The Inside Winemaking Podcast With Jim Duane

In this episode Jim Duane sits down with Elizabeth Vianna to explore her unconventional path from pre-med student to one of Napa Valley's most respected Cabernet Sauvignon producers. Elizabeth shares how a late discovery of wine in New York City led her to University of California, Davis, and ultimately to a long-term career rooted in estate winemaking in the Stags Leap District. The conversation dives into the evolution of Chimney Rock's vineyard and winemaking philosophy, including its commitment to 100% estate fruit, the use of exclusively free-run wine, and the influence of site diversity on wine style. The episode also goes deep on practical winemaking decisions, from extended maceration strategies and tannin management to sulfur timing, racking protocols, and blending philosophy. Elizabeth discusses her increasing focus on regenerative farming, vine health, and long-term sustainability in the face of climate change, as well as her approach to working with alternative white varieties like Sauvignon Gris

In this episode, viticulturist Patrick Riggs dives deep into the realities of organic farming in Napa Valley. We unpack what it takes to convert vineyards from conventional to organic, from soil testing and rethinking fertilizer programs to choosing equipment for under‑vine weed control and managing more volatile, season‑driven budgets. Patrick explains how tools and machinery for cultivation have evolved, how he approaches weed control without herbicides, and why organic systems demand a more diagnostic, problem‑solving mindset. Patrick also details integrated strategies for managing vine mealybug organically—combining year‑round mating disruption, biological controls like parasitic wasps and mealybug destroyers, and very selective use of organic sprays. From there, we explore floor management, soil moisture dynamics, and irrigation strategy in drought years: when to irrigate, how to prioritize limited water, why shaded interior leaves can be "water hogs," and how canopy design and trellis choices are shifti

This Jim sits down with James Molesworth, Senior Editor for The Wine Spectator, to trace James's unconventional path into wine—from a Francophile, academic household in Queens to blind-tasting Burgundy in a tiny West Village cellar, and eventually orchestrating tastings and writing for one of the most influential wine publications in the world. James reflects on formative mentors, the discipline and humility required to learn both tasting and journalism at a professional level, and how his anthropology background shaped his "observe and report" style of wine writing. He also unpacks Wine Spectator's mission to educate and entertain, the magazine's role in the global wine ecosystem, and how landmark moments like the post‑9/11 New York Wine Experience revealed the deep, relationship-driven core of the wine community. The conversation then widens to a rich exploration of regional evolution and the future of fine wine, focusing especially on Bordeaux and Napa Valley. James explains how Bordeaux's garagiste era pa

In this episode of Inside Winemaking, Jim Duane sits down with Matteo Abreu, fifth-generation Napa Valley farmer and part of the Abreu vineyard management family, to explore what it means to grow and farm at the highest level in one of the world's most demanding wine regions. Matteo shares his path into the family business, the realities of multi-generational vineyard management, and how Abreu approaches vineyard site selection, soil preparation, drainage, and long-term vineyard design. The conversation highlights the importance of matching the right varieties to the right sites, with a particular focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, and how disciplined vineyard preparation sets the foundation for premium wine quality. The discussion also dives into modern challenges and hands-on solutions in Napa Valley viticulture, including heat management strategies such as shade cloth, pre-irrigation cooling, and selective use of misting, along with crop load management and canopy decisions for Cabernet Franc.

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 co

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

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 qua

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.   Check out the Fundamentals of Winemaking Made Easy video course   The Inside Winemaking Podcast on iTunes Now on Spotify And Amazon Music

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 win

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 Chron

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 In

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

Discover the art and passion behind Abloom, a distinctive rosé wine brand crafted by winemakers Molly Hill, Ashley Hepworth, and Sally Blum. This episode discusses their experiences from UC Davis to Napa Valley, highlighting their unique collaboration and the meticulous process of creating a high-quality rosé.  They share about their use of fermentation techniques and the thoughtful design elements that embody their brand's philosophy of flourishing and abundance. Listen as they discuss the challenges and triumphs of building a wine brand, offering a glimpse into the complexities of winemaking and the collaborative spirit that drives A'Bloom's success. Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ Resources from this Episode Abloom Wine https://www.abloomwine.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, tr

Join us today as we explore the fascinating journey of renowned winemaker Rosemary Cakebread, whose career spans continents and decades. We discuss her early life in Japan, her education at UC Davis, and her groundbreaking work at Inglenook Winery. Rosemary shares information on dry farming and crafting varietals like Albariño and Petite Sirah, revealing the intricacies of her winemaking process.  Reflecting on the evolution of Napa Valley's wine community, we discuss her transition from larger corporations to intimate family-owned estates, including her connection to Cakebread Cellars. Rosemary also shares her commitment to sustainable winemaking, offering a glimpse into her passion for unique wines under her Gallica brand. This episode is filled with personal anecdotes and expert insights into the art and dedication behind winemaking. Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ Resources from this Episode Gallica Wine https://www.gallicawine.com/  This episod

Join us this week to hear from Morgan Twain-Peterson, Master of Wine, owner and winemaker at Bedrock Wine Co.  Influenced by his father, the founder of Ravenswood Winery, Morgan's path is enriched by his experiences in the European vineyards. Listen in for innovative methods in sustainable viticulture, including sap testing for vine nutrient needs and the role of regenerative agriculture. Explore the contrasts between the Master of Wine and Master Sommelier certifications and discover the power of mentorship in the industry.  Morgan also offers insights into managing California's historic vineyards, reshaping the perception of Zinfandel, and enhancing vineyard soil health with advanced techniques. The conversation concludes with a celebration of the community spirit among Sonoma winemakers and the evolving landscape of winemaking that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ Resources from this Episode Bedrock Win

Located on the true Sonoma Coast, Ross Cobb of Cobb Wines tackles the intricate challenges of vineyard management and unpredictable weather. Ross farms his family’s Coastland Vineyard, planted to Pinot Noir, one of the oldest plantings of Pinot in Sonoma County.  Our discussion ran the gamut between farming and Ross’ experiments in the cellar.  Ross had thoughtful insights regarding with whole cluster fermentation and working with CO2 in finishing wines. Throughout this exploration, Ross highlights the balance between tradition and innovation in creating elegant wines. Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ Resources from this Episode Cobb Wines https://cobbwines.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 intui

In this episode, we welcome Rob Perman, Vice President of Operations at Free Flow Wines, to share the world of wine kegging. We discuss the technical aspects of wine kegging, such as sanitation, oxygen management, and logistics, and how Free Flow Wines has grown from a small operation to a leader in custom kegging services.  Rob explains the benefits of wine on tap for restaurants, including sustainability and cost efficiency, and addresses the logistical challenges of managing a fleet of 200,000 kegs. He shares the rigorous quality control measures in place to maintain wine integrity and explores the growing trend of wine on tap in the industry. Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ Resources from this Episode Free Flow Wines: https://www.freeflowwines.com/ This episode is sponsored by the video course, Fundamentals of Winemaking Made Easy. Use code INSIDEWINEMAKING for $25 off the course: https://www.learndesk.us/class/6006374003638272/winemaking-funda

Explore the rich history and innovative future of Napa Valley winemaking in this episode with Cole Ballentine from William Cole Vineyards. As a fifth-generation winemaker, Cole discusses his family's path of changing a ghost winery into a thriving vineyard, emphasizing the blend of tradition and modernity in their craft. Learn about the strategic evolution of their brand, the importance of storytelling in wine marketing, and the art of creating timeless wines through distinctive blending techniques. Gain knowledge about the challenges and triumphs of recent vintages, and learn about the collaborative efforts that drive their continued success in the ever-changing wine industry. Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ Resources from this Episode William Cole Vineyards: https://williamcolevineyards.com This episode is sponsored by Harvest Pillar concrete trellis posts. Want to learn more about Harvest Pillar concrete trellis posts and how they can help you sa

Join us on an exploration into the realm of organic and natural winemaking with Jack Sporer, the visionary behind Fresh Wine Co. and Magnolia Wine Services. Learn how his upbringing in a family vineyard in Sonoma Valley blossomed into a passion for organic viticulture and thoughtful intervention methods. Jack discusses the challenges and successes of transitioning to regenerative farming and reveals the mindset that led to the creation of Magnolia Wine Services. Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ Resources from this Episode Fresh Wine Co: https://fresh.wine/ This episode is sponsored by the Vineyard Underground Podcast hosted by leading viticulturist and vineyard education expert, Fritz Westover: https://www.vineyardundergroundpodcast.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

Discover the untapped potential of Arizona winemaking as Kent Callaghan, a pioneer in the Sonoita Valley, shares his approach to crafting exceptional wines in a region south of Tucson.  In this episode, Kent explores the distinct challenges of Arizona's high-altitude landscapes, from managing diverse grape varieties to navigating the state's unpredictable climate.   Gain perspectives into sustainable practices, blending techniques, and the partnerships that help mitigate risks. This episode offers a straightforward exploration of the art and science behind Arizona's growing wine scene. Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ Resources from this Episode Callaghan Vineyards: https://www.callaghanvineyards.com/https://www.callaghanvineyards.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