#winemaking

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Sugar High: A Quick Guide to Sweet Red Wine

Sweet red wines have varying levels of sweetness due to residual sugar, which can derive from various grape types and fermentation methods.
#wine-regions

Hardy, Crisp and Rich: Meet Chardonnay's Hybrid Grape, Chardonel

Chardonel is a hybrid grape with characteristics of both Chardonnay and Seyval Blanc, providing a unique flavor profile.
Chardonel thrives in regions with colder climates, making it popular on the East Coast and parts of the Midwest.

No Longer 'Fat and Dense': Viognier Has Entered an Era of Elegance

Viognier is a versatile white grape variety that is evolving to produce elegant, diverse wines beyond its traditional reputation.

Grenache: the wine grape that keeps on giving

Grenache is a versatile grape, known for producing a wide range of wine styles, making it an essential choice for wine lovers.

10 Dynamic Wines From Spain to Drink Now

Spain is the most dynamic wine-producing country, combining tradition with innovation in winemaking.

Hardy, Crisp and Rich: Meet Chardonnay's Hybrid Grape, Chardonel

Chardonel is a hybrid grape with characteristics of both Chardonnay and Seyval Blanc, providing a unique flavor profile.
Chardonel thrives in regions with colder climates, making it popular on the East Coast and parts of the Midwest.

No Longer 'Fat and Dense': Viognier Has Entered an Era of Elegance

Viognier is a versatile white grape variety that is evolving to produce elegant, diverse wines beyond its traditional reputation.

Grenache: the wine grape that keeps on giving

Grenache is a versatile grape, known for producing a wide range of wine styles, making it an essential choice for wine lovers.

10 Dynamic Wines From Spain to Drink Now

Spain is the most dynamic wine-producing country, combining tradition with innovation in winemaking.
morewine-regions
#fermentation

Grape Must: The First Juicy Step Of The Winemaking Process - Tasting Table

Grape must is crucial in winemaking, representing the essential grape juice before fermentation.
Süßreserve is a valuable byproduct of grape must, used to enhance flavor and enrich soil.

Get to Know Lees, the 'Magical Fixer' That Transforms Wine into Rich, Textural Gems

Lees are crucial in winemaking, influencing texture and flavor in wines through fine aging.

This Is Exactly How Blueberry Wine Is Made - Tasting Table

Blueberry wine offers a unique, tart flavor distinct from traditional grape wine, with a rich history and modern production techniques enhancing its appeal.

Sympathy for the Cellar Person

The role of a cellar person in the craft beer industry is often overlooked but crucial for proper fermentation and serving of beer.
Cellar people are responsible for daily logs, pH readings, and other essential tasks to maintain the quality of the beer.
The role of a cellar person has a rich history and dates back to the 1700s in Germany and winemaking.

Grape Must: The First Juicy Step Of The Winemaking Process - Tasting Table

Grape must is crucial in winemaking, representing the essential grape juice before fermentation.
Süßreserve is a valuable byproduct of grape must, used to enhance flavor and enrich soil.

Get to Know Lees, the 'Magical Fixer' That Transforms Wine into Rich, Textural Gems

Lees are crucial in winemaking, influencing texture and flavor in wines through fine aging.

This Is Exactly How Blueberry Wine Is Made - Tasting Table

Blueberry wine offers a unique, tart flavor distinct from traditional grape wine, with a rich history and modern production techniques enhancing its appeal.

Sympathy for the Cellar Person

The role of a cellar person in the craft beer industry is often overlooked but crucial for proper fermentation and serving of beer.
Cellar people are responsible for daily logs, pH readings, and other essential tasks to maintain the quality of the beer.
The role of a cellar person has a rich history and dates back to the 1700s in Germany and winemaking.
morefermentation
#wine-star-award

Winemaker of the Year Eric Aafedt on 'Magic' Barrels and No Regrets

Eric Aafedt's leadership at Bogle Family Vineyards emphasizes sustainability and family dynamics, resulting in significant growth and recognition as Winemaker of the Year.

The Calling Winemaker James MacPhail on the Ripple Effect of Many Passionate People Working Together

James MacPhail shares his winemaking journey, emphasizing passion, authenticity, and the collaborative spirit behind The Calling winery.

Winemaker of the Year Eric Aafedt on 'Magic' Barrels and No Regrets

Eric Aafedt's leadership at Bogle Family Vineyards emphasizes sustainability and family dynamics, resulting in significant growth and recognition as Winemaker of the Year.

The Calling Winemaker James MacPhail on the Ripple Effect of Many Passionate People Working Together

James MacPhail shares his winemaking journey, emphasizing passion, authenticity, and the collaborative spirit behind The Calling winery.
morewine-star-award
#napa-valley

She Was Mentored by Kamala Harris. Now She's Running a Winery.

Hoopes Vineyard offers a unique, sanctuary-like experience that reflects the owner's dedication to community and environmental advocacy.

The Making of a 100-Point Wine: A Napa Red With Balance and Integrity

The Quintessa 2021 Red blend received a rare perfect score for its exceptional expression of terroir and balance, marking a significant achievement for the winery.

She Was Mentored by Kamala Harris. Now She's Running a Winery.

Hoopes Vineyard offers a unique, sanctuary-like experience that reflects the owner's dedication to community and environmental advocacy.

The Making of a 100-Point Wine: A Napa Red With Balance and Integrity

The Quintessa 2021 Red blend received a rare perfect score for its exceptional expression of terroir and balance, marking a significant achievement for the winery.
morenapa-valley
#climate-change

Italy's winemakers face yet another threat to their future

The Italian wine industry is facing significant challenges from climate change, shifting consumer preferences, and rising debt costs.

Column: Your favorite wine regions will feel the heat

The history of English viticulture shows that the wine industry is highly vulnerable to climate change, with past disruptions linked to temperature shifts.

Winegrowers Are Using an Ancient Grape-Growing Technique to Combat Climate Change and Preserve History

Massal selection enhances wine quality and preserves viticultural history while providing resilience against climate change.

The Scientific Reason Winemakers Are Freaking Out About A Warming Planet

Microbes play a crucial role in winemaking by influencing flavor and quality.
Climate change can impact wine production by affecting microbial populations.

Italy's winemakers face yet another threat to their future

The Italian wine industry is facing significant challenges from climate change, shifting consumer preferences, and rising debt costs.

Column: Your favorite wine regions will feel the heat

The history of English viticulture shows that the wine industry is highly vulnerable to climate change, with past disruptions linked to temperature shifts.

Winegrowers Are Using an Ancient Grape-Growing Technique to Combat Climate Change and Preserve History

Massal selection enhances wine quality and preserves viticultural history while providing resilience against climate change.

The Scientific Reason Winemakers Are Freaking Out About A Warming Planet

Microbes play a crucial role in winemaking by influencing flavor and quality.
Climate change can impact wine production by affecting microbial populations.
moreclimate-change

The Donum Estate: A Magical World of Wine, Nature, and Art - San Francisco Bay Times

The Donum Estate is a unique winery experience combining art, nature, and fine wines in the Carneros area.

Eroica: Celebrating 25 Years of New World Riesling Excellence

Eroica, a collaboration between Chateau Ste. Michelle and Dr. Loosen, has revolutionized Riesling for 25 years, merging Old and New World winemaking techniques.

Lebanon's Winemakers Are Caught in the Fire of War

Eddie Chami of Mersel Wine illustrates the challenges of winemaking in Lebanon amid war, highlighting resilience and efforts to build a local wine identity.

I embrace traditional roots in Argentinian winemaking

The author's upbringing in Mendoza profoundly influenced their career in winemaking, emphasizing the importance of tradition and holistic practices in agriculture.
#terroir

What Lies Beneath: How Geology Is Transforming South American Winemaking

Geologists play a crucial role in helping winemakers understand terroir and make key planting decisions based on soil insights.
Their expertise has led to the development of new wine regions and the production of single-vineyard wines with distinctive characteristics.

Review: Renais Offers a Winemaker's Perspective on Gin

Renais is a luxury gin using French winemaking techniques co-founded by Emma Watson's brother, emphasizing terroir in its flavor profile.

The Greatest Grape Debate: Chardonnay vs. Sauvignon Blanc

Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are both versatile grape varieties with distinct characteristics yet share similar adaptability in winemaking.

How Pedro Parra, a.k.a. Dr. Terroir, Is Changing Winemaking

Hamel Family Wines' 2018 Pamelita Reserved earned a 95-point rating for its impressive tension, texture, and tannins.
Winemaking consultant Pedro Parra, known as Dr. Terroir, emphasizes micro terroir over macro scales, pushing for artisanal practices in winemaking.

How to Define a Good Wine? It's Complicated.

The concept of a 'good' wine is subjective and can vary based on personal preferences and factors such as terroir and winemaking practices.
A good wine should not only taste good, but also have a balance of flavor, texture, liveliness, and vibrancy.

What Lies Beneath: How Geology Is Transforming South American Winemaking

Geologists play a crucial role in helping winemakers understand terroir and make key planting decisions based on soil insights.
Their expertise has led to the development of new wine regions and the production of single-vineyard wines with distinctive characteristics.

Review: Renais Offers a Winemaker's Perspective on Gin

Renais is a luxury gin using French winemaking techniques co-founded by Emma Watson's brother, emphasizing terroir in its flavor profile.

The Greatest Grape Debate: Chardonnay vs. Sauvignon Blanc

Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are both versatile grape varieties with distinct characteristics yet share similar adaptability in winemaking.

How Pedro Parra, a.k.a. Dr. Terroir, Is Changing Winemaking

Hamel Family Wines' 2018 Pamelita Reserved earned a 95-point rating for its impressive tension, texture, and tannins.
Winemaking consultant Pedro Parra, known as Dr. Terroir, emphasizes micro terroir over macro scales, pushing for artisanal practices in winemaking.

How to Define a Good Wine? It's Complicated.

The concept of a 'good' wine is subjective and can vary based on personal preferences and factors such as terroir and winemaking practices.
A good wine should not only taste good, but also have a balance of flavor, texture, liveliness, and vibrancy.
moreterroir

What, Exactly, Is an Indigenous Grape?

Indigenous grape varieties are experiencing a renaissance, highlighting the uniqueness of wines from specific regions.

For Maori Winemakers, It's About More Than Just Natural Wine

Māori winemakers are reclaiming ancestral land through decolonized viticulture practices while integrating indigenous philosophies.
#music

How These Wine and Cheesemakers Fold Music Into Their Recipes | KQED

California's wineries provide a unique blend of music and wine experiences, showcasing diverse musical genres during the harvest.
Soyoung Scanlan infuses her cheesemaking with the spirit of music, reflecting her background in classical piano.
Ron Peterson demonstrates the power of accessibility and resilience through his innovative tours at the Tijuana River Estuary.

Birds. Rain. Barbed Wire. Sounds of a Vineyard Become A Musical Score in 'Harvest in Twelve Parts' | KQED

Munro's album uniquely blends the sounds of winemaking with musical composition, creating an experimental sonic journey.

How These Wine and Cheesemakers Fold Music Into Their Recipes | KQED

California's wineries provide a unique blend of music and wine experiences, showcasing diverse musical genres during the harvest.
Soyoung Scanlan infuses her cheesemaking with the spirit of music, reflecting her background in classical piano.
Ron Peterson demonstrates the power of accessibility and resilience through his innovative tours at the Tijuana River Estuary.

Birds. Rain. Barbed Wire. Sounds of a Vineyard Become A Musical Score in 'Harvest in Twelve Parts' | KQED

Munro's album uniquely blends the sounds of winemaking with musical composition, creating an experimental sonic journey.
moremusic

Ageing tastefully: the enduring appeal of old vine wines

The decline of ancient winemaking techniques in Sicily is a result of rural depopulation and commercial pressures.
#wine-industry

10 of America's Most Influential Latinx-Owned Wineries

Latinos have significantly influenced U.S. winemaking, transitioning from vineyard workers to winery owners while fostering community connections.

In California, 'Almost Magical' Chardonnay Offers a Balance of Freshness and Flavor

Chardonnay is a versatile grape loved by winemakers for its adaptability and the multitude of choices in crafting unique wines.

10 of America's Most Influential Latinx-Owned Wineries

Latinos have significantly influenced U.S. winemaking, transitioning from vineyard workers to winery owners while fostering community connections.

In California, 'Almost Magical' Chardonnay Offers a Balance of Freshness and Flavor

Chardonnay is a versatile grape loved by winemakers for its adaptability and the multitude of choices in crafting unique wines.
morewine-industry

Virginia Is for Wine Lovers - Here's Where to Go and What to Drink

Virginia's wine industry has evolved significantly, contributing over $1.7 billion to the economy and increasing to around 300 wineries.
Young winemakers in Virginia are defining a unique wine identity, leading to higher quality wines and growing recognition.

Douro River Cruise: Our Review of Uniworld's Trip Through Portugal's Top Wine Region | Frommer's

The Douro River cruise offers unique experiences, blending scenic beauty with activities centered around local winemaking and culture.
#wine-history

The Unexpected Country Wine Originated From - Tasting Table

Georgia is recognized as one of the earliest countries involved in wine production, with artifacts dating back to 6,000-5,800 B.C.

How Oregon Became a Pinot Noir Paradise

Oregon Pinot Noir is renowned for its cool climate gems, balancing ripe fruit with natural acidity, with a rich history dating back to the 1960s.

The Unexpected Country Wine Originated From - Tasting Table

Georgia is recognized as one of the earliest countries involved in wine production, with artifacts dating back to 6,000-5,800 B.C.

How Oregon Became a Pinot Noir Paradise

Oregon Pinot Noir is renowned for its cool climate gems, balancing ripe fruit with natural acidity, with a rich history dating back to the 1960s.
morewine-history

Grape harvest kicks off early in Livermore Wine Country under challenging conditions

The grape harvest in Livermore began two weeks earlier this year, encouraging quality production despite potential weather challenges.

What's the Difference Between Wine Grapes and Table Grapes?

Table grapes differ from wine grapes due to their specific cultivation purposes and preferred varieties like Vitis vinifera for winemaking.

Behind the Scenes with the Man Behind Dom Perignon

Winemaking is considered an art by Vincent Chaperon, emphasizing nature, craftsmanship, and emotion over scientific aspects.

What's the Difference Between French, American, Austrian and Hungarian Oak?

Oak barrels play a significant role in wine flavors based on origin and toasting levels.
#history

9 Grapes to Help You Understand Armenian Wine

Armenia is home to the world's first grapevines and the oldest-known winery, dating back 6,000 years.
Winemaking in Armenia declined under Soviet rule but has re-emerged in the last twenty years, with producers planting indigenous grape varieties.

French wine guide and how to drink the French way - The Good Life France

France is home to some of the most famous wines globally, with a rich history dating back thousands of years.

9 Grapes to Help You Understand Armenian Wine

Armenia is home to the world's first grapevines and the oldest-known winery, dating back 6,000 years.
Winemaking in Armenia declined under Soviet rule but has re-emerged in the last twenty years, with producers planting indigenous grape varieties.

French wine guide and how to drink the French way - The Good Life France

France is home to some of the most famous wines globally, with a rich history dating back thousands of years.
morehistory

What, Exactly, Does 'Dosage' Mean in Wine?

Dosage is a sweet liquid added to sparkling wines for complexity, flavor, and balance. It varies by producer, region, and desired outcome.

This New York-Bred Hybrid Grape Packs a Big Personality

Cayuga grape is highly valued by winemakers for its versatility, high yields, early ripening, and flavor profile, making it a favored choice for white wine blends.

Richmond's Oest Wines evolves and adapts to change

Oest Wines' Rachis 2021 offers a unique blend, embodying the vision of producing balanced natural wines with depth and character.

War of the roses: why wine experts are furious about the blush-pink drink

Provencal rose is the classic, rich wine, and the market has been flooded with inferior, pale alternatives leading to a misconception of what makes a good rose.

Can a Brewery Make Good Wine? These Beer Makers Say Yes.

Craft breweries like Alesong Brewing are venturing into winemaking, creating beer-wine hybrids and expanding their customer base by offering wine options.
#innovation

Kobayashi's Wines Are Snapped Up Within Hours of Release. Here's Why.

Being a nurse anesthetist by day and an innovative winemaker by harvest, Travis Allen showcases a unique blend of skills and passions.

White wines with a sense of wonder

Winemakers blend creatively to elevate their wines beyond the norm.

Kobayashi's Wines Are Snapped Up Within Hours of Release. Here's Why.

Being a nurse anesthetist by day and an innovative winemaker by harvest, Travis Allen showcases a unique blend of skills and passions.

White wines with a sense of wonder

Winemakers blend creatively to elevate their wines beyond the norm.
moreinnovation

Formula 1's Daniel Ricciardo on Wine, Racing and the Year Ahead

Daniel Ricciardo launched a wine collection with St. Hugo winery in South Australia.
Ricciardo finds winemaking to be similar to Formula 1 in terms of perfection in fine details.

Want to Work in Wine? Three Successful Winemakers Reveal What it's Really Like

Winemaking is a messy, physically demanding, sometimes monotonous job with cleaning tasks and wait times.
Experienced winemakers have humorous, incredulous, and humble stories of their early, challenging days in the industry.

Las Positas Verdelho ties for Best White in Chronicle competition

Livermore winemaker Brent Amos has won the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition for the second time with his 2023 Las Positas Estate Verdelho
Other wineries from the Bay Area, such as Soquel Vineyards and Kings Mountain Vineyards, also received recognition for their wines at the competition

The Wine Heiresses Apparent

Women in the wine industry are taking charge of family businesses and pushing them to new heights.
Historically, women were only allowed to take over family enterprises in cases of unexpected death.
#wine

Deep-Sea Aging Is a Growing Trend. But Does It Improve Wine?

Wine has traditionally been aged in caves, but the idea of aging wine underwater has gained popularity.
Several winemakers have experimented with underwater aging, with successful results.

What Does 'Vintage' Mean in Wine?

The term 'vintage' refers to the year in which the grapes for a particular wine were harvested.
Weather patterns and events during a vintage can greatly affect the quality and characteristics of a wine.

Deep-Sea Aging Is a Growing Trend. But Does It Improve Wine?

Wine has traditionally been aged in caves, but the idea of aging wine underwater has gained popularity.
Several winemakers have experimented with underwater aging, with successful results.

What Does 'Vintage' Mean in Wine?

The term 'vintage' refers to the year in which the grapes for a particular wine were harvested.
Weather patterns and events during a vintage can greatly affect the quality and characteristics of a wine.
morewine

Mike Grgich dies at 100; winemaker helped make Napa Valley world famous

Miljenko (Mike) Grgich, the Croatian immigrant known for his wines in Napa Valley, has passed away at the age of 100.

How to Make Chardonnay for the Ages

Producing a Chardonnay with a consistent flavor profile is challenging due to different preferences and climate change.
Winemaker Cara Morrison balances innovation with tradition to create a consistent and appealing Chardonnay.

Gifts for Wine Lovers: This Season's Must-Read Books for Oenophiles

Three new memoirs by veteran wine producers offer fascinating glimpses into winemaking as a business and a way of life.
These books make great gifts for wine lovers.
The memoirs showcase the diverse experiences of winemakers and their wines.

Wines to capture the taste of summer

Producers approach winemaking with either a focus on creating what they believe in or catering to market trends, resulting in a wide range of wine styles.

Terah Bajjalieh Creates Pride-Worthy Wines With Her Signature Stamp of Elegance and Diversity - San Francisco Bay Times

Terah Bajjalieh is a native Californian winemaker with a diverse background and a focus on boutique wines made through low intervention techniques.

Division Winemaking Will Host NOLA's Legendary Bacchanal

Bacchanal wine bar in New Orleans evolved from a speakeasy to a popular spot, showcasing ancient Roman hedonist values in its offerings.

My First Vintage Was My Dad's Last

One's unexpected journey into winemaking during a significant family moment can lead to a quest for new mentors and father figures.
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