Welcome to Inside Winemaking, your go-to resource for all things winemaking, designed for those already immersed in the wine industry and anyone with a passion for the art and science of crafting the perfect bottle.
Inside Winemaking was created to provide direct access to the people in charge of creating world-class wines and for listeners looking for a non-traditional, informative, and entertaining take on winemaking.
Our mission is to be a comprehensive resource hub for winemaking, providing valuable content to enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. Your host Jim Duane (Napa Valley winemaker) interviews some of the top winemakers in California and beyond.
Each episode features a winemaker, grape-grower, or technical wine pro and dives deep into their background and expertise. Wine newbies and expert enophiles will be entertained by winemaking stories and learn more about growing grapes and making wine.
Join us on Inside Winemaking as we uncork the secrets of winemaking, share valuable insights, and create a vibrant community of wine enthusiasts and industry professionals. Subscribe now and elevate your winemaking journey!
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Jim Duane and Leigh Meyering from MyEnologist delve into heat and cold stability in wine, particularly for white and rosé. They explain protein haze prevention using bentonite, tartrate instability, and various testing methods like Davis conductivity, DIT, and ISTC 50. The discussion also covers traditional chilling, modern stabilization products like CMC and mannoproteins, their sensory impacts, and crucial sampling and timing strategies to ensure bottling success.
This episode features Tommaso, a vineyard consultant whose career spans from Venice and Montalcino to Burgundy, Bordeaux, and other renowned wine regions. Tommaso discusses his background in viticulture, the technical aspects of working in different European vineyards, and how he manages various grape varieties and regional challenges. The conversation highlights real-world issues such as vineyard management, adapting to climate change, and the critical decisions involved in harvest timing and v...
In this episode, Andrea shares her unique journey to becoming the Director of Winemaking at Francis Ford Coppola Winery. Starting her career without the initial intention of entering winemaking, she found her path through roles in the laboratory, cellar, and bottling lines, developing a passion for the hands-on aspects of the craft. Andrea highlights the value of practical experience, local education, and her commitment to continual learning, which eventually led her to oversee the winemaking te...
This episode features an in-depth conversation with Jason Moulton, winemaker at Whitehall Lane, as harvest concludes. Discussions range from technical practices like stabulation for enhancing Sauvignon Blanc texture and aromatics, to long-term strategies for fining and filtration reduction. A significant focus is placed on Whitehall Lane's pioneering efforts with new Pierce's Disease resistant grape clones from UC Davis, their unique characteristics, and the journey to secure TTB approval for commercial bottling. The episode highlights innovation and sustainability in modern winemaking.
Ben Leachman, Director of Viticulture at Walsh Vineyards Management, shares insights from his extensive career, from RH Phillips to Seavey Vineyard, and now overseeing over 1,000 acres. He details the complexities of managing large-scale vineyards, client relationships, and the importance of data-driven decisions and responsible viticulture practices like erosion control. Additionally, Ben delves into the origins and philosophy behind his personal wine brand, Vidi Vitis, emphasizing fruit quality and experimentation with diverse varietals and innovative vine development techniques.
Join me as I sit down with Esther Mobley, Senior Wine Critic for the San Francisco Chronicle. Esther shares her fascinating journey from an English major to a wine journalist, starting with a harvest internship in Napa Valley and subsequently working in Mendoza, Argentina. Her career path led her through Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator before landing at the Chronicle in 2015, where she has since become a prominent voice in wine journalism. Throughout our conversation, Esther discusses her app...
Rich DeScenzo, the Microbiology Group Leader at ETS Labs, came on this episode to discuss the science of wine microbiology and its impact on winemaking. We talked about the roles of yeast and bacteria, such as Brettanomyces, in wine quality and stability. The episode explores the evolution of microbial testing, highlighting advanced techniques like Scorpion PCR technology, which enhances microbial risk assessment and wine quality control. Rich shares insights on managing microbial risks, barrel ...
Host Jim Duane speaks with Chris Morisoli, a fifth-generation farmer from Rutherford, Napa Valley. Chris discusses his unique path from a military Medevac pilot to vineyard manager, highlighting the generational commitment to land and traditional farming methods. The conversation explores the challenges of maintaining old vines, managing client relationships, and the strategic launch of the Morisoli wine brand, along with his community roles as a volunteer firefighter and National Guard pilot.
Discover the art and passion behind Abloom, a distinctive rosé wine brand crafted by winemakers Molly Hill, Ashley Hepworth, and Sally Blum. This episode discusses their experiences from UC Davis to Napa Valley, highlighting their unique collaboration and the meticulous process of creating a high-quality rosé. They share about their use of fermentation techniques and the thoughtful design elements that embody their brand's philosophy of flourishing and abundance. Listen as they discuss the chall...
Join us today as we explore the fascinating journey of renowned winemaker Rosemary Cakebread, whose career spans continents and decades. We discuss her early life in Japan, her education at UC Davis, and her groundbreaking work at Inglenook Winery. Rosemary shares information on dry farming and crafting varietals like Albariño and Petite Sirah, revealing the intricacies of her winemaking process. Reflecting on the evolution of Napa Valley's wine community, we discuss her transition from larger c...
Join us this week to hear from Morgan Twain-Peterson, Master of Wine, owner and winemaker at Bedrock Wine Co. Influenced by his father, the founder of Ravenswood Winery, Morgan's path is enriched by his experiences in the European vineyards. Listen in for innovative methods in sustainable viticulture, including sap testing for vine nutrient needs and the role of regenerative agriculture. Explore the contrasts between the Master of Wine and Master Sommelier certifications and discover the power o...
Located on the true Sonoma Coast, Ross Cobb of Cobb Wines tackles the intricate challenges of vineyard management and unpredictable weather. Ross farms his family's Coastland Vineyard, planted to Pinot Noir, one of the oldest plantings of Pinot in Sonoma County. Our discussion ran the gamut between farming and Ross' experiments in the cellar. Ross had thoughtful insights regarding with whole cluster fermentation and working with CO2 in finishing wines. Throughout this exploration, Ross highlight...
In this episode, we welcome Rob Perman, Vice President of Operations at Free Flow Wines, to share the world of wine kegging. We discuss the technical aspects of wine kegging, such as sanitation, oxygen management, and logistics, and how Free Flow Wines has grown from a small operation to a leader in custom kegging services. Rob explains the benefits of wine on tap for restaurants, including sustainability and cost efficiency, and addresses the logistical challenges of managing a fleet of 200,000...
Explore the rich history and innovative future of Napa Valley winemaking in this episode with Cole Ballentine from William Cole Vineyards. As a fifth-generation winemaker, Cole discusses his family's path of changing a ghost winery into a thriving vineyard, emphasizing the blend of tradition and modernity in their craft. Learn about the strategic evolution of their brand, the importance of storytelling in wine marketing, and the art of creating timeless wines through distinctive blending techniq...
Join us on an exploration into the realm of organic and natural winemaking with Jack Sporer, the visionary behind Fresh Wine Co. and Magnolia Wine Services. Learn how his upbringing in a family vineyard in Sonoma Valley blossomed into a passion for organic viticulture and thoughtful intervention methods. Jack discusses the challenges and successes of transitioning to regenerative farming and reveals the mindset that led to the creation of Magnolia Wine Services. Winemaking Class Offers and Show ...
Discover the untapped potential of Arizona winemaking as Kent Callaghan, a pioneer in the Sonoita Valley, shares his approach to crafting exceptional wines in a region south of Tucson. In this episode, Kent explores the distinct challenges of Arizona's high-altitude landscapes, from managing diverse grape varieties to navigating the state's unpredictable climate. Gain perspectives into sustainable practices, blending techniques, and the partnerships that help mitigate risks. This episode offers ...
Discover the innovative world of Arizona winemaking through the eyes of Todd Bostock from Dos Cabezas WineWorks. Todd shares his entry into the winemaking industry, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of crafting wines in the Sonoita Valley's diverse climates and soils. We discuss the impact of regional diversity on grape varieties and the techniques being used, such as co-fermenting grape varieties and producing canned and sparkling wines. The episode also touches on the importance of...
Stu Ake from The Wine Foundry joins us to discuss the art of personalized custom-crush winemaking. Stu shares his journey into winemaking, which began at Crush Pad in San Francisco. The episode covers the opportunites that The Wine Foundry provides, the logistics and creativity involved in crafting small batches of wine, emphasizing how younger generations are redefining wine conventions. Listeners will learn about the "share a barrel" concept, which makes winemaking more accessible and fosters ...
In this episode, Noah Chichester, a specialist in Galician wines, guides us through the vineyards of Galicia, Spain. Raised in Potsdam, NY, Noah shares how his passion for Galician wines was sparked by his Spanish-influenced upbringing. The discussion covers the distinct grape varieties of Galicia, such as Albariño and Godello, and the unique challenges winemakers face in the region's Atlantic climate. Noah also highlights the evolving landscape of Galician wine production, featuring both small ...
In this episode, we have the honor of having a conversation with Sarah Placella, founder of Root Applied Sciences, to explore sustainable vineyard management through innovative technologies. We discuss the role of spore traps in detecting powdery mildew, enabling grape growers to reduce chemical use while maintaining vineyard health. The episode discusses advancements in air sampling techniques, including solar-powered models and dry cyclone systems, which optimize pathogen detection. We also co...
In this episode, we have a conversation with Kurtis Ogasawara, the Director of Winemaking at Robert Mondavi Winery. Kurtis shares his expertise into the challenges and successes of managing such a prestigious winery in Napa Valley. The discussion covers the winery's rich history, including the legacy of Robert Mondavi. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the art of blending, extended maceration, and the evolving techniques in winemaking that balance tradition with innovation. The episo...
This episode features a conversation with Guillaume Maugeais, a seasoned barrel cooper and winemaker with a diverse background in the global wine industry. Guillaume shares his journey from becoming a copper in Burgundy to exploring winemaking across continents, including his experiences in Cognac, New Zealand, Australia and California. We discuss the role of oak in winemaking, how Guillaume evaluates a cooper's toasting abilities, barrel sanitation in a winery, caring for empty barrels, and sea...
In this episode, we explore the journey of Neza Skrt, a pioneering winemaker who transitioned from biotechnology in Slovenia to leading innovative winemaking practices in La Rioja, Spain. At the forefront of the Aiurri Winery, Skrt shares her insights on blending tradition with modern techniques, emphasizing sustainable viticulture amidst the challenges of climate change. We discuss vineyard management, the significance of preserving old vines, and the complexities of Spanish wine classification...
This episode is dedicated to some cellar Q&A and a highlight covering three key winemaking tools. Listeners will learn about managing sulfur consistency, dissolved oxygen, and free SO2 levels to maintain wine quality. The episode highlights essential winemaking tools, such as the densitometer and optical sorter, which aid fermentation tracking and optimize grape sorting. Additionally, we discuss the FermRite fermentation bung as a modern solution to traditional bubblers. Winemaking Class Off...
In this episode, Germán di Cesare from Bodega Trivento shares his journey in Argentinian winemaking, focusing on innovations like the creation of white Malbec. Growing up in Mendoza, Germán's passion for wine was influenced by local traditions and his family's vineyard roots. He discusses the unique climate challenges in Mendoza, the importance of vineyard management, and the collaborative efforts among Argentinian wineries to enhance the country's wine reputation. The episode highlights Trivent...
In this episode, we explore the innovative and traditional aspects of sparkling wine production with guest Núria Artiaga. Núria, a winemaker in Spain's Penedès region, shares her journey into the unique grape varieties and winemaking philosophies at Recaredo. The episode goes into the Spanish grapes used to make Cava, the transition to Brut Nature, the significance of organic agriculture, and the distinctive qualities of Corpinnat sparkling wines. The discussion also highlights the commitment to...
Kelli White, a renowned wine educator and author, shares her expertise on wine education and industry innovations in this episode. She discusses her journey as a sommelier at PRESS Restaurant in St. Helena and her book "Wine Confident." The conversation explores various topics, including the complexities of the wine industry, the role of sommeliers, sustainable vineyard practices, and the importance of accurate wine education. Kelli also addresses common consumer misconceptions and offers practi...
In this episode, expert winemaker Matt Courtney discusses the intersection of tradition and technology in California winemaking. Matt recounts his journey from casual restaurant work to crafting high-end wines with a focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The conversation explores the Burgundian influence on California wines, the distinct characteristics of Sonoma County's vineyards, and the creation of the Ferren wine brand. The episode highlights the balance between preserving traditional practic...
This episode is a discussion of juice and wine chemistries focusing on harvest winemaking. Chemistries covered include the essential elements like pH, titratable acidity, Nitrogen, sugars, and ethanol. Actual chemistry panels are discussed in great detail with the goal of making these technical concepts accessible for casual winemakers and professionals. The episode also covers wine analysis and adjustments for popular varietals such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, dis...
This episode is very special because it's the 10-year anniversary episode of Inside Winemaking! I'm deeply grateful for the support from you — the listeners, as well as the incredible guests and generous sponsors who have been with me throughout this decade. Over the course of 182 episodes, featuring more than 175 amazing guests, we've had the privilege to explore the world of winemaking together. This milestone has opened doors to educational opportunities, including winemaking classes and tour...
