Modern Winemaker (2024)

11/08/2023

One Way To Thrive Without a Tasting Room

“For a long time, New Jersey-based wineries have been allowed to partner with BYOB restaurants, art galleries and farms to have adjunct tasting rooms on their premises,” said Mary McAuley, owner of Ripe Life Wines. “A few years ago, the state passed a law that said out of state wineries could do it as well as long as they made under a certain amount of gallons of wine per year and had offices in New Jersey.”

The law was a shot in the arm for McAuley, the owner of a wine brand produced in Napa Valley who had relationships with customers and retailers in her home state of New Jersey, which is where her offices are. She not only could have a tasting room element for her brand, but she could also self-distribute and significantly cut down on overhead.

Read more at Modern Winemaker: https://modernwinemaker.com/one-way-to-thrive-without-a-tasting-room/

09/08/2023

Colgin Cellars Names New COO

Colgin Cellars has announced that Neil Bernardi has been appointed chief operating officer. Bernardi is a seasoned executive with over twenty years of leadership experience in the wine industry. Previously, Bernardi was the vice president and general manager of The Duckhorn Portfolio’s Kosta Browne, Canvasback, and Goldeneye wineries. As COO, Bernardi will oversee Colgin Cellars’ overall operations and report directly to chairwoman and founder Ann Colgin and CEO Joe Wender.

More information here: https://modernwinemaker.com/colgin-cellars-appoints-new-coo/

07/08/2023

Cider Corner: How Manoff Has Adjusted to Warming Trends

Growing seasons and changing climate trends are not things that Manoff Cidery in New Hope, Pennsylvania just recently began considering. The Manoffs’ orchard grows fruit that is sold at market as well as apples that go into the family’s dry, sparkling cider, and assistant cidermaker Chelsea Manoff said the Manoff Market Gardens & M2 Cidery LLC has made adjustments to what it grows in its orchard to work with the warmer weather.

Read today's Cider Corner here: https://modernwinemaker.com/cider-corner-how-manoff-has-adjusted-to-warming-trends/

07/08/2023

Wheeler Farms Adds to Management Team

Wheeler Farms Winery, a Napa Valley historic estate established in the 1800s, welcomes Lauren Nicholsen to the winery as General Manager of Hospitality. Lauren joins Winemaker Nigel Kinsman, Executive Chef Tom Harder, and Cellar Master Cesar Sandoval on the leadership team., a Napa Valley historic estate established in the 1800s, welcomes Lauren Nicholsen to the winery as General Manager of Hospitality. Lauren joins Winemaker Nigel Kinsman, Executive Chef Tom Harder, and Cellar Master Cesar Sandoval on the leadership team.

Read the full announcement at Modern Winemaker: https://modernwinemaker.com/wheeler-farms-adds-to-management-team/

04/08/2023

Does a Family-Friendly Tasting Room Fit Your Winery?

Three Middleburg, Virginia wineries — Greenhill Vineyards, Boxwood Estate Winery and Cana Vineyards & Winery of Middleburg — are located close enough to Salamander Resort & Spa and in near enough proximity to each other that guests can get a free ride from resort staff and see what each one is about.

The resort's pool and dining room are definitely populated by families, and you can find kids playing giant chess on the resort lawn in the afternoons. In order to visit all three wineries, however, one must be at least 21.

Read about how each winery decided on its age and pet policy here: https://modernwinemaker.com/does-a-family-friendly-tasting-room-fit-your-winery/

02/08/2023

Rack & Riddle Acquires Weibel Family Winery

Following a recent expansion adding a state-of-the-art sparkling production site in Geyserville, Rack & Riddle has now acquired the Weibel Family Winery in Lodi. The move makes the company the largest premium, custom sparkling wine producer in America, according to Rack & Riddle ownership.

Read the full story here: https://modernwinemaker.com/rack-riddle-acquires-weibel-family-winery/

02/08/2023

Cider Corner: Applying Winemaking Experience to Cidermaking

Texas Keeper Cider's style of dry, barrel-aged ciders leans into a winemaking-like philosophy, highlighting specific varietals. Co-owner Nick Doughty knew he wanted to do something unique with cider, but the first thing to do was create a foundation so he knew what he was working with.

Read the full article on Modern Winemaker: https://modernwinemaker.com/cider-corner-applying-winemaking-experience-to-cidermaking/

31/07/2023

Why Library Wines Can Come in Handy

Perhaps you’ve already begun holding back portions of vintages you’re particularly proud of. If you aren’t, Kelly Fleming — owner of Fleming Wines in Calistoga — said there are certain situations where doing so can be not just a “nice to have,” but a “need to have.”

Read why here: https://modernwinemaker.com/why-library-wines-can-come-in-handy/

28/07/2023

Aridus Names Michael Hellman Winemaker

Michael Hellman has been named Winemaker at Aridus Wine Company, based in Willcox, Arizona.

“We are delighted to welcome Michael to our team,” said founder/proprietor Scott Dahmer, in making the announcement. “His track record of producing high quality wines with meticulous management will be a great asset for Aridus.”

Aridus succeeds founding winemaker Lisa Strid, who spent seven years at the winery.

Read the full story here: https://modernwinemaker.com/aridus-names-michael-hellman-winemaker/

26/07/2023

3 Things Industry Professionals Want Peers to Focus On

One of our favorite questions to ask owners, winemakers and general managers is what business strategy they’d like to see wineries focus on to help improve their industry as a whole. Recent experts who have answered that question for Modern Winemaker include Christian Gastón Palmaz, the President and CEO of Palmaz Vineyards; EcholandsWinery General Manager and Winemaker Brian Rudin and Michael Baldacci, the President and Winemaker for Baldacci Family Vineyards.

Read the full story: https://www.modernwinemaker.com/3-things-industry-professionals-want-peers-to-focus-on/

24/07/2023

Cider Corner:3 Things to Consider When Shopping for a New Location

Sometimes the space you’re in no longer meets your needs. Or maybe it’s the right time in your brand’s life to have a presence in additional cities or states. What constitutes the right choice for a new facility depends on factors like your brand itself, what you can afford, and what makes sense for your audience.

Read insight from Bryant's Cidery & Brewery and Bull City Ciderworks - Durham here: https://www.modernwinemaker.com/cider-corner3-things-to-consider-when-shopping-for-a-new-location/

21/07/2023

Why Canned Seltzer Doesn’t Worry Echolands’ Rudin

Brian Rudin is the new Winemaker and General Manager for EcholandsWinery’s two estates in the Walla Walla Valley AVA, with the winery officially announcing the move earlier this month. Modern Winemaker had the opportunity to catch up with Rudin, who shared insight on his new role and shared his thoughts on his winemaking philosophy, what’s ahead for Echolands and why he believes the wine industry needs to set its sights on the younger generation.

Read the full Q&A here: https://www.modernwinemaker.com/modern-winemaker-qa-why-canned-seltzer-doesnt-worry-echolands-rudin/

19/07/2023

The Moves Duck Pond Made To Expand its Audience

“Field of Dreams” — a movie that has withstood the test of time — is best known for one quote: If you build it, they will come. While Duck Pond Cellars Wine & Spirits isn’t located in a cornfield in Iowa, the brand is banking on its renovated tasting room in Dundee, Oregon, recent strategic acquisitions and rebranding to do just that.

Read about how and why Duck Pond Cellars Wine & Spirits executed their strategy here: https://www.modernwinemaker.com/the-moves-duck-pond-made-to-expand-its-audience/

17/07/2023

Led by the Sebastopol Hills Winegrowers Association , a petition to establish the Sebastopol Hills in Sonoma County as an American Viticultural Area has been submitted to the Tax and Trade Bureau of the United States. This new AVA would allow vintners and winegrowers in the area the added option of labeling their wines “Sebastopol Hills” in addition to existing AVAs.

Click here for statements from Balletto Vineyards & Winery, Littorai Wines and Kanzler Vineyards: https://www.modernwinemaker.com/sonoma-county-winemakers-petition-for-sebastopol-hills-ava-recognition/

14/07/2023

How Breweries Are Crossing Over into Wine Territory

These days, some breweries are presenting themselves as both potential collaborators and competitors for wine-producing companies. Among these is American Solera in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which is currently selling a Red Wine Barrel Farmhouse and a mimosa-inspired wine spritz made with Vidal Blanc grown in a neighboring vineyard. American Solera is helping grow that sector, too, recently collaborating with Our Mutual Friend Brewery in Denver, Colorado on a beer and wine hybrid.

Read more here: https://www.modernwinemaker.com/how-breweries-are-crossing-over-into-wine-territory/

12/07/2023

Adding low ABV offerings is becoming a focal point for cideries that are embracing innovation and more ways to connect with customers. The Cincinnati, Ohio region is not an area that is teeming with craft cideries, but Northwood Cider Co. is among those in the adult beverage industry that have found reason to prioritize making beverages under 5% ABV.

Lower ABV offerings open the door to different audiences, says co-owner Darrin Wilson. Read how they do that in our latest cider corner here: https://www.modernwinemaker.com/cider-corner-more-reasons-to-consider-low-abv-options/

12/07/2023

EcholandsWinery has announced that Brian Rudin will be the new Winemaker and General Manager for its two estates in the Walla Walla Valley AVA.

“I was drawn to Echolands because of their innovative style and direction, the monumental influence of Doug Frost’s leadership and expertise, and the limitless potential of winegrowing within the Walla Walla Valley,” Rudin said. “There’s been a flourishing spirit of experimentation in the Walla Walla Valley: pushing the boundaries of elevations and varieties, showing inventiveness with wine styles, and exploring all the emerging subregions within this AVA.

Full announcement here: https://www.modernwinemaker.com/brian-rudin-appointed-echolands-new-winemaker/

10/07/2023

What to Consider When Picking Summer Interns

Looking for your next generation of leaders at your winery? Some vintners swear by summer (and longer) internships to find future managers.

Wine-industry professionals that Modern Winemaker spoke with shared how they find and utilize interns, who can provide a low-cost (and sometimes free) helping hand while learning skills to make them both better in the short term and long term.

Decision makers at three wineries shared tips to remember when preparing to add interns to your staff. Check the comments for a link to read more.

07/07/2023

Cider Corner: Elements to Consider When Creating a Premium Line

Showcasing specific apple varieties was top of mind for Justin Paolicelli, Vice President and VP of Production of Three Brothers Wineries and Estates, when creating Bombshell Cider’s new Premium Series in collaboration with Red Jacket Orchards. Paolicelli and Aaron Roisen, head wine and cider maker at Three Brothers, were discussing the interesting aspects of varietal expression in wines throughout the Finger Lakes when they wondered why there wasn’t more of a focus on specific apple varieties.

Read the full story here: https://www.modernwinemaker.com/cider-corner-elements-to-consider-when-creating-a-premium-line/

05/07/2023

News Release: Quilceda Creek Hires Richard Schumaker as Assistant Winemaker

Paul Golitzin, president and director of winemaking for Quilceda Creek, said Richard Schumaker recently joined his team as assistant winemaker. Schumaker comes to Quilceda Creek from Santa Barbara’s Dierberg & Star Lane Vineyards and will work closely with Golitzin and Winemaker Mark Kaigas in all aspects of winemaking.

Read the full news release here: https://www.modernwinemaker.com/quilceda-creek-hires-richard-schumaker-as-assistant-winemaker/

30/06/2023

How a Single Tasting Helped Quails’ Gate Boost Visibility

Quails' Gate Winery hosted an event aimed at encouraging credible sources to recognize the quality of Chardonnay in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley.

A panel of wine journalists and wine professionals were invited to partake in a blind tasting, evaluating and benchmarking Okanagan Chardonnay from the 2019, 2020 and 2021 vintages against renowned examples from around the world. The purpose of the tasting was to create an engaging platform for stimulating discussion, reciprocal learning and ultimately putting Okanagan Chardonnay into a global context, Quails Gate proprietor Tony Stewart said.

Read more at modernwinemaker.com: https://www.modernwinemaker.com/how-a-single-tasting-helped-quails-gate-boost-visibility/

28/06/2023

Cider Corner: What to Consider When Making a Lighter Cider

Blake's Hard Cider Co.'s newest entries to its lineup include a pair of products that offer a lower ABV that the company says could attract drinkers who traditionally choose lighter alcoholic beverage offerings such as seltzer or light beer. Quality Manager Josh Sejat said that adjustments such as diluting with water pre-fermentation were made to create the lighter ciders.

Read our latest Cider Corner here: https://www.modernwinemaker.com/cider-corner-what-to-consider-when-making-a-lighter-cider/

28/06/2023

How Echolands’ New Winery Fits Into Its Vision

EcholandsWinery of Walla Walla plans to open their new Mill Creek facility in time for fall 2023. CEO Doug Frost originally envisioned acquiring the land he wanted and waiting until he had grown fruit suitable for his first vintage, but he ultimately took a different path, opting to make wine sooner with the help of a custom crush facility. The new Mill Creek Road facility situated on the 341-acre estate will house a dedicated winemaking, hospitality and barrel facility, and will assume all production for Echolands wines.

Read more here: https://www.modernwinemaker.com/how-echolands-new-winery-fits-into-its-plans/

26/06/2023

DeLille Cellars Announces New Name and Expanded Operations for Woodinville Restaurant

DeLILLE CELLARS' restaurant in Woodinville, Washington — formerly known as The Lounge — is now The Restaurant at DeLille Cellars. The rebranding aligns with enhancements made to the operations, menu, and wine list and an improved dining experience for visitors, DeLille CEO Tom Dugan said.

Read the full announcement here: https://www.modernwinemaker.com/delille-cellars-announces-new-name-and-expanded-operations-for-woodinville-restaurant/

23/06/2023

Ways to Use Education to Create Confident Customers

Three Brothers Wineries and Estates in Geneva, New York is set up to be a Finger Lakes destination, with tasting rooms on site that represent three distinct brands as well as War Horse Brewing Company. Like many upstate New York wineries they're especially proud of their Riesling and have set up their portfolio using that varietal with names and labeling that let consumers know exactly what they’re buying.

Read more about how they are making things easy for their customers here: https://www.modernwinemaker.com/ways-to-use-education-to-create-confident-customers/

21/06/2023

What to Consider Before Starting Out as an Independent Vintner

Many independent winemakers in the industry enjoyed lucrative first careers before succumbing to the siren song of winemaking. Kelly Fleming — founder of Kelly Fleming Wines — is among these, said there’s one thing lifelong professionals who are used to being well paid should be aware of. It’s not going to be lucrative at the outset, and you need to be prepared for that.

What are some things the brand-new vintner going into it without financial backing should consider? Read more here: https://www.modernwinemaker.com/what-to-consider-before-starting-out-as-an-independent-vintner/

21/06/2023

Cider Corner: Should You Consider Making Mead?

What's new at Modern Winemaker? We're also running articles that cideries and cider makers may find useful.

Mead is thought to be one of the oldest alcoholic beverages out there. Like cider, it’s technically a wine, and adult-beverage producing companies across all categories have gotten into the act, making canned meads that are lower ABV and more accessible to a wide range of consumers.

With cider already being related to fruit and flower, it’s not a stretch to see why a cider-making company might choose to make a fermented honey beverage under its brand umbrella.

Read more about Nectar Creek and its place in the 2 Towns Ciderhouse brand family at the link in the comments.

16/06/2023

Modern Winemaker Q&A: How Steve Melchiskey Helps Fellow Vintners Succeed

Steve Melchiskey began his foray into the business of wine while working the grape harvest in the Rhinegau wine region of Germany in 1976. Since then, he has worked in vineyards and wineries in California, Hungary, France and New York. His work experience extends to virtually every level of the wine industry, as a retail wine buyer and bottle duster, a wholesale/import operations manager, a wholesale sales representative in San Francisco Bay Area for six years, and in winery sales and marketing. A licensed attorney, Steve is owner/winemaker at Maine Coast Vineyards, a bonded winery with a two-acre estate vineyard in Falmouth, Maine. He brings all of these experiences into play as President of USA Wine West, where he focuses on compliance and business development, and assists and advises portfolios in developing their US. distribution and marketing strategies.

Check our comments for a link to our new Modern Winemaker Q&A!

15/06/2023

Congratulations to Balletto Vineyards & Winery on reaching a recent milestone since going 100% solar — extracting 1 million pounds of carbon dioxide from the environment (the equivalent of about 8,000 trees planted) since 2022. Read the company's full announcement at modernwinemaker.com! (link in comments)

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