The Inside Winemaking Podcast With Jim Duane

This episode features Leigh Meyering the proprietor of MyEnologist, a small commercial enological laboratory that she runs as a family business in Napa. Our conversation covers Leigh’s winemaking background, the harvest experience in France that seeded the idea for a small, independent enology lab, and the development of the business, which also provides consulting services and a winery supply shop. I was attracted to MyEnologists service packages because all samples receive a full panel of analysis at low costs. I’ve outsourced nearly all of my own winemaking labs to MyEnologist and believe it might be a great resource for the portion of the podcast audience that is looking for reliable analyses. LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE MyEnologist Spring Mountain Vineyard, Napa Valley Charles Krug Winery, Napa Valley WineScan from Foss Analytics vinoBRETT by Invisible Sentinel Laffort Enological supplier Ideology Cellars, Napa Valley Golden State Overnight, Claifornia shipping   Quest

This episode features Dr. David R Montgomery, professor from the University of Washington and author of three books that shine a light on the often-overlooked role of biology underground and the connections and influence these microbia have with plants. David is a professor of geomorphology at the UW and together with his wife, Anne Bicklé, has ventured beyond the inorganic confines of soil science in authoring books and speaking to a wide range of agricultural industries regarding the value of conservation agriculture. i heard David speak at a Napa Valley Grapegrowers seminar earlier this year and wanted to share his research and experience with the Inside Winemaking listeners. LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Dig2Grow.com David Montgomery and Anne Bicklé’s website Microbial Terrior for Winegrapes journal article from Gilbert et. al. From Tree to Shining Tree podcast from RadioLab This podcast is brought you by 360viti, powered by Fruition Sciences -- You may already know them as the pio

This episode features Brett Weis, who is the Associate Winemaker for ElevenEleven Wines in Napa. Beyond making the full portfolio of wine for ElevenEleven Brett is managing the custom crush clients that have their wines produced at ElevenEleven. Our conversation covers his background, the ElevenEleven vineyards and wines, the ar throughout the winery, tips for working in as a custom crush client, and the aromatherapy room at ElevenEleven. LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Eleven Eleven Wines, Napa Valley Antica Napa Valley Groth Vineyards and Winery, Napa Valley Mountain Tides Wine Innovint cloud based winemaking software   Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at the bottom of the Inside Winemaking homepage.  Every small donation is helpful.   The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes And Stitcher Radio Too

The guest for this episode is one of the most industrious and deep-thinking winemakers for whom I’ve had the opportunity to sit down and explore their winemaking brain. Tim Milos is a winemaking consultant and through his various projects is all over California, Oregon, and has experience with more varietals than anyone on the podcast to date. Our conversation gets into the weeds on technical aspects of extended maceration, ideal varietals for natural winemaking, the merits of racking, Tim’s organizational strategy, and problem-fermentation management. LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Tank Garage Winery, Calistoga, CA Immortal Estate, Sonoma, CA Bounty Hunter Rare Wine and Spirits T-Vine Winery, Napa, CA Esther Mobley’s mentioned article from The San Francisco Chronicle Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at

The guest for this episode is Jenny Heinzen, who runs a real estate business in Paso Robles, California, focused on vineyard and winery sales. Jenny’s real estate services span both residential and commercial properties. I wanted to talk with Jenny about issues buyers and sellers should be prepared for when buying or selling vineyards and/or wineries. Jenny works with her husband, Randy Heinzen from Ep. 86, to help clients maneuver through the technical aspects of vineyard due diligence. Randy makes a cameo in this episode when we wade into those technical land and viticultural issues. LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Jenny Heinzen Real Estate One of Jenny’s listings - 320 acres with 74 acres of planted grapes in Paso Vineyard Professional Services, Paso Robles, California Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: jim@insidewinemaking.com if you learn something from the collection of podcasts at Inside Winemaking, please considering donating to support the show.  Paypal links at

This episode features Matt Iaconis of the husband and wife team that is Brick and Mortar Wines. Our conversation covers the development of Brick and Mortar, the winemaking decisions that accompany its stylistics goals, and then focuses on the process and equipment involved in packaging wine into aluminum cans. Matt is also a winemaker with Naked Wines. His description of working with Naked Wines is a great accompaniment to my earlier podcast with the folks from Naked (Ep. 65). Matt and his wife, Alexis, are currently developing Delta Wines, which is a brand dedicated to supporting the environmental organizations they care about. Each purchased bottle of Delta Wines will have $1 donated to those environmental organizations. LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Brick and Mortar Wines Matt’s Instagram video of canning Brick and Mortar Wines Antica Napa Valley Joullian Vineyards and Winery - Carmel, California The Restaurant at Meadowood - Napa, CA Cape Mentelle, Margaret River, Australia B

This podcast is the third installment where I answer winemaking and vineyard questions that have been submitted by email. If you would like to submit a question, please send them to jim@insidewinemaking.com. Sign-ups for Deep Winemaking are now open. If you are interested in coming to Napa to learn technical winemaking for three days in August, please check out further details here. These events are a lot of fun for beginners and competent winemakers alike.   This podcast is brought you by TheOakLab.com, a new division of Scott Laboratories dedicated to oak infusion products. The Oak Lab™ was founded with the vision of changing the perspective of the oak infusion market by developing and embracing new technologies, and re-imagining the process of product trials, selection, and application. Their line of premium quality oak infusion products is paired with a revolutionary process for bench trials and the ability to create unique, customized blends based on your wines.    Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what

This episode features Randy Heinzen, who is the owner and president of Vineyard Professional Services (VPS), which is a vineyard farming and consulting company based in Paso Robles, California. VPS currently manages over 2,400 acres in Monterey, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties and has designed and developed over fifty properties in the last twenty years. I met Randy years ago when we working working with a shared vineyard in Napa. Our conversation covers Randy’s full professional background, including his time managing To Kalon, Dr Crane and the other northern Napa properties for Beckstoffer Vineyards. We also spent time discussing compost tea brewing and use in grapegrowing and Randy’s experience in sourcing the healthiest possible grapevines from commercial nurseries. LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Vineyard Professional Services, Paso Robles Beckstoffer Vineyards Saintsbury, Napa Valley

Every day I drive by Shafer Vineyards (twice) and never fail to slow down in order peer into that special sloping set of vineyards within the Stags Leap District where the hillsides graduate from difficult-to-grow-grapes to upright cliffs. In 2018 Doug and his team at Shafer began producing “The Taste with Doug Shafer” podcast and that presented the opportunity for me to connect with him and explore this small part of Napa Valley. In preparing for this podcast I found and read Doug’s book, A Vineyard in Napa, which was published in 2012 and captures the first forty years of Shafer Vineyards’ History. Our conversation weaves through Doug’s experiences in making wine, running Shafer Vineyards, writing his book, hosting his podcast, and includes very helpful advice for winemakers on marketing trips. LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Shafer Vineyards, Napa Valley The Taste with Doug Shafer Podcast … iTunes linked here A Vineyard in Napa book by Doug Shafer with Andy Demsky published 2012 From

Molly is a good friend and has a tremendous wealth of viticultural knowledge from her years in commercial grape-growing both in California and Oregon. Now as the Vineyard Coordinator and Instructor, Molly is teaching the viticulture courses at Napa Valley College. This podcast covers the two topics I most wanted to discuss the with Molly. First: how to farm grapes in cooler, wetter climate that is Willamette Valley, and second: the V&E courses and degree programs that are available from Napa Valley College. Consider this the second episode in the viticulture and enology education series, following Ep. 82 with Dr David Block from UCDavis. LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Viticulture and Winery Technology, Napa Valley College Chehalem Winery, Williamette Valley, OR Flora Springs Winery, Napa Valley  This podcast is brought you by Scott Laboratories -- For over eighty years, Scott Laboratories has been the leader in providing the North American specialty beverage industry with innovative

Near the end of the 2018 harvest I recorded this episode with Ben and Cameron after they had a chance to work with me at Seavey. I have known both of these guys since they came on the Deep Winemaking trip in 2017. Making the leap from a comfortable career to starting from the beginning as a winery intern requires significant sacrifice. Working a harvest is what I recommend to anyone who finds themselves pondering the first steps in winemaking. Ben and Cameron share their individual paths into wine and we have a frank conversation about the specifics of working in a winery for the first time. Sign ups are still open for the Rosé Winemaking Masterclass - Saturday Feb 9th, 2019   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE FEL Wines Savoy Vineyard, Anderson Valley VENJobs The UCDavis Bulletin Board for Winery Jobs Deep Winemaking This podcast is brought you by HomeBrewIt.com -- Providing winemaking supplies for the hobbyist and small to mid size wineries Everything from small amounts of wine chemic

This episode features Dr. Dave Block from UCDavis. Dave is the Chair of the Dept. of Enology and Viticulture, teaches both enology and chemical engineering courses, and directs a research lab. I did my graduate research in Dave’s lab and got to know him during our conversations about tinkering with Cabernet fermentor shapes and sizes. I went back to Davis in July, 2018 to record this podcast and find out what Dave is currently working on, what the Dept of V&E has going on, and to discuss the opportunities for online winemaking certificate program, which many podcast listeners consistently ask about. LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Dr Dave Block’s UCDavis webpage Dept. of Viticulture and Enology, UCDavis UCDavis Online Winemaking Certificate Program This podcast is brought you by Scott Laboratories -- For over eighty years, Scott Laboratories has been the leader in providing the North American specialty beverage industry with innovative solutions and products including fermentation go

The folks who put on the City of Riesling invited me to their events this past June in Traverse City, Michigan.  I was able to record this podcast featuring Hunter Smith from Frankland Estate, situated in the Frankland River Region of Western Australia, and is known for their Rielsings.  Hunter does a great job of describing this remote site, 70 km from the coast, where they are farming and certified organic.   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Frankland Estate, Western Australia City of Riesling, Traverse City, Michigan South African Garden Weevil This podcast is brought you by HomeBrewIt.com -- Providing winemaking supplies for the hobbyist and small to mid size wineries Everything from small amounts of wine chemicals and shrink caps, to stainless steel tanks, presses, and commercial bottle fillers Largest selection of Winexpert Wine Kits on the web Real pricing, meaning we don't hide our shipping costs in the price of an item! Family owned and operated for over 20 years Custom

The folks who put on the City of Riesling invited me to their events this past June in Traverse City, Michigan.  I was able to record this podcast featuring Fred Merwarth, who is the owner and winemaker at Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyards in the Finger Lakes region of New York.  Our conversation covers Fred's introduction to winemaking, the challenges of growing grapes in the Finger Lakes, the grapevine nursery, which is part of their business, and of course, their many bottlings of Riesling.   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Herman J. Wiemer Vineyard, Dundee NY City of Riesling, Traverse City, Michigan Video of Fred from Skurnik Wines This podcast is brought you by HomeBrewIt.com -- Providing winemaking supplies for the hobbyist and small to mid size wineries Everything from small amounts of wine chemicals and shrink caps, to stainless steel tanks, presses, and commercial bottle fillers Largest selection of Winexpert Wine Kits on the web Real pricing, meaning we don't hide our shipping costs in t

The folks who put on the City of Riesling invited me to their events this past June in Traverse City, Michigan.  I was able to record this podcast featuring August Deimel, the winemaker for Keuka Spring Vineyards in the Finger Lakes.  August has a talent for storytelling and I was incredibly fortunate to connect with him on a whim.  Having attended Cornell's enology program, August provided a peek into east coast wine education and winemaking that was a novel perspective for this podcast.  His enthusiasm for the grape varietal Vignoles has me eager to try this potential long-lived wine.   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Keuka Spring Vineyards - Finger Lakes, NY Vignoles City of Riesling, Traverse City, Michigan Adams County Winery, PA Handbook of Enology by Ribereau-Gayon Flextank This podcast is brought you by HomeBrewIt.com -- Providing winemaking supplies for the hobbyist and small to mid size wineries Everything from small amounts of wine chemicals and shrink caps, to stainless steel tan

The folks who put on the City of Riesling invited me to their events this past June in Traverse City, Michigan.  I was able to record this podcast featuring the team behind Washington state's Eroica Riesling, produced by Ste Michelle Wine Estates.  Bob Bertheau is the head winemaker for Chateau Ste Michelle and Ernst Loosen is the proprietor of the Dr Loosen wines in Germany's Mosel Valley.  Since 1999 they have had a partnership focused on an iconic Riesling from Washington called Eroica.  More than just a discussion of the Eroica partnership, Bob and Ernst take me through the challenges and technical evolution that encompasses both Washington and Germany.   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Eroica Riesling, Washington State Dr Loosen, Mosel Valley, Germany Chateau Ste Michelle - Washington State J Christopher Wines, Willamette Valley, Oregon Telmo Rodriguez, Rioja, Spain City of Riesling, Traverse City, Michigan This podcast is brought you by HomeBrewIt.com -- Providing winemaking supplies for

3 Michigan Winemakers - Sean O'Keefe, Bryan Ulbrich, and JayBriggss The folks who put on the City of Riesling invited me to their events this past June in Traverse City, Michigan.  I had a great time, was introduced to the many of the people who are at the helm of Michigan's viticulture, got to taste a lot more than just Riesling, and recorded six podcasts with winemakers from around the world.  This episode features Sean O'Keefe, Bryan Ulbrich, and Jay Briggs, three winemakers based in Traverse City.  These guys have been prominent in the skillful handling of Vinifera and modern winemaking that is demonstrating that wines from this special place within Michigan are world-class.  Halfway through the episode, Bob Bertheau from Chateau Ste Michelle in Washington state, slips in and widens the prospective of high-latitude winemaking.   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Mari Vineyards - Traverse City, Michigan Left Foot Charley - Traverse City, Michigan 45 North Vineyard and Winery - Traverse City, M

This episode features Josh Jacobsen, who I met when he signed up for the forthcoming Deep Winemaking immersion trip in Napa this coming August.  Formerly of Facebook, Josh agreed to help walk me through all the important aspects of creating ads in a manner that would be specific for wineries.  Josh provides an incredible insight into creating, tracking, and evaluating the messages and costs that a winery could use on Facebook and Instagram ads.   This ended up being a very technical podcast, not in the usually enological way, but as a guide for winemakers venturing into targeted marketing.  Josh patiently talks me through all the steps involved in creating a focused ad campaign, and the show notes include links to all the relevant tools within Facebook's Ad Manager platform.  For the portion of the Inside Winemaking audience that has any interest in social media marketing, this will be played on repeat.  LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Facebook links - Organization Business Manager (hub to hou

This episode features Michael Evans, who is the co-founder of the Vines of Mendoza in Argentina's Uco Valley.  After falling in love during a trip to Mendoza in 2004 Michael found a local partner and created a place for individual owners to build a wine starting right from vineyard plantings.  Under the guidance of full vineyard staff and consulting winemaker, Santiago Achaval, owners can choose the varietals and winemaking style in order to build their own personal wine.  Vines of Mendoza has grown to 1,500 acres and now features The Vines Resort and Spa, which includes the restaurant Siete Fuegos directed by acclaimed chef, Francis Mallmann.  Michael has an infectious passion for winemaking and the beauty of Mendoza, which made for a great podcast.   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Vines of Mendoza, Argentina The Vines Resort and Spa, Mendoza Argentina Achaval Ferrer, Mendoza Argentina Contact Michael Evans by email michael@vinesofmendoza.com I will be at City of Riesling in Traverse City, M

This episode features Frederic Panaiotis, Chef de Cave for the Champagne house, Ruinart, which was founded in 1729 and lays claim to being the oldest maison in Champagne.  Frederic was on a press tour in the US and I had a chance to record this podcast with him in San Francisco.  Chef de Cave translates to Chief Winemaker, which is the post that Frederic serves at Ruinart.   As both a holder of tradition, and innovator Frederic is leading the technical team at Ruinart.  What i learned from our conversation is that this historic Champagne house is anything stagnant.   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Ruinart, Champagne Veuve Cliquot, Champagne I will be at City of Rielsing in Traverse City, Michigan on June 10 and 11th.  If you love Riesling, please come check out the trade and consumer events that this event has to offer.  David Bos is billing City of Riesling as "The best white wine on earth in one of the prettiest places on earth."   QUESTIONS?  COMMENTS?  LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK: JIM@INSI