Don’t Miss Live Online Workshop on Mastering Hybrid Grape Winemaking February 20. Three hours of tips and techniques. Also available later as video replay. Click here for event and registration details.

Apr/May 2023

April-May 2023 issue WineMaker magazine. Cover Story: Merlot Around the World, red hybrid grape winemaking, making sake, kegging wine, and Aglianico wines.

In this issue

  • replay banner for Pat Henderson's 2023 Live Chat that took place on May 26
    article

    Live Chat with Pat Henderson

    Live Chat with Pat Henderson that took place on May 26, 2023.

  • Banner for the April Live Chat with Wes Hagen that links to the playback.
    article

    Live Chat with Wes Hagen

    Live Chat with Wes Hagen that took place on April 26, 2023.

  • sunken qvevri where wine is fermented found in the country of Georgia
    article

    Winemaking in the country of Georgia

  • technique

    Co-Fermentation: Tips From the Pros

    Wine blends are most often created after fermenting each variety separately. However, that isn’t the only way to do it. Some winemakers choose to co-ferment certain varieties together, believing this approach adds to the complexity of the resulting wine. Get tips on co-fermentation from three pros who endorse the benefits.

  • article

    Rice, Rice, Baby

    The ancient Japanese beverage sake has grown in popularity across North America in recent years thanks to craft sake producers. Making this unique beverage from rice is a really fun project for those who would like to expand their home fermentation hobby. Learn more about sake and the basic ingredients and steps to make your own.

  • Corny keg setup with carbon dioxide tank for sparkling wine
    technique

    Kegging Wine

    In contemporary times beer and soft drinks have become the standard beverages to find on draft at bars and restaurants, but that is changing as wine-on-draft is a growing trend. Learn how you too can enjoy having both still and sparkling wines at home served on your own draft system.

  • article

    Merlot Around the World

    Though its reputation may have been tarnished by a certain movie after the turn of the century, Merlot continues to be one of the most popular wine grapes in the world. Winemakers from France, Italy, and the United States share advice on crafting a memorable Merlot at home.

  • homemade hamburger buns paired with a bottle of viognier wine
    article

    Getting Crafty

    Since the start of COVID-19, the interest in fermented foods seems to have only grown in popularity. Take a walk through some easily fermented foods you can make in your kitchen and what wines may pair nicely with them.

  • technique

    Red Hybrid Grape Winemaking

    Making red wine from hybrid grapes can sometimes be a challenge, but the rewards are also tremendous. The first steps? Forget what you know about making wine from vinifera grapes and embrace the unique characteristics hybrids often have.

  • looking down a vineyard row of Aglianico grapes prior to harvest
    article

    Aglianico

    Hailing from the southern regions of Italy, Aglianico is revered as producing big and bold red varietal wines. It is finding its way across the sea and will need some taming in order to make the best from its clusters. Get the scoop.

  • wine-wizard

    Tips for Blending Wine

  • wine-wizard

    Making Wine With Smoke-Effected Grapes

  • bench trials for blending red wines
    article

    Blending Guidance and Smoke Taint Mitigation

    Winemaking may be more a science, but blending is definitely an art. The Wizard has some tips for a rookie winemaker looking to possibly blend five different wines. Also, make sure you’re up on the latest knowledge and mitigation methods surrounding the phenomenon known as smoke taint.

  • story behind the label for chateau hetsakais
    article

    Story Behind The Label

    We saw a lot of cool looking amateur wine labels in our 2023 label contest but nothing quite as unique as these. Check out these labels from Chateau Hetsakais.

  • three red wine glasses, two upright and one at an angle
    technique

    Keys to Making Red Wine

    If you’re a beginner planning on making a batch of red wine, here are some keys components to hone in on before you dive in.