The start of summer is the beginning of the end for winemakers: we know harvest season is just around the corner. That means the grape harvest chaos is ready to unleash itself upon us: the frequent and unplanned grape deliveries, tank space situations causing stress, wondering if correct additions were made, late hours, sore muscles, […]
High pH Wine: Workshop Coming Your Way!
During my time with Penn State Extension, one of the most common problems I found in red wines was related to stability. Specifically, many wine producers were facing unusually high pH’s with varying levels of total acidity (TA). The increased pH caused a number of issues for otherwise normal wines: Red wine color instability Odd […]
Winery Compliance Training Series: Registration Open!
While compliance for FSMA is not the most fun winemaking topic, it can also appear overwhelming. However, with the FDA’s goal of inspecting each FDA-registered food/beverage manufacturing facility by the end of 2018, many wineries are getting a head start on developing their compliance documentation and preparing for future FDA inspections. If you would like […]
Pre-Bottling Prep
The Pre-Bottling Prep Production Guides for white, red, and formula wines are now available on the DGW Learning Center. What is the purpose of pre-bottling prep production guides? In meeting with current and potential clients, I have noticed that many wineries struggle with logistics surrounding pre-bottling operations. Pre-bottling operations include: Testing for and performing heat […]
FSMA and Wineries Webinar Registration Open
A few weeks ago, I released information on the Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA), and how it pertains to wineries. On Tuesday, May 15th, I’ll host 2 live webinars covering the following material with regards to FSMA and wineries: A brief explanation of what FSMA is The differences between federal, state, and local regulations […]
Creating Hybrid Wines True to Style
Over the years, I’ve noticed that it’s easy for wineries to fall subject to – what I like to call – the “ice cream syndrome.” In this case, one varietal wine is made for each wine grape variety brought into the cellar. Soon, a wine list in a tasting room can feel a bit like […]
