Episodes
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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
Westover Vineyard Advising: https://www.vineyardadvising.com/ Virtual Viticulture Academy: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/ Fritz’s Online Prospective Winegrape Grower Course: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/is-grape-growing-right-for-you/ Ep. 164: Fritz Westover - Westover Vineyard Advising: https://www.insidewinemaking.com/#/164-fritz-westover-westover/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.
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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
Grounded Wine Co - https://www.groundedwineco.com/ Instagram - @groundedwinecoFollow 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.
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Missing episodes?
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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
Amulet Estate - www.amuletestate.com Winexray - www.winexray.comFollow 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.
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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
Limoges Cellars - https://limogescellars.com/ Instagram Feed - @LimogesCellars https://www.instagram.com/limogescellars/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.
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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
Westover Vineyard Advising - https://www.vineyardadvising.com/ Vineyard Underground Podcast - https://www.vineyardundergroundpodcast.com/ Virtual Viticulture Academy - https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.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.
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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
Los Milics Vineyard and Winery - Southern Arizona https://losmilicsvineyards.com/ FnB Restaurant - Scottsdale, Arizona http://www.fnbrestaurant.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.
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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.
Grape Culture - Napa Valley
Nottingham Cellars - Livermore Valley
Winexray
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 courseThe Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes
Now on Spotify
And Amazon Music
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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.
Birdhorse Wines
Plasticbags.com
San Francisco Chronicle featuring Birdhorse
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 courseThe Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes
Now on Spotify
And Amazon Music
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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.
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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.
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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.
Nuñez Vineyard Management
Nuñez Vineyard Management’s YouTube Channel
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 courseThe Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes
Now on Spotify
And Amazon Music
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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.
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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.
Brewer-Clifton - Santa Rita Hills
Diatom Chardonnay - Santa Barbara County
Ex Post Facto - Santa Barbara County
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 courseThe Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes
Now on Spotify
And Stitcher Radio Too
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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.
Hall Wines - Napa Valley
WALT - Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
BACA - Zinfandel
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 courseThe Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes
Now on Spotify
And Stitcher Radio Too
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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.
Link to this podcast episode (too large to host on this webpage)
WineXRay
Vineyard Shade Cloth Study from Kaan Kurtural of UCDavis
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 -
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.
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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.
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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.
Massican Wines
Larkmead Vineyards
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
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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.
Pine Ridge Vineyards - Napa Valley
Malene Wines Rosé - Central Coast, California
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
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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.
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