In this episode, expert winemaker Matt Courtney discusses the intersection of tradition and technology in California winemaking. Matt recounts his journey from casual restaurant work to crafting high-end wines with a focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The conversation explores the Burgundian influence on California wines, the distinct characteristics of Sonoma County's vineyards, and the creation of the Ferren wine brand.

The episode highlights the balance between preserving traditional practices and embracing technological advancements to enhance winemaking processes.

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

Resources from this Episode

Arista Winery – https://www.aristawinery.com/

Ferren Wines – https://www.ferrenwines.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:

innovint.us

Get a demo:

innovint.us/request-a-demo/

Join our free winemaking community:

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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 the chemistry of winemaking, focusing on essential elements like pH, titratable acidity, and sulfur dioxide levels. Drawing on Napa Valley experience, we make these technical concepts accessible for casual winemakers and professionals.

The episode also covers wine analysis and adjustments for popular varietals such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, discussing factors like Brix measurements and malolactic fermentation.

Listeners will gain valuable information on managing acidity, pH, and nutrient levels. Tune in now to learn all you need to know about harvest chemistry panels!

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

Resources from this Episode

MyEnologist - http://www.myenologist.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.

This episode is very special because it’s the 10-year anniversary episode of Inside Winemaking! I'm deeply grateful for the support from you — the listeners, as well as the incredible guests and generous sponsors who have been with me throughout this decade. Over the course of 182 episodes, featuring more than 175 amazing guests, we’ve had the privilege to explore the world of winemaking together.

This milestone has opened doors to educational opportunities, including winemaking classes and tours in Napa and Europe, and allowed us to address the challenges faced by novice winemakers.

Thank you once again for being a part of this incredible journey over the past ten years.

Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.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, winemaker Shawn DeMartino shares his journey from Argentina to becoming a winemaker in Napa Valley. He discusses his experiences working with renowned mentors and the significance of hands-on learning in winemaking. Shawn also highlights his innovative work building the Sentinel Vine Manager app, a program leveraging high fidelity geospatial technology to monitor vineyard health and production. The episode explores the balance between tradition and innovation in winemaking and offers tips for managing vineyards of all sizes.

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

Resources from this Episode

Sentinel Vine Manager - https://www.sentineltech.eu/

Grace Family Vineyards - https://www.gracefamilyvineyards.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.

Dan Person of Carboniste discusses the art and science of sparkling winemaking in this episode. The conversation covers technical aspects of winemaking, including sugar and CO2 pressure management in Pet-nat production, the impact of acidity and pH on wine quality, and the evolution of American sparkling wines. Dan also talks about the unique packaging and branding of Carboniste, aiming to bring a fresh perspective to the sparkling wine market.

Whether you're a novice or an experienced connoisseur, this episode offers valuable knowledge and practical tips on creating distinctive sparkling wines.

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

Resources from this Episode

Carboniste -

https://carboniste.com/

This episode is sponsored by Sentia. This revolutionary portable device measures six critical analytes during wine production: free sulphur dioxide, malic acid, glucose, fructose, titratable acidity, and acetic acid.

Save time, save money, and take control of your wine testing with the trusted technology of the portable Sentia wine analyser. For more information, including how to buy, visit www.sentiaanalysis.com or search for “Sentia wine analyser” online. And don’t forget, for an exclusive 15% off invitation for podcast listeners, quote “insidewinemaking15” on the Sentia website contact form. Don’t leave it to chance – protect your wine and take control of your testing with Sentia.

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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, winemaker Jon-Michial Carter shares first-hand knowledge on building a successful boutique winery, emphasizing the importance of direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales and personal relationships with club members. Jon-Michial discusses his unique business model, which focuses on maintaining quality and personal touches by capping production at 3,000 cases and 1,000 club members.

The conversation covers various aspects of winery operations, including grape sourcing, innovative shipping techniques, blending strategies, and the challenges of starting a winery outside of California.

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

Resources from this Episode

Carter Family Wines - https://carterfamilywines.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 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/

Follow and Review:

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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.