Better wine doesn’t always require better grapes. Sometimes it just requires a better process. For many wineries across the U.S., pre-bottling operations are exactly where quality is won or lost, and small adjustments to this stage can make a significant difference in what ends up in the bottle. Pre-bottling steps typically include: These steps may […]
Bottling
Avoid Filtration Frenzy
Have you previously experienced difficult-to-filter wines? Are you sure it was the wine that was difficult? Or, could your production practices lead you into a higher prevalence of filtration problems? Let’s find out together. Components in Wine Most of us are familiar with the possibility of microorganisms in the wine. Wine harbors various yeasts and […]
Wine is Made. Now What?
The post-harvest lull, for many, can feel like a short reprieve in the cellar. However, post-processing is when real winemaking operations begins! There are many requirements in the cellar that still demand the winemaker’s attention. Today, I’m going to review a few key operations that require focus between November and December. 1. Ensure MLF is […]
Are You Stabilizing and Preparing Wines for Bottle Properly?
While many winemakers tend to focus heavily on operations and timeliness during harvest, the reality is that post-fermentation processes tend to require a better understanding by many winemakers. Failing to recognize when an operational step is required can be heavily detrimental to wine quality and extend resources of winery employees that are unnecessary. For example, […]
Harvest Is Coming
Guess what? Harvest is starting to sneak up on us. Although there is probably TONS of work to be done in the vineyard, it’s also time to start preparing the winery for harvest. Do not let harvest preparation get away from you. Any good winemaking team will tell you that one of the key methods […]
Fining Agent Refinement
In the world of winemaking, fining agents are what are known as “processing aids.” Unlike ingredients or additives, which stay in the wine after their addition, processing aids do not remain in the wine. Or, if they do, it is at such negligible concentrations that they may be unmeasurable. Nonetheless, the use of certain fining […]
