Feb-Mar 2020
Live Chat with Christina Musto
Live Chat with Christina Musto, which took place on March 28, 2020.
Oxygen Management for Home Winemakers
Oxidation is one of the most common faults among home (and pro) winemakers. Learn how to protect your wine against the detrimental effects of oxygen.
Live Chat With Jason Phelps
Live Chat with Jason Phelps, which took place on February 19, 2020.
Story Behind The Label
Featured in the February-March 2023 issue: Kent Nienaber • Ham Lake, Minnesota Our Love Sick Marquette label was born out of a difficult situation that arose during COVID. In early September of 2021,
2020 Backyard Vine Directory
Grow your own grapes? Thinking of starting a backyard vineyard? Now is the time to plan your spring. Here is a list of suppliers where you can purchase grapevines and/or supplies for your home vineyard…
Upping Your Kit Game: Making the most of your wine kit
Right out of the gate, winemakers are instructed to “follow the directions” when it comes to kit wines. But once you get comfortable with the process there are plenty of options to tweak. Bob Peak details some of those adjustment opportunities.
2020 Label Contest Winners
They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover or a wine by its label. That said, we all know presentation is important and when looking at a bottle of wine
Blending with Malbec: Tips from the Pros
Malbec makes great varietal wines (check out the feature on page 40 for advice on this approach), but is also commonly used as a blending component, specifically for Bordeaux-style blends. In Bordeaux,
Oxygen Management for Home Winemakers
Oxygen exposure can cause a whole litany of flaws in wine. Learn strategies for minimizing the risks at all steps of your winemaking.
Malbecs Around the Globe
The popularity of Malbec has grown tremendously over the past two decades, thanks in large part to the award-winning examples coming out of Argentina. We interviewed five winemakers from three continents to share their tips for making Malbec at home.
Fruit Port From Puree
Dessert wine paired with a sweet pie, savory cheese, or fine cigar is one of the best ways to finish off an excellent meal. Home winemakers have a variety of dessert wine
Conference Comrades: Chance meeting leads to a lasting friendship
When hundreds of people with a similar passion converge in one place, it’s not surprising that new friendships are forged. Such was the case with several winemakers finding each other at the annual WineMaker Conference.
Vineyard Challenges: A new decade, a new vintage!
As we move into a new decade, Wes Hagen thought it prudent to lay out some of the latest and greatest gadgets and technology for viticulturists. He also answers some reader questions.
Baco Noir: The emigration of a French hybrid
Originally bred in southwestern France, Baco Noir is a French-American hybrid whose acreage has declined in its native country, but has since emigrated to American soil. Learn about this grape that has found success in some cooler-climate North American vineyards.
What Could Lead To A Stalled MLF
Malolactic fermentations tend to stall, or not catch on at all, due to these seven most common factors: High alcohol: Over 14.5% and most strains will go through slowly. Over 15.5% and
Evaluating Wine “Numbers”
So, stick with me for a little bit as I get a little philosophical for this one as the answer isn’t straightforward but necessitates a little rambling. My frequent readers will know
The Oak Necessities, Wine “Numbers,” and Stalled MLF
Just like many aspects of winemaking, decisions need to be made about how much you’re willing to invest and oak barrels are one of the biggest ticket items. The Wizard has some advice for oak alternatives, as well as feedback on “wine numbers” and when your MLF stalls.
Grape Expectations
Having trouble trying to commit to starting into the hobby world, or looking for next steps in your journey into winemaker. We’ve got a few suggestions for those folks.
