Inside Winemaking - the art and science of growing grapes and crafting wine

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 highlights the balance between tradition and innovation in creating elegant wines. Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ Resources from this Episode Cobb Wines https://cobbwines.com/  This episode is sponsored by Innovint. Wineries of all sizes rely on InnoVint’s winery operating system to optimize vineyard tracking, manage wine production processes, automate compliance reporting, track costs seamlessly, and make data-driven decisions. The best part? The software is intuitive, easy to use, and mobile and offline friendly! And with the highest-rated customer service in the industry, you’re guaranteed to have a smooth transition, even right before harvest. Learn more: https://www.innovint.us/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=insidewinemaking  Get a demo of the product: https://www.innovint.us/request-a-demo/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=insidewinemaking  Join our free winemaking community, The Punchdown: https://www.innovint.us/join-the-punchdown/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=insidewinemaking  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.

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 kegs. He shares the rigorous quality control measures in place to maintain wine integrity and explores the growing trend of wine on tap in the industry. Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ Resources from this Episode Free Flow Wines: https://www.freeflowwines.com/ This episode is sponsored by the video course, Fundamentals of Winemaking Made Easy. Use code INSIDEWINEMAKING for $25 off the course: https://www.learndesk.us/class/6006374003638272/winemaking-fundamentals-made-easy  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.

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 techniques. Gain knowledge about the challenges and triumphs of recent vintages, and learn about the collaborative efforts that drive their continued success in the ever-changing wine industry. Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ Resources from this Episode William Cole Vineyards: https://williamcolevineyards.com This episode is sponsored by Harvest Pillar concrete trellis posts. Want to learn more about Harvest Pillar concrete trellis posts and how they can help you save money in the long run? Learn more: https://www.harvestpillar.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.

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 Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ Resources from this Episode Fresh Wine Co: https://fresh.wine/ This episode is sponsored by the Vineyard Underground Podcast hosted by leading viticulturist and vineyard education expert, Fritz Westover: https://www.vineyardundergroundpodcast.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.

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 a straightforward exploration of the art and science behind Arizona's growing wine scene. Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ Resources from this Episode Callaghan Vineyards: https://www.callaghanvineyards.com/https://www.callaghanvineyards.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.

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 local support in building a sustainable wine industry in Arizona and the ongoing experimentation that makes this emerging wine region exciting. Join us for a look into the art of winemaking in Arizona and Todd's pioneering contributions to its evolving wine culture. Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ Resources from this Episode Dos Cabezas WineWorks - https://www.doscabezas.com/ This episode is sponsored by Harvest Pillar concrete trellis posts. Want to learn more about Harvest Pillar concrete trellis posts and how they can help you save money in the long run? https://www.harvestpillar.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.

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 community. Stu also talks about the importance of sourcing quality grapes from renowned vineyards and the balance between creativity and quality control. The episode offers insights into how aspiring winemakers can focus on storytelling and marketing to carve their niche in the industry without heavy investments in infrastructure. Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ Resources from this Episode The Wine Foundry https://thewinefoundry.com/ This episode is sponsored by Wine Compliance Alliance The Winery Compliance Training Academy has custom-designed courses created by industry experts with deep backgrounds working at wineries managing production compliance! Our course, The TTB reports all US Wineries are required to file is designed to walk you through the three reports all US wineries are required to submit to the TTB. This course is a fit for all winery staff who are responsible for filing reports or label approvals to the TTB.   Inside Winemaking subscribers get access for 50% off! Go to: winecompliancealliance.com/training/ and select Learn More on the course.  The TTB Reports all US Wineries are Required to File.  Enter the coupon code HALFOFF at checkout. 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.  

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 producers and larger cooperatives. Additionally, the episode explores Galicia's rich gastronomy and how the local wines complement the cuisine.  Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ Resources from this Episode Wines of Galicia Website: https://winesofgalicia.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.

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 cover the economic benefits of reduced pesticide applications and the potential of biological alternatives.  Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ Resources from this Episode Root Applied Sciences: https://rootappliedsciences.com This episode is sponsored by Harvest Pillar concrete trellis posts. Want to learn more about Harvest Pillar concrete trellis posts and how they can help you save money in the long run? Visit https://www.harvestpillar.com/ today! 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.

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 episode also highlights the winery's diverse portfolio, focusing on the elegance and complexity of their Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays, and the current remodel of the Robert Mondavi winery and visitor center in Napa Valley.   Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ Resources from this Episode Robert Mondavi Winery - https://robertmondaviwinery.com/ This episode is sponsored by  the video course, Fundamentals of Winemaking Made Easy.  Use code INSIDEWINEMAKING  for $25 off the course.   https://www.learndesk.us/class/6006374003638272/winemaking-fundamentals-made-easy 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.

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 seasoning of barrels including chimney stacking staves, which is unique to the barrels Guillaume represents for Tonnellerie Bernard.  This episode is full of useful information for winemakers to have when thinking about the barrel chioces for their wines.   Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ Resources from this Episode Tonnellerie Bernard https://charlois.com/en/tonnellerie-bernard/ This episode is sponsored by Harvest Pillar concrete trellis posts.  Want to learn more about Harvest Pillar concrete trellis posts and how they can help you save money in the long run? https://www.harvestpillar.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.

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 classifications. Additionally, we touch on the impact of climate change on grape growing in Spain and California.  Join us for an engaging conversation that uncovers the dynamic world of winemaking in La Rioja and beyond. Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ Resources from this Episode Aiurri Winery: https://almacarraovejas.com/en/aiurri-winery/  Episode Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Wine Compliance Alliance. Inside Winemaking listeners get access for 50% off! Go to winecompliancealliance.com/training/ and select Learn More on the course. All US Wineries are required to file the TTB Reports. Enter the coupon code HALFOFF at checkout. 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.

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 Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ Resources from this Episode Anton Paar Densitometer DMA 35: https://www.anton-paar.com/us-en/products/details/dma-35/ WECO Optical Sorters: https://www.wecotek.com/equipment/wine-grape-sorting/ Fermrite Bungs: https://barrelbuilders.com/bungs/ This episode is sponsored by Harvest Pillar concrete trellis posts. Want to learn more about Harvest Pillar concrete trellis posts and how they can help you save money in the long run? Visit them here: https://www.harvestpillar.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.

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 Trivento's diverse Malbec offerings, from the Reserve line to the iconic Golden Reserve, emphasizing the art and science behind Argentinian wines. Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ Resources from this Episode Bodega Trivento Argentina  https://trivento.com/ This episode is sponsored by Wine Compliance Alliance The Winery Compliance Training Academy has custom-designed courses created by industry experts with deep backgrounds working at wineries managing production compliance! Our course, The TTB, reports all US Wineries are required to file and is designed to walk you through the three reports all US wineries are required to submit to the TTB. This course is a fit for all winery staff who are responsible for filing reports or label approvals to the TTB.   Inside Winemaking subscribers get access for 50% off! Go to: winecompliancealliance.com/training/ and select “Learn More” on the course, The TTB Reports all US Wineries are required to file. Enter the coupon code HALFOFF at checkout. 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.  

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 authenticity and the use of natural fermentation methods in creating exceptional sparkling wines. Listen in to learn about Recaredo, the vines they are working with, and the varieties they produce. Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ Resources from this Episode Recaredo: https://www.recaredo.com/en/ Corpinnat: https://www.corpinnat.com/en/ This episode is sponsored by Innovint. Wineries of all sizes rely on InnoVint’s winery operating system to optimize vineyard tracking, manage wine production processes, automate compliance reporting, track costs seamlessly, and make data-driven decisions. The best part? The software is intuitive, easy to use, and mobile and offline friendly! And with the highest-rated customer service in the industry, you’re guaranteed to have a smooth transition, even right before harvest. Learn more: innovint.us Get a demo: innovint.us/request-a-demo/ Join our free winemaking community: innovint.us/join-the-punchdown/ 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.