In this episode of Inside Winemaking, Jim Duane speaks with Leigh Meyering of MyEnologist about the practical and analytical aspects of heat and cold stability in wine. The discussion focuses on how and why protein haze and tartrate instability occur, with an emphasis on white and rosé wines. Leigh explains the principles behind heat stability testing, protein denaturation, and the use of bentonite to prevent haze, as well as how stability concerns differ between red wines and lighter-colored styles. The conversation also addresses the sensory and chemical impacts of stabilization decisions, including common concerns around stripping, mouthfeel, and visual clarity in finished wines.

The episode then moves into cold stability, detailing the Davis conductivity, DIT, and ISTC 50 tests and how to choose the appropriate method based on a winery's stabilization strategy. Leigh outlines the roles of traditional chilling and seeding, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and mannoproteins, including their limitations and compatibility with protein stability. Throughout the discussion, Jim and Leigh emphasize correct sampling strategy, filtration level selection, and timing of tests to ensure results accurately represent the wine that will be bottled. Practical lab workflows, sample volume requirements, and real-world bottling considerations are covered to help winemakers reduce risk and avoid post-bottling stability issues.

Leigh previously appeared on Inside Winemaking in May 2019 to discuss the founding and early development of her wine lab, MyEnologist, including its analytical services and role in supporting winemakers. This episode builds on that earlier conversation by applying lab-based analysis directly to cellar decision-making, with a focused, technical look at stability testing and intervention strategies used in modern winemaking.

This episode features Tommaso, a vineyard consultant whose career spans from Venice and Montalcino to Burgundy, Bordeaux, and other renowned wine regions. Tommaso discusses his background in viticulture, the technical aspects of working in different European vineyards, and how he manages various grape varieties and regional challenges. The conversation highlights real-world issues such as vineyard management, adapting to climate change, and the critical decisions involved in harvest timing and vine care.

A significant part of the discussion focuses on the curretage technique, a method for removing diseased wood from vines using specialized tools. Tommaso explains the origins of this approach, how it is applied in European vineyards, and its role in combating trunk diseases. The episode also covers Tommaso's work as a viticultural consultant specializing team training for vineyard surgery, adapting vineyard design to environmental pressures, and practical steps for maintaining vine health. This episode is well-suited for listeners interested in the technical and operational side of vineyard management.

In this episode, Andrea shares her unique journey to becoming the Director of Winemaking at Francis Ford Coppola Winery. Starting her career without the initial intention of entering winemaking, she found her path through roles in the laboratory, cellar, and bottling lines, developing a passion for the hands-on aspects of the craft. Andrea highlights the value of practical experience, local education, and her commitment to continual learning, which eventually led her to oversee the winemaking team at FFC. She discusses adapting to changes like the acquisition by Delicato Family Wines, her focus on mentorship and team guidance, and her philosophy of keeping winemaking rooted in the region's character.

The conversation covers the structure and innovation at FFC, including their iconic wine programs, creative approaches to blending, and the development of new products such as low-alcohol, low-calorie wines. Andrea explains the logistics of vineyard sourcing across California, their strategies for maintaining quality and consistency, and the balance between digital tools and traditional whiteboards in managing production. She also offers insights into industry trends, the winery's club and visitor experience, and her role representing the brand through travel and events, always aiming to empower her team and stay connected to the evolving world of wine

Resources from this Episode

Francis Ford Coppolla Winery

This podcast is sponsored by InnoVint.

Wineries of all sizes rely on InnoVint's winery operating system to optimize vineyard tracking, manage wine production processes, automate compliance reporting, track costs seamlessly, and make data-driven decisions.

The best part? The software is intuitive, easy to use, and mobile and offline friendly! And with the highest-rated customer service in the industry, you're guaranteed to have a smooth transition, even right before harvest.

Learn more: innovint.us

Get a demo: innovint.us/request-a-demo/

Join our free winemaking community: innovint.us/join-the-punchdown/

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This episode features an in-depth discussion about winemaking at Whitehall as the team nears the end of the 2025 harvest season. The episode begins with insights into the progression of the harvest, focusing on the completion of most varietals and the ongoing work with late-harvest selections like Semillon.

Our conversation runs the gamut of technical issues such as stabulation of Sauvignon blanc juice, cellar techniques to avert the need for fining and filtration, and Whitehall's trials with Pierce's Disease resistant clones from UCDavis.

Resources from this Episode

Whitehall Lane Winery

This episode is sponsored by Harvest Pillar concrete trellis posts. Want to know why more growers are going for concrete? It's because Harvest Pillar is the last trellis post you'll ever need.

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Ben is a seasoned viticulturist and winemaker currently serving as the Director of Viticulture and Winemaker at Large at Walsh Vineyards Management, overseeing approximately 1,000 acres in Napa and Sonoma. His journey in the wine industry began in 2004 after graduating with a biochemistry degree, starting at RH Phillips and later working with Jim at Seavey Vineyard.

At Walsh Vineyards Management, Ben works with a team of 125 full-time employees and up to 400 seasonal workers, focusing on client relations, vineyard management, development. Alongside his professional role, he has created his own wine brand, Vidi Vitis, which started in 2015 with a unique opportunity to salvage a ton of Stags Leap District Cabernet. His winemaking philosophy emphasizes quality fruit, experimentation, and a passion for exploring different grape varieties.

Resources from this Episode

Walsh Vineyards Management

Vidi Vitis / Forgotton Union Wines

This podcast is sponsored by InnoVint.

Wineries of all sizes rely on InnoVint's winery operating system to optimize vineyard tracking, manage wine production processes, automate compliance reporting, track costs seamlessly, and make data-driven decisions.

The best part? The software is intuitive, easy to use, and mobile and offline friendly! And with the highest-rated customer service in the industry, you're guaranteed to have a smooth transition, even right before harvest.

Learn more: innovint.us

Get a demo: innovint.us/request-a-demo/

Join our free winemaking community: innovint.us/join-the-punchdown/

The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes

Now on Spotify

And Amazon Music

Join me as I sit down with Esther Mobley, Senior Wine Critic for the San Francisco Chronicle. Esther shares her fascinating journey from an English major to a wine journalist, starting with a harvest internship in Napa Valley and subsequently working in Mendoza, Argentina. Her career path led her through Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator before landing at the Chronicle in 2015, where she has since become a prominent voice in wine journalism.

Throughout our conversation, Esther discusses her approach to wine writing, emphasizing her role as a reporter who explores wine through broader lenses of society, climate change, immigration, and culture. She explains that her job goes beyond traditional wine criticism, focusing instead on telling compelling stories about the wine industry in California. The episode offers listeners an insider's view of wine journalism, tracing her professional evolution and her unique perspective on covering the dynamic world of wine.

Resources from this Episode

• San Francisco Chronicle Wine

• Drinking with Esther Newsletter

• "The original 'cult' wine: How I discovered California's strangest vineyard" Published 2018

This episode is sponsored by Harvest Pillar concrete trellis posts. Want to know why more growers are going for concrete? It's because Harvest Pillar is the last trellis post you'll ever need.

Rich DeScenzo, the Microbiology Group Leader at ETS Labs, came on this episode to discuss the science of wine microbiology and its impact on winemaking. We talked about the roles of yeast and bacteria, such as Brettanomyces, in wine quality and stability. The episode explores the evolution of microbial testing, highlighting advanced techniques like Scorpion PCR technology, which enhances microbial risk assessment and wine quality control.

Rich shares insights on managing microbial risks, barrel sanitation, and the challenges of controlling Brettanomyces. The episode also touches on groundbreaking research in grapevine virus detection, emphasizing the importance of understanding microbial populations and wine chemistry for winemakers.

Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/

Resources from this Episode

Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/

ETS Labs https://www.etslabs.com/

This episode is sponsored by Innovint.

Wineries of all sizes rely on InnoVint's winery operating system to optimize vineyard tracking, manage wine production processes, automate compliance reporting, track costs seamlessly, and make data-driven decisions.

The best part? The software is intuitive, easy to use, and mobile and offline-friendly! And with the highest-rated customer service in the industry, you're guaranteed to have a smooth transition, even right before harvest.

• Learn more: https://www.innovint.us/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=insidewinemaking
• Get a demo of the product: https://www.innovint.us/request-a-demo/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=insidewinemaking
• Join our free winemaking community, The Punchdown: https://www.innovint.us/join-the-punchdown/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=insidewinemaking

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If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Join us today as we have a conversation with Chris Morisoli from Morisoli Vineyard. Chris is a fifth-generation farmer from Morisoli Vineyard in Napa Valley and he shares his journey from serving as a helicopter pilot and volunteer fireman to managing his family's historic vineyard.

The conversation highlights the vineyard's evolution, the challenges of maintaining old vines, and the importance of building strong relationships in the wine industry. Chris also discusses the creation of the Morisoli wine brand, the logistics of grape harvesting, and the significance of traditions like challenge coins. Throughout the episode, Chris emphasizes the importance of long-term planning in vineyard management and maintaining quality in winemaking.

Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/

Resources from this Episode

Morisoli Vineyard https://morisolivineyard.com/

This episode is sponsored by Harvest Pillar concrete trellis posts. Want to know why more growers are going for concrete? It's because Harvest Pillar is the last trellis post you'll ever need: https://www.harvestpillar.com/

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.