Technique

Just the pHacts

If you are a winemaker looking to boost your wine’s quality, then tracking pH is a must. Bob Peak introduces the chemistry behind the numb

Wine-wizard

Strategies for a Chaptalization Mistake

Technique

Chaptalization

Chaptalization is the act of adding sugar to juice or must in order to increase alcohol content post-fermentation. Learn the basics of this

Article

The Science of Winemaking

There is a lot of chemistry involved in winemaking — the better you understand it, the better chance you have of consistently making quali

Article

Protection from the Elements

Heat (protein) and cold (bitartrate) stability issues in wine cause off-putting aesthetic defects that are often brought to light after the

Wine-wizard

Campden Tablets Best Practices

Technique

A Nitro Boost: Nitrogen’s role in primary fermentation

Wine was made for millennia with little intervention from humans. But let’s be honest, we have no idea how those wines tasted. Today we kn

Article

Volatile Acidity Basics

It’s a dirty phrase in most winemaking circles, but volatile acidity is found in all wine and having a little can actually add complexity

Wine-wizard

Post-Fermentation Wine Acid Adjustment

Wine-wizard

Tips For Making Cantaloupe Wine

Wine-wizard

Judging Fermentation Completion

Wine-wizard

Dealing With Acid Issue on a Raspberry Wine

Article

Understanding the Basics of pH Meters

pH meters are a crucial piece of testing equipment for winemakers looking to take their hobby to the next level. Learn some basics of why, h

Technique

Finding Balance with Hybrids

Hybrid grapes pose certain challenges to winemakers including higher acidity and lower tannins. Three cool-climate winemakers share their ad

Article

Spit Or Swallow? Health benefits from spitting wine

One reader who is also a medical doctor discusses the potential health benefits of wine tasters who swish and spit their wines. It may be on

Wine-wizard

Cures To An Oversulfited Wine

Technique

Maceration Enzymes: Making the most of these additions

There are a lot of enzyme products available to winemakers, but in general they can be broken into just a few classes. Learn when and why a

Wine-wizard

ATrying to Work With Grape Juice That is Amiss

Article

The Role of Varietal Thiols in White Wines

Volatile thiols are delicate but powerful aromatic compounds released during fermentation. Through careful techniques and yeast selection, t

Wine-wizard

Adding Sorbate After MLF

Article

Additives to Impact Phenolics and Tannins

Explore the additives and fining agents common in commercial wine production and available to home winemakers. These tannin additives and fi

Technique

Tannin Additions: Tips From the Pros

A grape’s tannin structure is impacted by varietal, terroir, and growing conditions. Sometimes, grapes lack the tannins desired, and when

Wine-wizard

Recommended First SO₂ Addition

Wine-wizard

Testing For Free SO₂

Article

Phenolics in Red Wines

The decisions you make in the process of red winemaking will dramatically impact the phenolics and tannins in the resulting wine. From macer