Oaking Beyond the Barrel
It’s no wonder that oak barrels have a long history in winemaking; oak emparts a rich flavor onto wines, a flavor that, for some palates, is synonymous with wine itself.…
Isn’t Gluten Free Wine Just Wine?
Though only 1% of the American population (and 20-30% of the world) has celiac disease, many have decided that gluten doesn’t agree with their body and endeavor to cut it…
Savor it or Save it? How to Make an Opened Bottle of Wine Last
There are a few questions that you can never seem to answer -- no matter how long you’ve been a functioning ‘adult’. Perhaps the most important of those questions: How…
Stainless Steel to the Rescue in Wine Country, Earthquake Country
When wine country and earthquake country share a lot of common ground, stainless steel wine barrels are an important ally. In recent earthquakes both at home in Napa Valley and…
The Chardonnay Renaissance
If you consider yourself a wine-lover or if you’ve ever muttered the words “I prefer red wines,” chances are you have rolled your eyes at a Chardonnay before. At the…
When Winemaking ‘Alternatives’ Become a Staple
The wine business is constantly evolving and, for the most part, winemakers are very open to innovation and new products - especially if they make their jobs easier and more…
When is it Most Cost-Effective for Winemakers to use an Oak Barrel Alternative?
With a number of winemakers using oak barrel alternatives such as stainless steel wine barrels, concrete tanks and plastic alternatives consistently on the rise, it is safe to say that…
Stainless Steel: Does it Age Like Oak?
Oak barrels were not the winemaking standard for centuries just because they look pretty. Early winemakers found that oak barrels were particularly well suited for flavoring and rounding/concentrating. As modern…
Stainless Steel Wine Barrels are the New Normal
Oak has long been considered the ‘standard’ material for wine barrels, but time moves on, and with it, technology. Many wine innovators and smaller, independent winemakers are calling on their…
BYOB: A History of Wine Transportation P5
Before the convenience and control of today’s stainless steel wine barrels, ancient civilizations found other ways to store and transport their precious wine. By the middle ages, wooden barrels were…