daune_April_2020.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:17am EDT

This episode features Julien Fayard, who is a consulting winemaker based in Napa. Julien was raised in Provence, trained in Bordeaux, and since moving to California in 2003 has built his own brand, Azur Wines, and is now consulting for an impressive list of clients. We recorded this podcast at Covert Estate, a beautiful winery built under a hillside that Julien constructed with his business partners. Our conversation ranges from Julien’s background, native fermentations, rosé winemaking, and the key aspects of working with clients to support their projects.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by the love of the good lord and my wife reading the intro. if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show using the Paypal link. Thank you for the support!!

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

Direct download: Julien_Fayard_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:57pm EDT

This episode features Patrick Rue, founder of Erosion Wine Co, who I first met when he was part of the Deep Winemaking course in August, 2019. Prior to Patrick’s winemaking venture he was the founder and brewer at The Bruery in Orange County. Our conversation covers Patrick’s founding and growth of The Bruery, their numerous products, blurring the lines between beer and wine, flavor additive management, his winemaking vision for flavor targets, aluminum crowlers, key kegs, and the two taprooms that Erosion is now opening in Napa.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by the love of the good lord and my wife reading the intro. Please consider donating to the podcast using the Paypal link at the bottom of the Homepage.

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Patrick_Rue_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:42am EDT

This episode features Jasper Riddle, proprietor and winemaker for Noisy Water Winery in Ruidoso, New Mexico. I was able to meet Jasper when he was in town for the Unified Symposium trade show in February 2020. After being founded in 2009 Noisy Water is a winery that Jasper took from his parents’ early venture and built into a medium-sized winery that now has five tasting rooms in New Mexico. During our conversation, Jasper mentions some of the challenges in growing grapes in New Mexico but spends most of his energy describing the opportunities that he sees in his area and around the state.

Direct download: Jasper_Riddle_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:54pm EDT

This episode features Tim Colla, Winemaker for Saintsbury, in Carneros, Napa. Tim and I had the chance to talk about Chardonnay and Pinot Noir production as told through the history of Saintsbury’s presence and experimentation in the Carneros in south Napa Valley.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by Fruition Sciences. At the start of 2020 we know what is on your mind. As winemakers and winegrowers we are thinking about keeping our vines healthy while producing consistent quality yields year in and year out. However, we know that you are also considering the effects of climate change on our vineyards and wines and the improved management of our natural resources like water.

We have great news. Now, we, winegrowers and winemakers, can use a compelling method that allows us to keep our vines healthy and improve yield and grape quality while also saving water and reducing costs. We are happy to inform you that this is possible. The method is called 360viti-Water Pilot and is base on sap flow sensors technology.

This impressive technology developed by Fruition Sciences is based on more than ten years of experience show stunning results in California, Australia, and France. The method measures and monitors the transpiration rate of your vines so you can make sure that they receive the right amount of water at the optimal time. You will precisely know when your vines need water so that you can respond appropriately, keeping them healthy and performing at their optimal levels. Because this measurement is plant based, you will be able to target and address the needs of the specific vines or areas of your vineyards, improving the quality of your grapes when it comes time to harvest.

Given the latest heatwave episodes this will be a necessary measure to keep your vines safe. Please contact the Fruition Sciences team today. Together we will change the way we use our precious resources while taking care of our beloved vines.

To learn more visit fruitionsciences.com or you can also send an email to leyla@fruitionsciences.com or find us on Linkedin. We are also available by phone at 888-295-5187.

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

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Direct download: Tim_Colla_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:33pm EDT

This episode’s guest is Adam Casto from Gandona Winery in Napa. We had a great conversation ranging on topics from winemaking philosophy, the Antipodes (I had to google it too), and the new ways Adam would like to gather and organize both vineyard and winemaking observational data with analytical tracking.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by Wine Compliance Alliance. Ann Reynolds, who runs Wine Compliance Alliance has been on the podcast twice before. In Ep. 45 we discuss common compliance issues that wineries deal with and in Ep. 61 she has a solo episode where she covers the compliance items for starting a new winery.

Winery compliance. Bring it up to winery owners or their staff and you get either a completely blank look or a grimace of some sort. In other words winery compliance is a topic that is either very unfamiliar or very disliked. But yet, every winery is required to do it and can suffer serious consequences if they don't. Wine Compliance Alliance focuses on providing wineries with solutions to both of these areas of issue. If a winery has little familiarity with their compliance requirements our office can provide training assistance to get them up to speed to be able to manage it themselves. If a winery would prefer instead to have their files managed for them we’ve got you covered there too. Wine Compliance Alliance, Full throttle from grape to bottle.

Find out more at winecompliancealliance.com

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

 

Direct download: Adam_Casto_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:04pm EDT

This episode features Frederick Ammons, Winegrower for Rudd Estate in the Napa Valley. Our conversation covers Frederick’s education in Bordeaux, his early jobs in California, his stint at Seavey Vineyard, the building of The Napa Valley Reserve where he made wine for nine years, and his current position at Rudd Wines. We spend the majority of our time discussing philosophical and practical viticulture touching upon organic and biodynamic practices. The central role of robust ecology and biological diversity both in vineyard soils and wine fermentation is a core theme that weaves throughout all of Frederick’s work in the vineyard and in the winery.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by Scott Laboratories -- For over eighty years, Scott Laboratories has been the leader in providing the North American specialty beverage industry with innovative solutions and products including fermentation goods, filtration media, equipment, packaging products and laboratory services. Scott Labs is introducing their new website, which features online ordering, order history, and a technical library. They can be reached at 707 765-6666.

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

 

Direct download: Frederick_Ammons_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:17am EDT

This episode features Chris Tynan, who is the winemaker at Cliff Lede Vineyards in Napa. Chris also has his own small brand, Christopher Tynan Wines. Our conversation covers Chris’ background, high-end Cabernet production, and a couple of varietals that haven’t had much attention to date on the podcast, Sauvignon vert, and Semillon

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by 360viti, powered by Fruition Sciences -- You may already know them as the pioneer in sap flow sensors and vineyard monitoring. In Episode 72 of podcast Thibaut Scholasch from Fruition Sciences talked in-depth about sap flow monitoring and the viticultural services that he and his team have developed.

Now, based on 10 years of vineyard measurements and data science expertise, Fruition Sciences launched 360viti. 360viti is a unique web platform to help winegrowers quickly and easily analyze vineyard data, while storing it all in one central location!

The platform centralizes data and presents clear dashboards, maps and graphs, information such as weather data, fruit analysis numbers, and aerial imagery maps. Its features enables you to save time and be more precise by compiling and analyzing multiple variables year after year.

360viti supports your experience and observations to secure your decisions, work better as a team and improve your vineyard performances. To learn more call 888-295-5187

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Chris_Tynan_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:09am EDT

This episode’s guest is Chris Carpenter, who is making wines in Napa for Jackson Family Wines and is overseeing Cabernet and Bordelais varietals grown on several of Napa’s mountain AVA’s such that he has become known as a mountain winemaker. Our conversation covers the mountain wines being produced from Mount Veeder, Spring Mountain, Howell Mountain, and Diamond Mountain AVA’s, but also Cardinale, the flagship Cabernet that is a blend from throughout Napa including the valley floor. Chris describes his roots in Chicago, the path to becoming a winemaker, his site-specific approaches for tannin management and his involvement in a winemaking project in McLaren Vale, Australia.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by Wine Compliance Alliance. Ann Reynolds, who runs Wine Compliance Alliance has been on the podcast twice before. In Ep. 45 we discuss common compliance issues that wineries deal with and in Ep. 61 she has a solo episode where she covers the compliance items for starting a new winery.

Winery compliance. Bring it up to winery owners or their staff and you get either a completely blank look or a grimace of some sort. In other words winery compliance is a topic that is either very unfamiliar or very disliked. But yet, every winery is required to do it and can suffer serious consequences if they don't. Wine Compliance Alliance focuses on providing wineries with solutions to both of these areas of issue. If a winery has little familiarity with their compliance requirements our office can provide training assistance to get them up to speed to be able to manage it themselves. If a winery would prefer instead to have their files managed for them we’ve got you covered there too. Wine Compliance Alliance, Full throttle from grape to bottle.

Find out more at winecompliancealliance.com

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Chris_Carpenter_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:09am EDT

If it were possible to have a riveting conversation about filtering wine, there are very few people I’d consider. Scott labs has such an enigmatic guru. Maria Peterson is a filtration specialist, one who has the uncommon ability to translate technical expertise into practical winery practice. This is a sponsored episode—something I arranged with Scott Labs in order to support the podcast and extend that as a technical resource for filtration, one of the most difficult aspects of commercial winemaking. My conversation with Maria covers the wine filtration technology available today with a focus on small winery production. We get out into the technical weeds discussing enzyme usage, temperature influences, filter regeneration, NTU vs. filterability, surface area calculations and basic equipment evaluations. Make sure and check out the resources; videos and articles that Scott Labs has available on their website.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

 

Direct download: Maria_Peterson_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:49am EDT

Straying from the usual focus on grapes, this episode dips into cider and the opportunities to be explored from fermenting apples. Andrew Byers is the Head Cidermaker at Finnriver Farm in Chimacum, Washington (on the Olympic Penninsula, west of Seattle). I met Andrew while moderating the Creativity in Fermentation panel during the Scott Lab’s Ferment event. Even for those who might not have a specific interest in cider making, the parallels with winemaking, especially marketing, present a new perspective for winemakers and wineries seeking to tell the stories of their brands and production methods. This conversation between and myself covers all of the basics of cider production and gets deep into technical territory including phenology, chemical analysis, production logistics, physical stability, microbiological stability, and a thorough description of the process for crafting a keeved cider.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by  Fruition Sciences, 360viti and a brand new technology called the Bacchimeter developed by the company Force A. The Bacchimeter provides a qualitative vision of the vineyard through quantitative measurements of anthocyanins, it brings a new mindset to vineyard management.

Do you want perfect color and a beautiful aromatic profile for your wines? Do you want insights to be more precise for tasting within your block? Do you need to schedule vineyard blocks for selective harvesting and find the optimal harvest date? Do you want to measure and enhance the impact of your wine growing practices on fruit color to make better vineyard management and harvesting decisions? Bacchimeter is the perfect, non-destructive sampling and mapping tool for you. It brings simple, real-time information related to phenolic maturity directly from the vineyard block.

To learn more visit their website at 360viti.com, or call 888-295-5187

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Andrew_Byers_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:49pm EDT

This episode features the first Oregon winemaker on the podcast. Anthony King is currently making wine for a number of small brands under as part of King Wine Consulting, he is the general manager at Carlton Winemakers Studio in Carlton, Oregon where he also produces his own brand, Ratio Wines. Anthony and I spent most of our time talking about Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as he has spent his winemaking career with those varietals starting at Acacia Vineyard in Napa and Lemelson Vineyards in the Williamette Valley. Our conversation gets into the weeds on topics such as Oregon’s grapegrowing, wine acidity, and managing reduction in barrel.

Direct download: Anthony_King_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:28am EDT

This episode features Amanda McCrossin who is a sommelier, wine director, and the creator of @sommvivant. As the Wine Director for Press Restaurant in St Helena, Amanda oversees a tremendous list of Napa Valley wines and serves as an ambassador for the wines on offer and the stories of their producers. On top of Amanda’s work at Press she has leveraged her access to the valley’s wineries in order to create one of contemporary wine’s most prominent Youtube channels covering wine basics, in-depth video profiles of wineries, and her professional experiences as a sommelier. My interview with Amanda set out to understand what issues wine consumers are concerned with and the best practices for winemakers to build relationships with sommeliers and wine buyers. Make sure and check out Amanda’s library of work on both her Youtube and Instagram channels.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by Fruition Sciences, 360viti and a brand new technology called the Bacchimeter developed by the company Force A. The Bacchimeter provides a qualitative vision of the vineyard through quantitative measurements of anthocyanins, it brings a new mindset to vineyard management.

Do you want perfect color and a beautiful aromatic profile for your wines? Do you want insights to be more precise for tasting within your block? Do you need to schedule vineyard blocks for selective harvesting and find the optimal harvest date? Do you want to measure and enhance the impact of your wine growing practices on fruit color to make better vineyard management and harvesting decisions? Bacchimeter is the perfect, non-destructive sampling and mapping tool for you. It brings simple, real-time information related to phenolic maturity directly from the vineyard block.

To learn more visit their website at 360viti.com, or call 888-295-5187

 

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Amanda_McCrossin_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:26am EDT

This episode features Leigh Meyering the proprietor of MyEnologist, a small commercial enological laboratory that she runs as a family business in Napa. Our conversation covers Leigh’s winemaking background, the harvest experience in France that seeded the idea for a small, independent enology lab, and the development of the business, which also provides consulting services and a winery supply shop. I was attracted to MyEnologists service packages because all samples receive a full panel of analysis at low costs. I’ve outsourced nearly all of my own winemaking labs to MyEnologist and believe it might be a great resource for the portion of the podcast audience that is looking for reliable analyses.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Leigh_Meyering_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:19am EDT

This episode features Dr. David R Montgomery, professor from the University of Washington and author of three books that shine a light on the often-overlooked role of biology underground and the connections and influence these microbia have with plants. David is a professor of geomorphology at the UW and together with his wife, Anne Bicklé, has ventured beyond the inorganic confines of soil science in authoring books and speaking to a wide range of agricultural industries regarding the value of conservation agriculture. i heard David speak at a Napa Valley Grapegrowers seminar earlier this year and wanted to share his research and experience with the Inside Winemaking listeners.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by 360viti, powered by Fruition Sciences -- You may already know them as the pioneer in sap flow sensors and vineyard monitoring. In Episode 72 of podcast Thibaut Scholasch from Fruition Sciences talked in-depth about sap flow monitoring and the viticultural services that he and his team have developed.

Now, based on 10 years of vineyard measurements and data science expertise, Fruition Sciences launched 360viti. 360viti is a unique web platform to help winegrowers quickly and easily analyze vineyard data, while storing it all in one central location!

The platform centralizes data and presents clear dashboards, maps and graphs, information such as weather data, fruit analysis numbers, and aerial imagery maps. Its features enables you to save time and be more precise by compiling and analyzing multiple variables year after year.

360viti supports your experience and observations to secure your decisions, work better as a team and improve your vineyard performances. To learn more call 888-295-5187

 

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: David_Montgomery_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:35am EDT

This episode features Brett Weis, who is the Associate Winemaker for ElevenEleven Wines in Napa. Beyond making the full portfolio of wine for ElevenEleven Brett is managing the custom crush clients that have their wines produced at ElevenEleven. Our conversation covers his background, the ElevenEleven vineyards and wines, the ar throughout the winery, tips for working in as a custom crush client, and the aromatherapy room at ElevenEleven.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

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Direct download: Brett_Weis_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:44am EDT

The guest for this episode is one of the most industrious and deep-thinking winemakers for whom I’ve had the opportunity to sit down and explore their winemaking brain. Tim Milos is a winemaking consultant and through his various projects is all over California, Oregon, and has experience with more varietals than anyone on the podcast to date. Our conversation gets into the weeds on technical aspects of extended maceration, ideal varietals for natural winemaking, the merits of racking, Tim’s organizational strategy, and problem-fermentation management.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

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Direct download: Tim_Milos_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:56pm EDT

The guest for this episode is Jenny Heinzen, who runs a real estate business in Paso Robles, California, focused on vineyard and winery sales. Jenny’s real estate services span both residential and commercial properties. I wanted to talk with Jenny about issues buyers and sellers should be prepared for when buying or selling vineyards and/or wineries. Jenny works with her husband, Randy Heinzen from Ep. 86, to help clients maneuver through the technical aspects of vineyard due diligence. Randy makes a cameo in this episode when we wade into those technical land and viticultural issues.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

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Direct download: Jenny_Heinzen_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:13pm EDT

This episode features Matt Iaconis of the husband and wife team that is Brick and Mortar Wines. Our conversation covers the development of Brick and Mortar, the winemaking decisions that accompany its stylistics goals, and then focuses on the process and equipment involved in packaging wine into aluminum cans. Matt is also a winemaker with Naked Wines. His description of working with Naked Wines is a great accompaniment to my earlier podcast with the folks from Naked (Ep. 65). Matt and his wife, Alexis, are currently developing Delta Wines, which is a brand dedicated to supporting the environmental organizations they care about. Each purchased bottle of Delta Wines will have $1 donated to those environmental organizations.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Matt_Iaconis_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:57am EDT

This podcast is the third installment where I answer winemaking and vineyard questions that have been submitted by email. If you would like to submit a question, please send them to jim@insidewinemaking.com.

Sign-ups for Deep Winemaking are now open. If you are interested in coming to Napa to learn technical winemaking for three days in August, please check out further details here. These events are a lot of fun for beginners and competent winemakers alike.

 

This podcast is brought you by TheOakLab.com, a new division of Scott Laboratories dedicated to oak infusion products. The Oak Lab™ was founded with the vision of changing the perspective of the oak infusion market by developing and embracing new technologies, and re-imagining the process of product trials, selection, and application. Their line of premium quality oak infusion products is paired with a revolutionary process for bench trials and the ability to create unique, customized blends based on your wines. 

 

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

 

Direct download: QA3_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:40pm EDT

This episode features Randy Heinzen, who is the owner and president of Vineyard Professional Services (VPS), which is a vineyard farming and consulting company based in Paso Robles, California. VPS currently manages over 2,400 acres in Monterey, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties and has designed and developed over fifty properties in the last twenty years. I met Randy years ago when we working working with a shared vineyard in Napa. Our conversation covers Randy’s full professional background, including his time managing To Kalon, Dr Crane and the other northern Napa properties for Beckstoffer Vineyards. We also spent time discussing compost tea brewing and use in grapegrowing and Randy’s experience in sourcing the healthiest possible grapevines from commercial nurseries.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: Randy_Heinzen_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:06am EDT

Every day I drive by Shafer Vineyards (twice) and never fail to slow down in order peer into that special sloping set of vineyards within the Stags Leap District where the hillsides graduate from difficult-to-grow-grapes to upright cliffs. In 2018 Doug and his team at Shafer began producing “The Taste with Doug Shafer” podcast and that presented the opportunity for me to connect with him and explore this small part of Napa Valley. In preparing for this podcast I found and read Doug’s book, A Vineyard in Napa, which was published in 2012 and captures the first forty years of Shafer Vineyards’ History. Our conversation weaves through Doug’s experiences in making wine, running Shafer Vineyards, writing his book, hosting his podcast, and includes very helpful advice for winemakers on marketing trips.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by HomeBrewIt.com -- Providing winemaking supplies for the hobbyist and small to mid size wineries

  • Everything from small amounts of wine chemicals and shrink caps, to stainless steel tanks, presses, and commercial bottle fillers

  • Largest selection of Winexpert Wine Kits on the web

  • Real pricing, meaning we don't hide our shipping costs in the price of an item!

  • Family owned and operated for over 20 years

  • Customer service driven

  • Use the code INSIDEWINEMAKING2018 at HomeBrewIt.com/inside-winemaking and get 10% off purchases of winemaking equipment

 

Direct download: Doug_Shafer_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:46am EDT

Molly is a good friend and has a tremendous wealth of viticultural knowledge from her years in commercial grape-growing both in California and Oregon. Now as the Vineyard Coordinator and Instructor, Molly is teaching the viticulture courses at Napa Valley College. This podcast covers the two topics I most wanted to discuss the with Molly. First: how to farm grapes in cooler, wetter climate that is Willamette Valley, and second: the V&E courses and degree programs that are available from Napa Valley College. Consider this the second episode in the viticulture and enology education series, following Ep. 82 with Dr David Block from UCDavis.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

 This podcast is brought you by Scott Laboratories -- For over eighty years, Scott Laboratories has been the leader in providing the North American specialty beverage industry with innovative solutions and products including fermentation goods, filtration media, equipment, packaging products and laboratory services. Scott Labs is introducing their new website, which features online ordering, order history, and a technical library. They can be reached at 707 765-6666.

QUESTIONS?  COMMENTS?  LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK: JIM@INSIDEWINEMAKING.COM

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Molly_Williams_Hodgins_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:04am EDT

Near the end of the 2018 harvest I recorded this episode with Ben and Cameron after they had a chance to work with me at Seavey. I have known both of these guys since they came on the Deep Winemaking trip in 2017. Making the leap from a comfortable career to starting from the beginning as a winery intern requires significant sacrifice. Working a harvest is what I recommend to anyone who finds themselves pondering the first steps in winemaking. Ben and Cameron share their individual paths into wine and we have a frank conversation about the specifics of working in a winery for the first time.

Sign ups are still open for the Rosé Winemaking Masterclass - Saturday Feb 9th, 2019

 

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by HomeBrewIt.com -- Providing winemaking supplies for the hobbyist and small to mid size wineries

  • Everything from small amounts of wine chemicals and shrink caps, to stainless steel tanks, presses, and commercial bottle fillers

  • Largest selection of Winexpert Wine Kits on the web

  • Real pricing, meaning we don't hide our shipping costs in the price of an item!

  • Family owned and operated for over 20 years

  • Customer service driven

  • Use the code INSIDEWINEMAKING2018 at HomeBrewIt.com/inside-winemaking and get 10% off purchases of winemaking equipment

 

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Ben_and_Cameron_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:29am EDT

This episode features Dr. Dave Block from UCDavis. Dave is the Chair of the Dept. of Enology and Viticulture, teaches both enology and chemical engineering courses, and directs a research lab. I did my graduate research in Dave’s lab and got to know him during our conversations about tinkering with Cabernet fermentor shapes and sizes. I went back to Davis in July, 2018 to record this podcast and find out what Dave is currently working on, what the Dept of V&E has going on, and to discuss the opportunities for online winemaking certificate program, which many podcast listeners consistently ask about.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by Scott Laboratories -- For over eighty years, Scott Laboratories has been the leader in providing the North American specialty beverage industry with innovative solutions and products including fermentation goods, filtration media, equipment, packaging products and laboratory services. Scott Labs is introducing their new website, which features online ordering, order history, and a technical library. They can be reached at 707 765-6666.

 

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

 

Direct download: Dave_Block_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:48am EDT

The folks who put on the City of Riesling invited me to their events this past June in Traverse City, Michigan.  I was able to record this podcast featuring Hunter Smith from Frankland Estate, situated in the Frankland River Region of Western Australia, and is known for their Rielsings.  Hunter does a great job of describing this remote site, 70 km from the coast, where they are farming and certified organic.  

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by HomeBrewIt.com -- Providing winemaking supplies for the hobbyist and small to mid size wineries

  • Everything from small amounts of wine chemicals and shrink caps, to stainless steel tanks, presses, and commercial bottle fillers

  • Largest selection of Winexpert Wine Kits on the web

  • Real pricing, meaning we don't hide our shipping costs in the price of an item!

  • Family owned and operated for over 20 years

  • Customer service driven

  • Use the code INSIDEWINEMAKING2018 at HomeBrewIt.com/inside-winemaking and get 10% off purchases of winemaking equipment

 

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Hunter_Smith_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:10am EDT

The folks who put on the City of Riesling invited me to their events this past June in Traverse City, Michigan.  I was able to record this podcast featuring Fred Merwarth, who is the owner and winemaker at Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyards in the Finger Lakes region of New York.  Our conversation covers Fred's introduction to winemaking, the challenges of growing grapes in the Finger Lakes, the grapevine nursery, which is part of their business, and of course, their many bottlings of Riesling.  

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by HomeBrewIt.com -- Providing winemaking supplies for the hobbyist and small to mid size wineries

  • Everything from small amounts of wine chemicals and shrink caps, to stainless steel tanks, presses, and commercial bottle fillers
  • Largest selection of Winexpert Wine Kits on the web
  • Real pricing, meaning we don't hide our shipping costs in the price of an item!
  • Family owned and operated for over 20 years
  • Customer service driven
  • Use the code INSIDEWINEMAKING2018 at HomeBrewIt.com/inside-winemaking and get 10% off purchases of winemaking equipment
Direct download: Fred_Merwarth_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:37am EDT

The folks who put on the City of Riesling invited me to their events this past June in Traverse City, Michigan.  I was able to record this podcast featuring August Deimel, the winemaker for Keuka Spring Vineyards in the Finger Lakes.  August has a talent for storytelling and I was incredibly fortunate to connect with him on a whim.  Having attended Cornell's enology program, August provided a peek into east coast wine education and winemaking that was a novel perspective for this podcast.  His enthusiasm for the grape varietal Vignoles has me eager to try this potential long-lived wine.  

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by HomeBrewIt.com -- Providing winemaking supplies for the hobbyist and small to mid size wineries

  • Everything from small amounts of wine chemicals and shrink caps, to stainless steel tanks, presses, and commercial bottle fillers
  • Largest selection of Winexpert Wine Kits on the web
  • Real pricing, meaning we don't hide our shipping costs in the price of an item!
  • Family owned and operated for over 20 years
  • Customer service driven
  • Use the code INSIDEWINEMAKING2018 at HomeBrewIt.com/inside-winemaking and get 10% off purchases of winemaking equipment

 

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: August_Deimel_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:29am EDT

The folks who put on the City of Riesling invited me to their events this past June in Traverse City, Michigan.  I was able to record this podcast featuring the team behind Washington state's Eroica Riesling, produced by Ste Michelle Wine Estates.  Bob Bertheau is the head winemaker for Chateau Ste Michelle and Ernst Loosen is the proprietor of the Dr Loosen wines in Germany's Mosel Valley.  Since 1999 they have had a partnership focused on an iconic Riesling from Washington called Eroica.  More than just a discussion of the Eroica partnership, Bob and Ernst take me through the challenges and technical evolution that encompasses both Washington and Germany.  

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

This podcast is brought you by HomeBrewIt.com -- Providing winemaking supplies for the hobbyist and small to mid size wineries

  • Everything from small amounts of wine chemicals and shrink caps, to stainless steel tanks, presses, and commercial bottle fillers
  • Largest selection of Winexpert Wine Kits on the web
  • Real pricing, meaning we don't hide our shipping costs in the price of an item!
  • Family owned and operated for over 20 years
  • Customer service driven
  • Use the code INSIDEWINEMAKING2018 at HomeBrewIt.com/inside-winemaking and get 10% off purchases of winemaking equipment

 

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

 

Direct download: Bert_and_Ernie_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:42am EDT

3 Michigan Winemakers - Sean O'Keefe, Bryan Ulbrich, and JayBriggss

The folks who put on the City of Riesling invited me to their events this past June in Traverse City, Michigan.  I had a great time, was introduced to the many of the people who are at the helm of Michigan's viticulture, got to taste a lot more than just Riesling, and recorded six podcasts with winemakers from around the world.  This episode features Sean O'Keefe, Bryan Ulbrich, and Jay Briggs, three winemakers based in Traverse City.  These guys have been prominent in the skillful handling of Vinifera and modern winemaking that is demonstrating that wines from this special place within Michigan are world-class.  Halfway through the episode, Bob Bertheau from Chateau Ste Michelle in Washington state, slips in and widens the prospective of high-latitude winemaking.  

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

 

This podcast is brought you by Tin Sheets Consulting -- a full service wine industry consulting firm that specializes in:

  • Small winery business strategies
  • Winery Start Up
  • Winemaking
  • Direct-to-Consumer business optimization
  • Marketing and Branding
  • Website and social media marketing

Tin Sheets is offering a free 30 min consultation for all new customers

"We recognize the varied nature of our clients needs and are happy to work with you to craft an affordable plan that fits your goals and needs."

"Tin Sheets Consulting was created as a result of our desire to help small businesses find the tools and solutions to reach their full potential. In 2009, we took over a struggling family business and through the implementation of new systems and fresh ideas, grew it to be profitable, and ultimately, successfully sold in 2016. Throughout our journey as small business owners, we discovered that what we enjoyed most about our work was designing the plans and developing the processes and systems to facilitate change and growth. Once we’d achieved this in our business, we realized that we wanted to help others find the same success.

As former small business owners, we understand the difficulties, obstacles, and sleepless nights that are part and parcel of owning your business. Drawing from our experiences and others that we’ve worked with, our mission is to provide you with the resources to reduce your stress and focus on what matters most, the growth and success of your business."

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

 

Direct download: 3_Michigan_Winemakers.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:46am EDT

This episode features Josh Jacobsen, who I met when he signed up for the forthcoming Deep Winemaking immersion trip in Napa this coming August.  Formerly of Facebook, Josh agreed to help walk me through all the important aspects of creating ads in a manner that would be specific for wineries.  Josh provides an incredible insight into creating, tracking, and evaluating the messages and costs that a winery could use on Facebook and Instagram ads.  

This ended up being a very technical podcast, not in the usually enological way, but as a guide for winemakers venturing into targeted marketing.  Josh patiently talks me through all the steps involved in creating a focused ad campaign, and the show notes include links to all the relevant tools within Facebook's Ad Manager platform.  For the portion of the Inside Winemaking audience that has any interest in social media marketing, this will be played on repeat. 

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

I

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Josh_Jacobsen_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:41am EDT

This episode features Michael Evans, who is the co-founder of the Vines of Mendoza in Argentina's Uco Valley.  After falling in love during a trip to Mendoza in 2004 Michael found a local partner and created a place for individual owners to build a wine starting right from vineyard plantings.  Under the guidance of full vineyard staff and consulting winemaker, Santiago Achaval, owners can choose the varietals and winemaking style in order to build their own personal wine.  Vines of Mendoza has grown to 1,500 acres and now features The Vines Resort and Spa, which includes the restaurant Siete Fuegos directed by acclaimed chef, Francis Mallmann.  Michael has an infectious passion for winemaking and the beauty of Mendoza, which made for a great podcast.  

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

I will be at City of Riesling in Traverse City, Michigan on June 10 and 11th.  If you love Riesling, please come check out the trade and consumer events that this event has to offer.  David Bos is billing City of Riesling as "The best white wine on earth in one of the prettiest places on earth."  

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal, Bitcoin, and Ethereum links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

And Stitcher Radio Too

Direct download: Michael_Evans_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:05pm EDT

This episode features Frederic Panaiotis, Chef de Cave for the Champagne house, Ruinart, which was founded in 1729 and lays claim to being the oldest maison in Champagne.  Frederic was on a press tour in the US and I had a chance to record this podcast with him in San Francisco.  Chef de Cave translates to Chief Winemaker, which is the post that Frederic serves at Ruinart.   As both a holder of tradition, and innovator Frederic is leading the technical team at Ruinart.  What i learned from our conversation is that this historic Champagne house is anything stagnant.  

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

I will be at City of Rielsing in Traverse City, Michigan on June 10 and 11th.  If you love Riesling, please come check out the trade and consumer events that this event has to offer.  David Bos is billing City of Riesling as "The best white wine on earth in one of the prettiest places on earth."  

QUESTIONS?  COMMENTS?  LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK: JIM@INSIDEWINEMAKING.COM

if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal, Bitcoin, and Ethereum links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.  

Direct download: Frederic_Panaiotis_Complete.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:53am EDT