The U.S. wine industry enjoyed its largest year-over-year increase in direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales in 2020. Much can be attributed to COVID-19, but even if you bought online because of pandemic fears, many will stay with DTC because of convenience and expanded choice. Continue reading “Direct to consumer boom”
Category: Wine & Grapes
Making wine Part 9–Finished product
Grapes are grown, harvested, fermented, aged. Time to make the final product. Continue reading “Making wine Part 9–Finished product”
Making wine Part 8–Aging
Fermentation ends. Final decisions on wine must be made: to age wine and in what vessels. Continue reading “Making wine Part 8–Aging”
Making wine Part 7–Fermentation
Grape juice is in fermentation vessel—usually stainless steel, but wood or concrete also is used. Yeast decisions are made. More decisions for the wine maker. Continue reading “Making wine Part 7–Fermentation”
Making wine Part 6–Harvest, winery decisions
Good wine is made in the vineyard. The winemaker’s job is to allow fruit the grape grower delivers to express itself. Continue reading “Making wine Part 6–Harvest, winery decisions”
Making wine Part 5–Growing
Grape vines produce grapes in a cycle. They are dormant in winter, but there still is activity in the vineyard. The vines stockpile carbohydrates in anticipation of spring. Roots may push deeper—deep roots are what allows vines to survive and flourish. Continue reading “Making wine Part 5–Growing”
Making wine Part 4–Planting
Land acquired. Grape variety/varieties selected. Vineyard laid out. Training system, other infrastructure in place. Time to put vines in the ground. Continue reading “Making wine Part 4–Planting”
Making wine Part 3–The vineyard
Selection of grape variety, topography of the vineyard, and inclinations of vineyard owner and viticulturist influence the next big decision—vine training system. Continue reading “Making wine Part 3–The vineyard”
Making wine Part 2–Grapes
After securing land, the next decision is deciding on the grape. That decision influences decisions on trellising/vine training, irrigation, and overall success of your enterprise. Continue reading “Making wine Part 2–Grapes”
Bordeaux responds to climate change
Wine makers recognized climate change years ago. Many vine growers have meticulous records dating back a hundred years. For them, global warming is not speculation, it is real and their livelihoods depend on responding to it. Continue reading “Bordeaux responds to climate change”