183: Harvest Chemistry Panels
Inside Winemaking - the art and science of growing grapes and crafting wine
Release Date: 11/05/2024
209: Andrea Card - Francis Ford Coppola Winery
Inside Winemaking - the art and science of growing grapes and crafting wine
In this episode, Andrea shares her unique journey to becoming the Director of Winemaking at Francis Ford Coppola Winery. Starting her career without the initial intention of entering winemaking, she found her path through roles in the laboratory, cellar, and bottling lines, developing a passion for the hands-on aspects of the craft. Andrea highlights the value of practical experience, local education, and her commitment to continual learning, which eventually led her to oversee the winemaking team at FFC. She discusses adapting to changes like the acquisition by Delicato Family Wines, her...
info_outline
208 Jason Moulton - Whitehall Lane Winery
Inside Winemaking - the art and science of growing grapes and crafting wine
This episode features an in-depth discussion about winemaking at Whitehall as the team nears the end of the 2025 harvest season. The episode begins with insights into the progression of the harvest, focusing on the completion of most varietals and the ongoing work with late-harvest selections like Semillon. Our conversation runs the gamut of technical issues such as stabulation of Sauvignon blanc juice, cellar techniques to avert the need for fining and filtration, and Whitehall’s trials with Pierce’s Disease resistant clones from UCDavis. Resources from this Episode This...
info_outline
207: Benjamin Leachman - Walsh Vineyards Management and Vidi Vitis
Inside Winemaking - the art and science of growing grapes and crafting wine
Ben is a seasoned viticulturist and winemaker currently serving as the Director of Viticulture and Winemaker at Large at Walsh Vineyards Management, overseeing approximately 1,000 acres in Napa and Sonoma. His journey in the wine industry began in 2004 after graduating with a biochemistry degree, starting at RH Phillips and later working with Jim at Seavey Vineyard. At Walsh Vineyards Management, Ben works with a team of 125 full-time employees and up to 400 seasonal workers, focusing on client relations, vineyard management, development. Alongside his professional role, he has created his own...
info_outline
206: Esther Mobley - San Francisco Chronicle
Inside Winemaking - the art and science of growing grapes and crafting wine
Join me as I sit down with Esther Mobley, Senior Wine Critic for the San Francisco Chronicle. Esther shares her fascinating journey from an English major to a wine journalist, starting with a harvest internship in Napa Valley and subsequently working in Mendoza, Argentina. Her career path led her through Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator before landing at the Chronicle in 2015, where she has since become a prominent voice in wine journalism. Throughout our conversation, Esther discusses her approach to wine writing, emphasizing her role as a reporter who explores wine through broader lenses...
info_outline
205: Rich DeScenzo - ETS Labs
Inside Winemaking - the art and science of growing grapes and crafting wine
Rich DeScenzo, the Microbiology Group Leader at ETS Labs, came on this episode to discuss the science of wine microbiology and its impact on winemaking. We talked about the roles of yeast and bacteria, such as Brettanomyces, in wine quality and stability. The episode explores the evolution of microbial testing, highlighting advanced techniques like Scorpion PCR technology, which enhances microbial risk assessment and wine quality control. Rich shares insights on managing microbial risks, barrel sanitation, and the challenges of controlling Brettanomyces. The episode also touches on...
info_outline
204: Chris Morisoli - Morisoli Vineyard
Inside Winemaking - the art and science of growing grapes and crafting wine
Join us today as we have a conversation with Chris Morisoli from Morisoli Vineyard. Chris is a fifth-generation farmer from Morisoli Vineyard in Napa Valley and he shares his journey from serving as a helicopter pilot and volunteer fireman to managing his family's historic vineyard. The conversation highlights the vineyard's evolution, the challenges of maintaining old vines, and the importance of building strong relationships in the wine industry. Chris also discusses the creation of the Morisoli wine brand, the logistics of grape harvesting, and the significance of traditions like...
info_outline
203: Ashley Hepworth, Molly Hill, and Sally Blum - Abloom Wines
Inside Winemaking - the art and science of growing grapes and crafting wine
Discover the art and passion behind Abloom, a distinctive rosé wine brand crafted by winemakers Molly Hill, Ashley Hepworth, and Sally Blum. This episode discusses their experiences from UC Davis to Napa Valley, highlighting their unique collaboration and the meticulous process of creating a high-quality rosé. They share about their use of fermentation techniques and the thoughtful design elements that embody their brand's philosophy of flourishing and abundance. Listen as they discuss the challenges and triumphs of building a wine brand, offering a glimpse into the complexities of...
info_outline
202: Rosemary Cakebread - Gallica Wine
Inside Winemaking - the art and science of growing grapes and crafting wine
Join us today as we explore the fascinating journey of renowned winemaker Rosemary Cakebread, whose career spans continents and decades. We discuss her early life in Japan, her education at UC Davis, and her groundbreaking work at Inglenook Winery. Rosemary shares information on dry farming and crafting varietals like Albariño and Petite Sirah, revealing the intricacies of her winemaking process. Reflecting on the evolution of Napa Valley's wine community, we discuss her transition from larger corporations to intimate family-owned estates, including her connection to Cakebread Cellars....
info_outline
201: Morgan Twain-Peterson - Bedrock Wine Co.
Inside Winemaking - the art and science of growing grapes and crafting wine
Join us this week to hear from Morgan Twain-Peterson, Master of Wine, owner and winemaker at Bedrock Wine Co. Influenced by his father, the founder of Ravenswood Winery, Morgan's path is enriched by his experiences in the European vineyards. Listen in for innovative methods in sustainable viticulture, including sap testing for vine nutrient needs and the role of regenerative agriculture. Explore the contrasts between the Master of Wine and Master Sommelier certifications and discover the power of mentorship in the industry. Morgan also offers insights into managing California's...
info_outline
200: Ross Cobb - Cobb Wines
Inside Winemaking - the art and science of growing grapes and crafting wine
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...
info_outlineWinemaking 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 “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.