The Inside Winemaking Podcast With Jim Duane

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 intui

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-funda

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 sa

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

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

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

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 sponso

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

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

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

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

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 win

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

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 com

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 vineya

Kelli White, a renowned wine educator and author, shares her expertise on wine education and industry innovations in this episode. She discusses her journey as a sommelier at PRESS Restaurant in St. Helena and her book "Wine Confident." The conversation explores various topics, including the complexities of the wine industry, the role of sommeliers, sustainable vineyard practices, and the importance of accurate wine education. Kelli also addresses common consumer misconceptions and offers practical advice for both novice and experienced wine enthusiasts. Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ Resources from this Episode Wine Confident There's No Wrong Way to Enjoy Wine: https://academieduvinlibrary.com/products/wine-confident Contemporary Biodynamics & Beyond: https://www.guildsomm.com/public_content/features/articles/b/kelli-white/posts/contemporary-biodynamics One Thousand Vines: https://booklarder.com/products/one-thousand-vines-a-new-way-to-under

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

This episode is a discussion of juice and wine chemistries focusing on harvest winemaking.  Chemistries covered include the essential elements like pH, titratable acidity, Nitrogen, sugars, and ethanol.  Actual chemistry panels are discussed in great detail with the goal of making 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, and Cabernet Sauvignon, discussing stylistic approaches and the tactical actions to take in the winery. Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ Resources from this Episode MyEnologist - http://www.myenologist.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 “Wr

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/ 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

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/ 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. Sim