Inside Winemaking - the art and science of growing grapes and crafting wine

Recorded high above the valley floor in Silverado's Stags Leap estate, this episode with winemaker Alison Rodriguez dives into both Napa viticulture and her global winemaking journey. Alison unpacks the 2025 growing season—early bud break, late rains, and the shadow of El Niño—while describing the constant tension between picking early for safety and waiting for full ripeness in a fire-prone era. She explains what it means to farm 325 acres of 100% estate vineyards, how early-season decisions set up harvest success, and how she manages tannin and extraction in small-berry hillside Cabernets, including the tradeoffs of pressing sweet to keep structure in balance. Alison also shares how a Baton Rouge upbringing and a career in wine sales led her to **Geisenheim** in Germany, European cellar work, and ultimately Napa. She explains the German technique of *Maischestandzeit* for aromatic whites, her evolving approach to Sauvignon Blanc at Silverado (skin contact, neutral barrel ferment, and textural focus), and how she thinks about acid, phenolics, and oak as part of a single matrix. The conversation ranges across Silverado's portfolio—from estate Cabernet blending **Stags Leap and Coombsville**, to Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Kerner, and old-vine Chardonnay—before closing on the smells of her Louisiana childhood, Napa's collaborative winemaking culture, and why she's still betting on Riesling's long-overdue comeback. Resources from this Episode Silverado Vineyards This podcast 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 intuitive, easy to use, and mobile and offline friendly! And with the highest-rated customer service in the industry, you're guaranteed to have a smooth transition, even right before harvest. Learn more: innovint.us Get a demo: innovint.us/request-a-demo/ Join our free winemaking community: innovint.us/join-the-punchdown/ Check out the Fundamentals of Winemaking Made Easy video course

In this episode Jim Duane sits down with Elizabeth Vianna to explore her unconventional path from pre-med student to one of Napa Valley's most respected Cabernet Sauvignon producers. Elizabeth shares how a late discovery of wine in New York City led her to University of California, Davis, and ultimately to a long-term career rooted in estate winemaking in the Stags Leap District. The conversation dives into the evolution of Chimney Rock's vineyard and winemaking philosophy, including its commitment to 100% estate fruit, the use of exclusively free-run wine, and the influence of site diversity on wine style. The episode also goes deep on practical winemaking decisions, from extended maceration strategies and tannin management to sulfur timing, racking protocols, and blending philosophy. Elizabeth discusses her increasing focus on regenerative farming, vine health, and long-term sustainability in the face of climate change, as well as her approach to working with alternative white varieties like Sauvignon Gris and Fiano. Along the way, she reflects on mentorship, leadership, and the importance of helping the next generation of winemakers develop their own instincts—making this episode both technically insightful and personally grounded.

This Jim sits down with James Molesworth, Senior Editor for The Wine Spectator, to trace James's unconventional path into wine—from a Francophile, academic household in Queens to blind-tasting Burgundy in a tiny West Village cellar, and eventually orchestrating tastings and writing for one of the most influential wine publications in the world. James reflects on formative mentors, the discipline and humility required to learn both tasting and journalism at a professional level, and how his anthropology background shaped his "observe and report" style of wine writing. He also unpacks Wine Spectator's mission to educate and entertain, the magazine's role in the global wine ecosystem, and how landmark moments like the post‑9/11 New York Wine Experience revealed the deep, relationship-driven core of the wine community. The conversation then widens to a rich exploration of regional evolution and the future of fine wine, focusing especially on Bordeaux and Napa Valley. James explains how Bordeaux's garagiste era parallels Napa's cult Cabernet phase, how shifts in farming (organic, biodynamic, agroforestry, soil health, old vines) are reshaping ripeness, structure, and balance, and why Cabernet Franc is becoming more important on both the right bank and in Napa. He talks candidly about climate pressures, changing consumer behavior, and why he remains bullish on Napa's future—as long as the valley stays rooted in agriculture, terroir, and authentic hospitality. Along the way, James shares insider perspectives on how Wine Spectator chooses which wines to review, the power of storytelling versus scores, and his "bookshelf" model for building regional expertise.213

In this episode of Inside Winemaking, Jim Duane speaks with Leigh Meyering of MyEnologist about the practical and analytical aspects of heat and cold stability in wine. The discussion focuses on how and why protein haze and tartrate instability occur, with an emphasis on white and rosé wines. Leigh explains the principles behind heat stability testing, protein denaturation, and the use of bentonite to prevent haze, as well as how stability concerns differ between red wines and lighter-colored styles. The conversation also addresses the sensory and chemical impacts of stabilization decisions, including common concerns around stripping, mouthfeel, and visual clarity in finished wines. The episode then moves into cold stability, detailing the Davis conductivity, DIT, and ISTC 50 tests and how to choose the appropriate method based on a winery's stabilization strategy. Leigh outlines the roles of traditional chilling and seeding, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and mannoproteins, including their limitations and compatibility with protein stability. Throughout the discussion, Jim and Leigh emphasize correct sampling strategy, filtration level selection, and timing of tests to ensure results accurately represent the wine that will be bottled. Practical lab workflows, sample volume requirements, and real-world bottling considerations are covered to help winemakers reduce risk and avoid post-bottling stability issues. Leigh previously appeared on Inside Winemaking in May 2019 to discuss the founding and early development of her wine lab, MyEnologist, including its analytical services and role in supporting winemakers. This episode builds on that earlier conversation by applying lab-based analysis directly to cellar decision-making, with a focused, technical look at stability testing and intervention strategies used in modern winemaking.

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 focus on mentorship and team guidance, and her philosophy of keeping winemaking rooted in the region's character. The conversation covers the structure and innovation at FFC, including their iconic wine programs, creative approaches to blending, and the development of new products such as low-alcohol, low-calorie wines. Andrea explains the logistics of vineyard sourcing across California, their strategies for maintaining quality and consistency, and the balance between digital tools and traditional whiteboards in managing production. She also offers insights into industry trends, the winery's club and visitor experience, and her role representing the brand through travel and events, always aiming to empower her team and stay connected to the evolving world of wine Resources from this Episode Francis Ford Coppolla Winery This podcast 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 intuitive, easy to use, and mobile and offline friendly! And with the highest-rated customer service in the industry, you're guaranteed to have a smooth transition, even right before harvest. Learn more: innovint.us Get a demo: innovint.us/request-a-demo/ Join our free winemaking community: innovint.us/join-the-punchdown/ Check out the Fundamentals of Winemaking Made Easy video course The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes Now on Spotify And Amazon Music

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 wine brand, Vidi Vitis, which started in 2015 with a unique opportunity to salvage a ton of Stags Leap District Cabernet. His winemaking philosophy emphasizes quality fruit, experimentation, and a passion for exploring different grape varieties. Resources from this Episode Walsh Vineyards Management Vidi Vitis / Forgotton Union Wines This podcast 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 intuitive, easy to use, and mobile and offline friendly! And with the highest-rated customer service in the industry, you're guaranteed to have a smooth transition, even right before harvest. Learn more: innovint.us Get a demo: innovint.us/request-a-demo/ Join our free winemaking community: innovint.us/join-the-punchdown/ Check out the Fundamentals of Winemaking Made Easy video course The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes Now on Spotify And Amazon Music

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 groundbreaking research in grapevine virus detection, emphasizing the importance of understanding microbial populations and wine chemistry for winemakers. Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ Resources from this Episode Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ ETS Labs https://www.etslabs.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 intuitive, easy to use, and mobile and offline-friendly! And with the highest-rated customer service in the industry, you're guaranteed to have a smooth transition, even right before harvest. Learn more: https://www.innovint.us/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=insidewinemaking Get a demo of the product: https://www.innovint.us/request-a-demo/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=insidewinemaking Join our free winemaking community, The Punchdown: https://www.innovint.us/join-the-punchdown/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=insidewinemaking 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.

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 winemaking and the collaborative spirit that drives A'Bloom's success. Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ Resources from this Episode Abloom Wine https://www.abloomwine.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 intuitive, easy to use, and mobile and offline-friendly! And with the highest-rated customer service in the industry, you're guaranteed to have a smooth transition, even right before harvest. Learn more: https://www.innovint.us/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=insidewinemaking Get a demo of the product: https://www.innovint.us/request-a-demo/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=insidewinemaking Join our free winemaking community, The Punchdown: https://www.innovint.us/join-the-punchdown/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=insidewinemaking 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.

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 historic vineyards, reshaping the perception of Zinfandel, and enhancing vineyard soil health with advanced techniques. The conversation concludes with a celebration of the community spirit among Sonoma winemakers and the evolving landscape of winemaking that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ Resources from this Episode Bedrock Wine Co.: https://bedrockwineco.com/ Bedrock Wine Conversations Podcast: https://bedrockwineco.com/the-study/podcast/ 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 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.

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-fundamentals-made-easy 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.

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 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.

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 more about Harvest Pillar concrete trellis posts and how they can help you save money in the long run? https://www.harvestpillar.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.

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 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.