The Inside Winemaking Podcast With Jim Duane

This episode features Gabrielle Shaffer, who is the viticulturist and winery relations manager for Stagecoach Vineyard.  AT 600 planted acres across 175 distinct parcels, Stagecoach is one of the largest and most important vineyards in the Napa Valley.  Gabrielle works with 90 different winemakers, who are purchasing grapes from Stagecoach.  Gabrielle also has her own brand, Gamling and McDuck, which she founded with her partner, Adam McClary.  Gamling and McDuck, which features Chenin blanc and Cabernet Franc, is opening a tasting room in downtown Napa.   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Stagecoach Vineyard Gamling and McDuck Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal, Bitcoin, and Ethereum links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.   The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes And Stit

This episode features Thibaut Scholasch, founder and VP of Research and Development for Fruition Sciences.  Our conversation gets deep into the weeds of technical viticulture.  Fruition Sciences provides four technical vineyard services that track novel parameters within grapevines.  Thibaut discusses those services chronologically as they are pertinent during the growing season and describes how viticulturists and winemakers can utilize the data to optimize inputs such as irrigation and Nitrogen fertilization.  Thibaut has also created the Vintage Report seminar that is an annual gathering "connecting terroir and innovation." LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Fruition Sciences  Physiocap Dualex Nitrogen tracking Sap flow Multiplex Color/Anthocyanin tracking Vintage Report This podcast is brought you by Hanna Instruments.  Makers of edge and Halo Wine pH meters, these tools are purpose built for winery environments.  The edge Wine pH meter is rich in features including using digital electrod

This episode features Rudy Zuidema, who is the winemaker at Shadybrook Estate in Napa, where we met to record this episode.  Rudy also makes wine for other clients and is known for his experience with organic and biodynamic farming.  Under his own brand, Zuidema Wine Co., Rudy produces a single vineyard Grenache from the McGah Vineyard in Rutherford.  The second half of this podcast is focused on the winemaking technology known as flash detente process.  Rudy founded and operates Flash Wine Technologies, which provides flash detente services to wineries with grape lots as small as ten tons.  His flash detente operation is based out of Kunde Family Winery in Sonoma.   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Shadybrook Estate, Napa Zuidema Wine Co., Napa Flash Wine Technologies, Sonoma Ehlers Estate, Napa Crimson clover for under-vine weed suppression Stella Natura, Biodynamic calendar Allora Vineyards, Napa Red Cap Vineyards, Howell Mountain Kent Price Wines, Napa Encanto Vineyards, Napa Kunde Family W

This episode features Becky George, who is the winemaker for Kelly Fleming Wines in Napa.  Becky also produces her own wine under the Mojave Wines brand, which is a tribute to her childhood growing up in the Mojave Dessert.  Becky and I studied winemaking at UCDavis together 15 years ago, and used this podcast to catch up on all of Becky's work throughout the globe leading up to her current projects in Napa and Anderson Valley.   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Kelly Fleming Wines, Napa Mojave Wines Artesa Vineyards and Winery, Napa Oenology and Viticulture and University of Adelaide, Australia Hanging Rock Winery, Australia Schramsberg Vineyards, Napa Domaine Meo-Camuzet, Burgundy Yarra Burn, Australia Williams Selyem, Sonoma Marcassin Vineyards, Sonoma Vine Hill Ranch, Napa Tule Irrigation Advisor This podcast is brought you by Hanna Instruments.  Makers of edge and Halo Wine pH meters, these tools are purpose built for winery environments.  The edge Wine pH meter is rich in features includ

Pam Starr has been making the wines and building the Crocker and Starr brands since she first met with Charlie Crocker of the Crocker Estate in 1997.  This podcast covers the long story of how Pam built Crocker and Starr beginning from the handwritten business plan.  Associate Winemaker, Evyn Cameron discusses Crocker and Starr's portfolio, they ways how her and Pam evaluate Cabernet Franc fermentations, and some of the winery's cool new equipment.  Our conversation gets out into the weeds of Cabernet Franc, which is one of the varieties that Pam is most known for.  It was a ton of fun to have this Franc geek-fest and discuss a grape that doesn't often get the limelight.   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Crocker and Starr, Napa  Spottswoode Estate Vineyard and Winery, Napa Carrick Winery, Central Otago, New Zealand Cliff Lede Vineyards, Napa Seavey Vineyard, Napa Gemstone Vineyard, Napa The Inside Winemaking Podcast Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com if

Dave is a long time friend and agreed to help create the recent Winemaking Chemistry Series - pH and TA episode.  I asked Dave to be a part of that project because of his background in organic chemistry and his ability to describe where in winemaking those principles are most critical.  We ended up going deep on several aspects beyond wine acidity and I made the decision to make this a stand-alone episode.  Dave is currently the winemaker at Sebastiani Vineyards and Winery in Sonoma.  HIs experience making wine at a larger scale than most previous podcasts guests presented the opportunity to discuss the highest-leverage winemaking tools and the advances that oak suppliers have made available to wineries.  The final portion of Dave's episode is our discussion of pH and TA that was featured in the previous Chemistry Series podcast.   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Sebastiani Vineyards and Winery, Sonoma Louis Latour, Burgundy Tahbilk, Victoria, Australia V. Sattui, Napa Acacia Vineyards Rosenblu

This episode is the second in the chemistry series and focuses on the acidity elements of pH and TA (Ep. 56 was on sugar and alcohol).  Dave Nakaji, winemaker for Sebastiani Vineyards and Winery, came on the podcast to discuss how he integrates pH and TA as parameters to guide his decision-making all the way through from grapes to finished wine.  Beyond his experience with wine, Dave has a PhD in organic chemistry, and the rare ability to simplify the complex understanding of acid chemistry as it is applied to winemaking.  The next episode (Ep. 68) will feature Dave's full interview.  After Dave and my discussion of pH and TA, Casey Banach from Hanna Instruments joins the podcast to review the care and maintenance of pH meters.   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Edge pH meter from Hanna Instruments HALO Wireless pH meter from Hanna Instruments Sebastiani Vineyards and Winery, Sonoma This podcast is brought you by Hanna Instruments.  Makers of edge and Halo Wine pH meters, these tools are purp

This is the first episode of Inside Winemaking to leave the West Coast and learn about winemaking in Virginia.  Tyler Henley is the winemaker for Boxwood Estate and has been making wine in Virginia for four years, after an extensive background working at wineries in California and Chile.  Tyler and I worked together at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars ten years ago.  Thankfully we've kept in touch and were able to connect over Skype to record this episode.  Beyond Tyler's background we cover what makes viticulture unique and the challenges of growing grapes in Virginia.  Winemakers working in marginal climates have to get creative, are master problem-solvers, and their experiences can be of great value when shared.   The audio in this episode is a bit rough, and I appreciate your patience during this discussion that was recorded over Skype.   For those of you that are new to Inside Winemaking, having learned of it from Eric Asimov's mention in his NYTimes article, welcome.  Most podcasts are recorded in person, but I

See the link below for the $100 gift card to sign up and shop Shortly after the fires in northern California during the harvest of 2017, Naked Wines put together one of the coolest fire recovery fundraisers that I came across.  They have raised $832K as of January, 2018, and drawn support from their members worldwide.  That was the final impetus I needed to contact Naked and ask for an interview.  This episode features Alex Farber, who is a Wine Production Manager and also has her own wines brand within Naked, and Cari Roberts, who is Head of Acquisition and the woman I ran into at a hamburger stand before a tractor parade and convinced to green-light this podcast.  Alex's black lab, Maui, who is being raised to be a service dog for children with Type I diabetes, was also part of our podcast team.   Alex, Cari, and I spend this entire episode discussing the questions I had about Naked Wines, both as a winemaker, and as a member "Angel."  It's my hope that someone listening to this podcast will then go on to p

This episode covers my recent journey through the creation of a new wine.  A pink wine.  From grapes to finished wine that is almost bottle-ready three months later, this foray into rose has been an exciting new winemaking challenge.  As an experiment I recorded this solo episode while driving home from work.  Because I'm a captive in the car during the recording, it's part harvest chronology and a bit stream of consciousness.  I hope that the winemaking decisions that I grappled with presents thought for others producing rose wines.   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Philippe Melka and Megan Zobeck Native Fermentation Management podcast episode Zeke Neely on SO2 Managment podcast episode CELSTAB for tartrate stabilization from Laffort Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com

As VP of Operations for White Labs in San Diego Neva Parker has extensive experience with the full spectrum of yeast that are cultured and available for the brewing industry.  While most known for their brewing yeast, White Labs also provides yeast and bacterial strains for producers of wine, sake, kombucha, and craft spirits.  Our conversation covers Neva's entry into yeast production, the array of available strains, pitching rates, and the various ways yeast influences flavor, fermentation kinetics, and alcoholic strength.  While Neva's expertise is focused on beer and brewing, there is much that winemakers can learn from this parallel industry that, because of its reliance on yeast, has sought a deep technical understanding of how producers can manage the cultures they provide.  LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE White Labs, based in San Diego Neva's Northern Brewer TV Youtube presentation on brewing yeast The Birth of Sake documentary - Available on Netflix Questions?  Comments?  Let me know

As a wine lover and fan of podcasts I took the opportunity to record an episode with Chappy Cottrell, who is the man in charge of Cru Podcast.  Chappy recently moved to Healdsburg to work the 2017 harvest and is beginning a new position as a sommelier and wine buyer at the esteemed restaurant and resort that is Cavallo Point (at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge).  Our conversation ranges from Chappy's background, his goals in building a wine podcast, and what he has learned from the wine professionals that have shared their experience during his interviews.     LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Cru Podcast Recommended Cru Podcast Episodes David Ramey - Ramey Wine Cellars Marissa Ross Andre Hueston Mack - Mouton Noir Wines Brian McClintic - Master Sommelier Mila Family Vineyards - Sonoma Cavallo Point - Lodge at the Golden Gate Chef's Table - available on Netflix   Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com   The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes And Stit

This episode features the return of Ann Reynolds, who runs Wine Compliance Alliance, and was on the podcast previously in Episode 45.  As I was busy with grapes and harvest during the month of October, I asked Ann to record a solo episode and discuss an outline navigating the federal and California state winery permitting processes. Ann has vast experience in helping clients obtain both Alternating Permit and Custom Crush / Wholesale licensing, processes that are daunting to folks approaching either for the first time.  If you are in looking to start a wine brand, or know someone who is looking into it, this episode is a great beginning resource.   This episode features the return of Ann Reynolds, who runs Wine Compliance Alliance, and was on the podcast previously in Episode 45.  As I was busy with grapes and harvest during the month of October, I asked Ann to record a solo episode and discuss an outline navigating the federal and California state winery permitting processes. Ann has vast experience in helpi

This episode features John Caldwell, the maverick, the grape-grower, the vine-smuggler, the clonal researcher, the winemaker, and the story-teller.  John didn't plan to start his own winery, and neither did he plan to plant grapevines on his property in Coombsville when he first bought it.  Today Caldwell Vineyard is a thriving winery and also continues to sell grapes to other wineries.  This episode starts a little slow--John didn't even realize that I was recording an audio podcast--and then delves into chaos.  It's not for the faint of heart, or the easily offended.  I'm sorry?  You're welcome?  Strap in for this one!   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Caldwell Vineyard, Napa Valley Dunn Vineyards, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley Pahlmeyer, Napa Valley A Guide for Grapevine Clones for Professionals, John's book (written with Philippe Melka) Thyme Guard virucide made from essential thyme oil extract This podcast is brought you by Musto Wine Grape Company.  Musto is the largest and oldest wine gr

Having grown up on the Cinnabar Winery estate in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Caleb Mosely has worked with grapevines for nearly all his life. In this episode we talk about his upbringing at Cinnabar, school at CalPoly, work at Ridge Vineyards and then his vineyard positions in Napa before he moved to his current role as viticulturist with Mike Wolfe Vineyard Services.  We cover a ton of technical geekdom about rootstocks, weed management, and organic practices.   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Cinnabar Winery, Santa Cruz Mountains Ridge Vineyards, Santa Cruz Mountains Araujo / Eisele Vineyard, Napa Valley Quintessa, Napa Valley Sunseeker App on iTunes Suppress organic herbicide Napa Grape Growers Viticultural Best Practices Video Series This podcast is brought you by Musto Wine Grape Company.  Musto is the largest and oldest wine grape and juice distributor in New England, with their own vineyards in Suisun Valley, CA and long standing contracts with growers in Lodi, Central Valley, Napa,

As the fourth generation in the Musto family business, Christina Musto is on this episode of the podcast to talk about what Musto Wine Grape Company has available for home and commercial winemakers in New England and to discuss her role as a founding member of Women Winemakers of Connecticut.  Musto is the largest and oldest wine grape and juice distributor in New England, with their own vineyards in Suisun Valley, CA and long-standing contracts with growers in Lodi, Central Valley, Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, and Washington State. They also supply fresh grapes, frozen must and juice from Chile, Argentina, Italy, and South Africa.   Christina, who has her Wine Business MBA from Sonoma State University, runs marketing and sales at Musto Wine Grape Company and has deep understanding in the details of helping customers make wines from Musto's inventory of grapes and equipment.   OUR CONVERSATION COVERED: The history of Musto Wine Grape Company The protocols for shipping fresh grapes to Hartford A sampling of grape

Hailing from the Pisoni family that helped put Santa Lucia Highlands on the winemaking map in California, Jeff Pisoni shares the story of his family's relationship with farming and the development of Gary's, Pisoni, and Soberanes, which supply grapes to numerous top end wineries across the state.  Recounting clandestine attempts his father, Gary Pisoni, undertook to find water on the family ranch, Jeff shares how he and his brother, Mark Pisoni, grew up on the farm and now split the work with Mark managing vineyards and Jeff in charge of winemaking.  Jeff describes some of the challenges of growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah in the Santa Lucia Highlands, and the ways he approaches the uniqueness that the grapes bring to his winemaking.  The Pisoni Estate brand is focused exclusively on Pinot Noir.  Jeff explains the creation of his family's other wines including Lucia Vineyards that encompass Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah, and Luli Wines, which also includes a rose and Sauvignon blanc.     LINKS AN

This episode is the first in a series of solo podcasts where I present my assessment of the most critical chemical analyses a winemaker needs to understand.  It's a peek inside the chaotic jungle that is my harvest-season brain and the attempts to organize sugar's conversion to alcohol during harvest, when winemaking decisions are most critical.  If there was a straight-forward and precise working ratio of sugars to ethanol, this would be a simple, 60-second podcast.  Approach this as my quest to identify the variables that affect primary fermentation's numerical outcome, the tools available to a contemporary winemaker, the value and costs of each tool, and the limits of their ability to yield accurate measurements.  Not every winemaker would agree with my thoughts presented here, so use this as one of many resources to gain proficiency in wine chemistry.  LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Predicting Potential Alcohol - ETS Labs Understanding Sugar Analyses - ETS Labs MyEnologist Wine Lab The Dur

In the basement of the world's cutest micro-winery, I met with Mark Porembsky to talk about his work there making not only the wine for Anomaly Vineyards, but also for his own brand, Zeitgeist Cellars.   Our conversation covers: Mark's favorite winemaking tool The mentors that Mark  had when learning to make wine How Mark and his wife, also a winemaker, harness "creative conflict" in their blending process How subtlety and complexity have evolved to be hallmarks of the Zeitgeist wines The origins of Anomaly Vineyards How Mark uses analytical tools such as tannin assays to inform his winemaking LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Zeitgeist Cellars, California Anomaly Vineyards, Napa Valley Wine and Flavors Courses from Alexandre Scmitt Behrens Family Winery, Napa Valley Drinkward Peschon, Napa Valley Far Niente Winery, Napa Valley Tannin Assay - Rapid Phenolic Panel from ETS Labs Zeitgeist Cellars on Facebook Deep Winemaking 2017 is scheduled for August 10-12th in Napa.  Come spend three days imm

Three years after my first podcast with Mike Dunn, he helped me rope Randy Dunn into a podcast so that we could learn more about old-school Napa winemaking and the stories from a place that had far less glitz than exists today.  Not one to seek the spotlight, Randy has consistently turned out iconic mountain Cabernets, which have brought the spotlight up to their otherwise quiet ranch on Howell Mountain since the 70's.  Mike and Randy count their harvests together in decades, not years.   There are two reasons this turned out to be a great podcast.  First, Randy painted a picture of his background and some of the adventures from his early days at Caymus Vineyards, including misleading immigration raids.  Second, Mike and Randy were candid about their methods of working together together at Dunn Vineyards.   For a primer to this episode, check out Mike's first podcast on Inside Winemaking in Ep. 3 from August of 2014, where we discuss his path back to Dunn Vineyards and the creation of his own wines with the R