Thinking About Drinking
Just a few degrees might not sound like much, but in the grape-growing world, it's the difference between picking early with underripe fruit and hanging on until peak flavor and structure. That 2-4°F cushion from Seneca Lake? It can make or break a vintage.
What Actually Is a Wine Clone? If you’ve ever heard a winemaker drop “777” or “Wente” like they’re discussing Marvel character codes, welcome to the world of wine clones. Think of wine clones like different versions of your favorite song.…
Wine harvest season is around the corner. While we’re all out here sipping our favorite bottles, there’s an entire behind-the-scenes production happening that would make any reality TV show jealous. If you’ve been following along with my grape growing content,…
Ever wondered why your rosé is pink, your orange wine is orange, and your Cabernet is deep purple? It's all about the skin contact, baby! Think of it like a makeup routine: no contact gives you that fresh-faced look, a little gives you that 'no-makeup makeup' vibe, and full contact is your full glam moment. Here's the thing most people don't realize: all grape juice starts out clear—yes, even from red grapes!
Old World wines come from Europe (France, Italy, Spain) and are typically earthy, mineral-driven, and food-focused with higher acidity. New World wines come from everywhere else (California, Australia, Chile) and are usually fruit-forward, bolder, and higher in alcohol. Climate and winemaking traditions create these distinct style differences.
Part 3 of our 4-part Champagne series Here’s something that might surprise: when you say “champagne,” you’re not talking about a type of wine—you’re talking about a place. But unlike Napa Valley or Bordeaux, where we geek out over specific…
From saline breeze to sunbeams, climatic factors are among of the biggest influences on how wine tastes—and how grapes grow. It affects everything from sugar and acid levels to when grapes are harvested and how long a wine can age.…
And a grapevine thrives on a perfectly calibrated cocktail of elements: warmth, sunlight, water, nutrients, and carbon dioxide.
From bud break to bottle: Learn the 6 stages of grape growing that determine your wine's flavor. A beginner-friendly guide to understanding what happens in the vineyard before wine hits your glass.