Oct-Nov 2023
Making Riesling Wines: Tips from the Pros
Get some pointers on working with the stylistically diverse Riesling grape, a cool-climate loving noble variety.
Experimenting with Deficit Irrigation
With ongoing drought concerns in many wine-growing regions, the practice of deficit irrigation is gaining traction, not only for using less water but also for producing higher-quality wine grapes. Learn about two winemakers’ experience with this technique.
2023 WineMaker Magazine Conference Recap
Hundreds of home winemakers came to Eugene, Oregon, from June 1-4 for our 2023 WineMaker Magazine Conference. The conference featured local professional Willamette Valley winemakers, WineMaker writers, industry experts, and top hobbyists leading more
Rooted in History: Craft Your Own Alsatian-Style Wines
The Alsace Valley produces some of the world’s finest wines. Get pointers on making wines like the Alsatians.
Causes and Treatments for Volatile Acidity
Winemakers always need to pay special attention to the possibility of rising volatile acidity and ways to stem its effects.
The Sacramento Home Winemakers turn 50
Fifty years ago, a group of home winemakers in the Sacramento, California, area decided to make an official club dedicated to their hobby. In 2023, they celebrate their golden anniversary and want to raise a toast to mark the occasion.
Irrigation systems and strategies
Not all wine grape growers need to irrigate, but for those that do there are options available. Get a primer on what those strategies look like and some pointers to get going in the right direction.
Tasting Critically
Feedback is critical for winemakers who are looking to advance their hobby and no one should be more critical than you. Learn some of the many roads you can take in order to better your skills at critically tasting your wines.
Graciano
A grape variety that has recently garnered a following thanks to its tannic structure and ability to retain acidity in warm climates, Graciano was traditionally a blending grape. But when made into a varietal wine, it can show impressive complexity as well.
Screw-top Bottle Closures, Aging Temperatures and Blueberry Woes
A winemaker has saved up a bunch of commercial screw-cap bottles and wants to know what cork size fits best in that style of bottle. Learn why it is not a good idea to cork those bottles. Also get advice on aging wine temperatures and volatile acidity in blueberry wine.
Troubleshooting a Blueberry Wine
Ah, blueberry wine! Blueberries, huckleberries, and black currants are all favorites when it comes to home winemaking, partly because they can make dark, mouth-filling wines that can resemble the finest red wines
Aging Wine Temperatures
I read the article you reference and I agree with the advice, to a point. That it’s OK to keep wines in the bulk-aging stage (before bottling) warmer (the referenced article says
Using Screw-Top Bottles at Home
It’s a little tough to tell from your letter which kind of screw-top bottles you’ve got so I’m not sure if you’re talking about what I would call screw top “sample bottles”
Dry Rosé Production
Dry, crisp rosé wines hold a special place in a lot of wine lovers’ hearts, as a well-made version can be a thing of beauty. Learn some of the key components to producing one yourself.
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