Inside Winemaking - the art and science of growing grapes and crafting wine – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode, we have a conversation with Peter Devison, the winemaker behind Devison Vintners, as he shares how he moved from Vancouver's dining scene to becoming a winemaker in Washington. Peter discusses his winemaking education in New Zealand and the experience that led him to Washington. He explores the challenges and successes of launching his own label and working as a consultant for other wineries. 

We talk about the potential of white wine production in Washington, touching on the unique terroir shaped by geological events like the Missoula floods. Peter also offers insights into native fermentation techniques and the distinctive characteristics of the Rocks District in Walla Walla.

Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/

Resources from this Episode

Devison Vintners - https://www.devisonvintners.com/

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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 discuss contemporary winemaking with insights from industry pioneer Britt Richards. Britt Richards of Head High Wines shares her inspiring journey from early influences to hands-on experiences at Fresno State and various esteemed vineyards, highlighting the balance of science and art in crafting exceptional wines. We explore the complexities of producing high-quality Chardonnay, emphasizing the importance of fruit quality and minimalist winemaking techniques. We also cover the challenges of creating affordable yet premium wines and dive into innovative trends such as skin-contact white wines and de-alcoholized wines. 

Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/

This episode is sponsored by Innovint. Finally, a user-friendly software built with winemaking in mind. InnoVint helps wineries of all sizes grow, make, and sell wine more efficiently. See how our vineyard tracking, wine production, and inventory management solutions can help your wine business thrive. https://www.innovint.us/

Resources from this Episode

Head High - https://www.headhighwines.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 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.

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 - @groundedwineco

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.

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.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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

Now on Spotify

And Amazon Music

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.

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

Now on Spotify

And Amazon Music