Shafer Vineyards Winemaker Elias Fernandez explains the process of extended maceration, which occurs for several weeks after fermentation. “It’s a way to get the tannin to soften and travel on the palate… we want to get a little bit of the seed extraction into the wine, because really that’s what terroir is.” After extended maceration, Read the full article…

Napa Valley Vintners and Napa Valley Grapegrowers presented a joint 2025 Harvest Press Conference where industry insiders came together to discuss the trends, challenges and triumphs that shaped the 2025 vintage. The discussion covered characteristics of the vintage, defining weather influences, as well as how shifting market conditions influenced the 2025 harvest across Napa Valley. Read the full article…

When we asked B Cellars Associate Winemaker Derek Taylor if harvest was starting to wind down, he said, “No, harvest is just ramping up!” We caught a few moments with Derek and his team during a busy 45-ton day as they moved bins from truck to scale and back to the crush pad, then transferred Read the full article…

Tony Biagi, winemaker at Amici Cellars, talks about the benefits of harvesting at night and samples from fresh-pressed Cabernet Sauvignon juice from their Dr. Crane Vineyard in St. Helena, and explains how the color changes over time. Stay tuned for more updates on the 2025 vintage!

We check in with Mike Anderson, Owner & Winemaker at MTGA Wines, as he uses a hydrometer to measure sugar levels in his fermenting merlot grapes. As the fermentation continues and speeds up, the levels will dry out (meaning, no residual sugar left in the juice) and the wine will be ready to go to Read the full article…