Why You Like Ontario Wine But Just Don’t Know It

Cyndi
bench at the middle of a vineyard

By: Alyssa Andres

  I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard people say, “I don’t like Ontario wine.” It’s a statement I constantly hear, especially in the Niagara region, where a lot of wine lists focus on local producers. Every time I hear this sentiment, I’m a little appalled. It’s like saying you don’t like Chardonnay. Maybe you just haven’t found the right Chardonnay for you. So, this year, when I attended my very posh friend’s annual holiday wine tasting party, I brought along a nice, moderately priced bottle of Ontario wine to add to the mix of thirty bottles we were blind tasting. The premise: each person brings a bottle of wine and, throughout the night, tries each one and chooses their favorite. The winner was chosen based on everyone’s overall rating. Simple. The prize: a $200 bottle of Gamble Mary Ann, a Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend. I quietly uncorked my bottle of wine from Ontario’s Ridgepoint Wines and waited for the night to unfold. 

  Currently, Ontario is cursed with the same stigma that California received in the 1970s before the Judgement of Paris. No one seems to believe Ontario vintners are capable of producing great wine. Forty years later, California is one of the leading producers in the world and seen as a premier destination. However, Ontario winemakers are still fighting to make a name for themselves in the international market, despite having been producing wine for decades. Several factors influence this: the lack of knowledge when it comes to the Ontario wine region, the stereotypes associated with Ontario wine, and the need for better distribution of wine from within the province.

  Winemaking in Ontario dates back to 1811 when German native, Johann Schiller planted Pennsylvania-native Labrusca grapevines in Cooksville, Ontario. The first winery in the province opened its doors in 1866 on Pelee Island and Niagara’s first winery, the Ontario Grape Growing and Manufacturing Company, followed shortly after in 1873. These early days of winemaking in Ontario saw over thirty new wineries open for business by the late 1800s. Unfortunately, by the time prohibition was repealed in 1927, this number had fallen from 61 to six. At this same time, the government created the Liquor Control Board of Ontario to control the sale, transportation and delivery of alcoholic beverages in the province. Eighty-six LCBO stores opened by the end of that year, and liquor permits were issued at $2 each to enable individuals to purchase alcohol. At this point, the rules and regulations surrounding the production and sale of wine did not allow for new wineries to open.

  It wasn’t until the early 1970s that winegrowers started to take the first steps to revitalize the Ontario wine industry. In 1974, Inniskillin Winery became the first new Ontario winery to open its doors since 1916. They opened the gates for a slew of other wineries to follow, and, by 2005, a total of 75 new wineries had opened up in the region. In 1988, the Vintner’s Quality Assurance laid out the specific geographic guidelines for the winemaking appellations of Ontario and set strict production standards on wine throughout the province.

  Today, there are three VQA wine appellations in Ontario: Lake Erie North Shore, Niagara Peninsula and Prince Edward County. Within the Niagara peninsula, there are two regional appellations: Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Niagara Escarpment. These regional appellations are then broken down further into 10 sub-appellations based on their unique geographical conditions. Each sub-appellation has different geology, soil, elevation and variation in temperatures and precipitation. There is such diverse terroir in this 13,600 acres of land that they can produce everything from delicate Rieslings to bold and tannic Petit Verdot. The Niagara Peninsula currently boasts over 46 different grape varietals. Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Gamay Noir and Pinot Noir particularly flourish here. 

  When people think of Canada, they don’t naturally think of wine. They think, “The Great White North,” hockey and snow. The reality is, the Ontario landscape is so vast and varied that it allows for the production of a lot more than just icewine. The Great Lakes border the southern part of the province. Most vineyards are planted along the perimeter of Lake Ontario, an enormous body of water that moderates the typically colder winter temperatures of the area. Moderate temps also make for a longer growing season. Harvest of most grapes doesn’t start until late September, with the late-ripening grapes being picked still well into November. Everything from Malbec to Nebbiolo can be grown. Ontario may have cold winters, but the summertime temperatures reach Mediterranean levels of 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

  Ontario also has elevation. The Niagara Escarpment stands 177 meters tall and runs through the entire Niagara Escarpment appellation. The enormous cliff formation faces north and, combined with the moderating effect of Lake Ontario, creates the perfect micro-climate for nurturing a diverse variety of grapes. The escarpment shelters the vineyards from prevailing southwest winds and traps warm lake air from the north, allowing for later bud bursts and less risk of frost in the spring, as well as extended growing seasons in the fall. Hot days followed by cold nights allow grapes to retain their acidity while fully ripening, making for exceptionally well balanced, food-friendly wine. The streams that run through the escarpment provide drainage during the spring melt and provide an excellent source of groundwater during the dry summer months.

  The soil in the Niagara Escarpment is rich and complex. UNESCO recognizes the region as a World Biosphere Reserve due to the regional appellation’s fossil-rich sedimentary soils, not unlike Burgundy and Loire Valley. The Beamsville Bench sub-appellation has some of the most sought after vineyard land because it’s home to fossil-enriched dolomites. High in calcium-magnesium, the dolomites give the wines of Beamsville Bench a distinct minerality, similar to a Chablis. Beautiful Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris are being produced here with notes of slate and wet stone, complemented by fresh pear and crisp green apples.

  Just a few kilometers from the Beamsville Bench, you find yourself in the Twenty Mile Bench with a terroir comprised predominantly of limestone and shale. These soils provide excellent water holding capacities during the growing season. Combined with the numerous streams that dissect the escarpment and provide drainage in the spring, Twenty Mile Bench is a highly regarded VQA sub-appellation. Here you will see producers focusing primarily on Burgundian style Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These beautiful cool climate wines are a breath of fresh air after an onslaught of overripe and overproduced New World wines the market has been seeing over the recent years.

  Directly next to Twenty Mile Bench, nestled between the escarpment and Lake Ontario, the Lincoln Lakeshore appellation has one of the longest and warmest growing seasons in the region. The scarp acts as a shield from heavy winds, and the lake provides insulation against cold temperatures and traps moisture during hot, dry summers. The most notable characteristic of Lincoln Lakeshore, though, is its terroir. The soil within this appellation is extremely varied. Fifty-five percent of the area is covered in light sand, but you will also find pockets of deep red clay loam and alluvial deposits from the ancient lake that once existed here. Cabernet Franc seems to flourish in these areas in a very classic expression of the varietal. Big tannin, bold black fruit and a hint of crisp green pepper are typical in these wines.

  Meanwhile, along the sunny banks of the Niagara Lakeshore appellation, light, sandy soils allow for deep-rooted vines and later ripening grapes. Here, you will find notably fuller-bodied wines with potential for maturing: big Bordeaux style blends with bold black fruits and ripe tannin. They are even growing Petit Verdot and Tannat in this appellation. The simple geography and proximity to the lake and Four Mile Creek ensure warm temperatures and lots of sunlight year-round. In other words, when it comes to wine in Ontario, there’s the opportunity to produce just about anything.

  The issue is you won’t necessarily find the best Ontario wines in the local liquor store. Ontario vintners can’t even get most of them on the shelves in their own LCBO stores. The process of getting wine in the hands of consumers is not an easy one in Ontario.

  Most Ontario wineries are opting for small-batch wines that are only available in the winery tasting rooms. Recently, “virtual wineries” have started popping up with no physical storefront, just a product packaged under a winery name—similar to the Old World French tradition of “negociants.”

  The best way to find the best Ontario wine? Come to Ontario. Let the locals tell you where to go. It won’t necessarily be the big names like Wayne Gretzky or Jackson-Triggs. Some of the best wineries are literally inside the winemaker’s house, and they’re all too happy to have you.

  Since moving to the region, I have had the pleasure of discovering numerous wine producers who are doing remarkable things. Ridgepoint Wines, located in the Twenty Mile Bench, is one of the wineries that impressed me. At Ridgepoint, they are producing everything from appassimento-style Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to single varietal Sangiovese and Nebbiolo. The wine that I brought to the holiday tasting party was a 2012 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Ripasso-style Aglianico. Amongst the juicy California Cabs and concentrated Amarones on the table, it was a delightful respite.

Tasting thirty wines in one night is no easy feat. Your palate can only handle so many Barolos in one evening. What my wine offered was a beautiful variation from the others, starting with a complex nose of cherry and cassis, toast and cedar. The refreshingly bright acidity stood out amongst the other wines, and the body, tannin and alcohol still held up against all of the heavy hitters. The palate showed lots of plush fruit balanced with oak and developing notes of leather and tobacco that lingered on the palate in a long, complex finish. The crowd didn’t know what hit them.

At the end of the night, I put on my jacket and packed up my newly acquired bottle of Gamble Mary Ann with a smug grin on my face. I proved to myself, and the others at the party, that Ontario has something to offer the world of wine. Ontario wine is not just good—it’s great.

Are More Audits Coming For the Direct-to-Consumer Market?

Cyndi

By Alex Koral, J.D., Senior Regulatory Counsel with Sovos ShipCompliant

Last fall, the state of Texas began the process of auditing all of their direct-to-consumer (DtC) wine shipping licensees, the biggest such audit in the history of this market.

While all states reserve the right to audit their licensees, the scope of this mass audit surprised many. More than 1,600 wineries possess permits to ship directly to Texas customers. Many have already received a notice from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) requesting to review their records. This time-consuming process began in September 2019, when the first round of notices were sent, and will continue as the TABC reviews all permit holders to ensure they are in compliance with the state’s laws.

At the heart of this heightened regulatory scrutiny by Texas is the dramatic rise in popularity of the DtC channel in recent years. Many wine drinkers have come to appreciate the DtC wine shipping market for bringing a direct connection to their favorite brands and greater access to wine clubs and highly-allocated labels, creating a $3 billion national market. 

The beverage alcohol industry has long been one of the most regulated enterprises in the country, so it is little surprise that this increased scrutiny has come to the DtC wine shipping channel. States have a vested interest in making sure they collect the full balance of tax money they are due and that their laws are followed to the letter. As Texas’s audits proceed, they could well represent a harbinger of what’s to come for DtC wine shippers, making it important to understand how and why regulators are examining this market. 

Even the Audits Are Bigger in Texas

In May 2005, Texas Governor Rick Perry signed into law Senate Bill 877, a transformative reform of the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Code that smashed open the door for wineries to ship directly to consumers in the state. Since then, wine enthusiasts in Texas have been able to purchase wine directly from out-of-state wineries, provided those wineries obtain the necessary sales tax and Winery Direct Shipper’s permits.

The state’s timing was no coincidence. Just one week after Gov. Perry signed the new bill into law, the Supreme Court held in Granholm v. Heald that the states’ ability to control their internal alcohol markets under the 21st Amendment did not supersede the general prohibition on discriminating against out-of-state interests under the Commerce Clause. 

Under the decision, states could no longer prohibit direct-to-consumer wine shipping if they allowed in-state shipping. In the years following Granholm, a wave of reforms flowed across the country. But Texas was one of the first to update its wine shipping laws. And today, the state lives up to its outsized reputation by being the second-biggest recipient state for direct-to-consumer wine shipping, according to Sovos ShipCompliant data. 

So what are Texas regulators seeking to achieve with this wave of audits? The goal appears to be ensuring wine shippers are properly licensed, paying excise taxes, reporting shipments, and not exceeding limits on how much they can send to individual Texans. The TABC has asked licensees for the sales data used to produce their Texas Excise Tax returns, including requests for copies of certain invoices

In addition to order data and invoice copies, the TABC has requested information regarding licensees’ business structures, including copies of their state and federal permits, and lists of corporate officers and directors. Contracts or other agreements that licensees have made with fulfillment houses and similar service providers have also been sought.

Finally, the TABC is looking into the specific wines that licensees have shipped to Texas consumers. Texas’s DtC statutes prohibit licensees from selling wines that the licensee does not personally produce or bottle. As such, the TABC has requested licensees provide Certificates of Label Approval (COLAs) and production records for wines shipped to Texas consumers.

These past requests, though, are subject to change at any time and any DtC wine shipper that does receive an audit notice should ensure they comply with the specific requests on their notice.

This heightened review by the state of Texas comes at a time when many states are working to ensure that direct-to-consumer shippers are complying with local regulations. For example, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission is stepping up in response to reports by the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association alleging widespread violation of its DtC shipping laws, and the Mississippi Supreme Court recently heard a case regarding stings conducted by the state Alcohol Control Board to catch illegal DtC shippers. 

While Texas is currently the only state to have announced a review of this size, it almost certainly won’t be the last. 

As the Market Grows, So Will Regulator Scrutiny

The Supreme Court’s decision 15 years ago in Granholm v. Heald triggered a wave of wine shipping reforms across the country. Today, 45 states plus the District of Columbia permit DtC shipping, enabling over 90% of Americans to connect directly with their favorite wineries. 

As a result, direct-to-consumer wine shipping has grown from a small, niche market in 2005 into a hugely important channel worth more than $3.2 billion in 2019. According to Sovos ShipCompliant’s annual Direct-to-Consumer Wine Shipping Report, the channel grew by  7.4% percent in value and 4.7% in volume last year as more wineries invested in e-commerce, the average price-per-bottle increased, and Oregon and Washington again outpaced the overall channel in shipment growth, among other trends. 

In many cases, DtC shipping succeeds because it allows smaller wineries access to markets they would struggle to enter if they relied solely on the traditional three-tier system due to their relative size. According to the 2020 Direct-to-Consumer Shipping Report, wineries in the small winery category (5,000 to 49,999 annual case production) again dominated the winery shipping channel in 2019, accounting for 42% of the volume of shipments and 45% of the value of the DtC channel. DTC shipping has emerged as one of the best ways for these smaller producers to reach a national audience. 

This growth also reflects consumer demand across the economy for goods delivered directly to their doorsteps. Apps like Instacart and UberEats have democratized delivery, and consumer expectations for quick and convenient delivery have never been higher. This presents a tremendous opportunity for wine sellers to expand their reach, develop their customer base and increase their sales online. 

The marketplace is also likely to get more competitive in the new decade. In 2019, the Supreme Court paved a path for expanded DtC shipping of wine by retailers in its ruling in Tennessee Wine & Spirits Retailers Association v. Thomas. While only 15 states currently allow some DtC wine shipping by out-of-state retailers, many see this decision as an opportunity to challenge old laws to expand this market. Litigation is ongoing in several states that seemingly discriminate against out-of-state retailers in regards to their ability to ship wine DtC – notably Illinois, Michigan, and Missouri. Much in the same way that Granholm prompted a wave of statutory reform, observers expect consumers and advocates to push legislative changes across the country. While it may take a number of years for these changes to take effect, expanded retail shipping is something everyone should be watching closely. 

In the meantime, regulators have a vested interest in making sure all sellers—whether package stores, direct wine shippers or otherwise—are in compliance with the law. That means ensuring they are properly licensed, collecting all applicable taxes, not overselling to individuals and preventing sales to minors. So if other states see the Texas audits bring positive results, they are likely to follow suit to uncover gaps in their own systems.

Overall, the DtC wine shipping market is still young and regulators are still figuring out how to manage it. As the market grows, we can expect this trend of closer attention being paid to DtC shipping to continue at the state levels, making now the best time for wine producers to firm up their direct-to-consumer compliance processes and overall channel strategy.

Now Is the Time to Ensure Compliance

The risk of audits like those in Texas underscores the importance of closely adhering to the various laws and reporting requirements imposed by states. That the regulations can vary among states only adds to the complexity, whereas failure to comply may result in fines, loss of home state or federal licenses, and even possible criminal charges.

Wineries have a number of ways to handle this. Some are able to build in-house teams that can manage compliance, though this can be expensive. Others rely on outside consultants to manage their compliance needs. But of course, automating compliance processes is the easiest way to ensure audit success, limit compliance risk and reduce the overall administrative burden on shippers as state-by-state tax rules, rates and forms change. 

Shipping wine can be complicated, and compliance will never be a task that anyone relishes. However, as the direct-to-consumer channel grows in its importance to the industry, it’s vital that producers shore up their compliance strategy now before the next round of state audit notices goes out. 

About the Author: Alex Koral, Senior Regulatory Counsel with Sovos

Alex Koral is senior regulatory counsel for Sovos ShipCompliant. He actively researches beverage alcohol regulations and market developments in order to inform development of Sovos’ ShipCompliant product and help educate the industry on compliance issues. Alex has worked with the company since 2015, after receiving his J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School.

On Target Spray Systems – The Future of Spraying

Cyndi

Feb 3, 2020, Mt Angel, Oregon – “Now, more than ever, it’s extremely important that you use a sprayer that provides complete overall coverage,” states Willie Hartman, Founder of On Target Spray Systems. “It’s easier to control mildew early on when you’re able to apply spray coverage both over and under leaves while also wrapping around the vines themselves.” 

Willie explains the top three reasons to switch to an electrostatic sprayer: 

1. Use Less Water: When you spray with electrostatic sprayers, you’re using less water while saving time and money. A standard sprayer will typically use one hundred gallons per acre sprayed, whereas our electrostatic sprayers will only use twenty gallons over that same area. 

2. Save Valuable Time: We can spray ten acres versus a standard sprayer’s two acres using the same two-hundred-gallon tank. That’s an opportunity to immediately reduce your tank fills by 80%. Add in the time lost because of return trips to refill the tanks, and you can see that valuable time can be recovered using electrostatic sprayers. 

3. Make Your Materials Count: By using less water, the spray drops are concentrated and more potent, resulting in less runoff, minimal drift, and improved coverage. 

Electrostatic Sprayers Save the (Rainy) Day for East Coast Wine Growers In 2018, East Coast wine grape growers experienced an unusually rainy season causing widespread mildew and rot problems. Some growers didn’t even pick. “With the On Target sprayer, we were able to keep on top of the spray program,” shares Chris Jenkins of Faith Brooke Vineyard in Luray, Virginia. “Timing was critical, application efficiency was critical, and we were able to make it happen. We actually had a fair crop, where a lot of vineyards lost theirs.” Click here to learn more from impacted growers. 

Calculate Your Savings What are the top two benefits customers enjoy from an On-Target sprayer? Labor and time savings. By switching to an On Target sprayer you too can improve your profitability. Watch our 2-minute video to learn how easy it is to calculate YOUR savings opportunity: https://ontargetspray.com/savingscalculator/ 

About On Target Spray Systems Headquartered in Oregon, On Target Spray Systems is the leader in providing reliable, electrostatic spray technology to the agricultural industry. Company founder Willie Hartman began his career selling greenhouse sprayers and equipment. He was instantly drawn to the power of electrostatic technology. With a passion to innovate, Mr. Hartman and his engineering team began a quest to create sprayers that were easier to maintain, more reliable, and more effective. On Target Spray Systems was born. Driven by technology and powered by a dynamic team, the company now serves farmers and growers in 10 

countries and more than 10 different crop segments. Equipment proudly made and manufactured in the USA. Visit www.ontargetspray.com 

The Essence of Good Winemaking

Cyndi

By: Dr Richard Smart, Dr Misha Kwasniewski, Alex Fredrickson and Dr Angela Sparrow

Think about it, if you will, what is the essence of winemaking? A very important question.

  How about if wine is were made just from the juice and pulp. What an uninteresting beverage it would be. Alcohol only, with no aroma and no flavour. Spirits are not so uninteresting.

  All of the chemical compounds which make wine such an interesting beverage are to be found in the skins, maybe a few in the seeds. These compounds include colour phenolics and the complex of flavour and aroma compounds which help to make varietal wines so distinctive.

  So the answer to my rhetorical question is: the essence of good winemaking is in skin extraction.

  This leads then to the important question of how winery practices might be conducted to facilitate extraction from the skins. I remember well my friend Dr Chris Somers, distinguished wine phenolic scientist from the Australian Wine Research Institute making the statement: ”everything that winemakers want in their wines is to be found in the pomace”. In other words the standard winemaking factors is inefficient at extraction from the skins.

How can Extraction from the Skins be Improved?

  I have long thought about this remark made by Chris Somers and wondered how might extraction from grape skins be improved. I had the opportunity to investigate some solutions to this problem in 2011. As part of my consultancy with Tamar Ridge Wines near Launceston in Tasmania we had established an experimental winery. This allowed us to make pilot scale fermentations to evaluate vineyard trials aimed to improve wine quality.

  This facility (in fact a converted apple-packing cum sheep-shearing shed) also offered the possibility for Angela Sparrow and I to investigate how the extraction from grape skins might be improved. Angela initially worked as a technician in the experimental winery before enrolling as a PhD candidate at the University of Tasmania in 2011.

  Our first effort was a modification to fermenter design which showed little promise. The second was the light bulb moment. We figured that a simple way to improve skin extraction would be to make skin particles smaller (skin fragmentation), so that they had a larger edge to surface area ratio. There would be a smaller diffusion path of skin constituents to the skin edge from smaller rather than larger skin particles. So extraction would be enhanced.

  We find in fact that most grape berries coming out of commercial crushers are simply squashed or flattened, each with a rather small broken skin edge. We call this phenomenon “flattened spheres”, each “envelope” often contains skin and seeds. We analysed a sample of Pinot Gris berries from a Bucher Vaslin crusher, and found that there were 181 flattened spheres, and only 12 skin fragments.

  We evaluated fragmenting grape skins simply using a laboratory blender. We were of course mindful that such an operation should not damage the seeds, and careful checking revealed that this was the case. Therefore we proceeded to make experiments using our micro-vinification techniques, and found that the color and phenolic extraction of Pinot Noir was greatly improved, and sensory evaluation showed that so was the wine quality. We were of course thrilled!

agar plates Control vs ACE
Figure 1

  Figure 1 shows Pinot Noir must samples one hour after treatment. The sample on the left shows typical flattened spheres after crushing, with limited color diffusion. The sample on the right was crushed then fragmented, and see the difference in color extraction!

Confirming the Results

  The intensive study by Angela of grape skin fragmentation for her PhD created a considerable number of scientific publications, including both wine chemistry and sensory evaluation verification of the concept. Angela developed the term “ACE” to describe the process, the acronym standing for Accentuated Cut Edges. The first paper in the series was published in the American Journal of Enology and Viticulture in 2016. It was entitled “Reducing skin particle size affects the phenolic attributes of Pinot Noir wine. Proof of concept.” Other papers followed including wine chemistry and sensory evaluation. Always ACE shone through, producing better Pinot Noir wines.

  For the next six years Angela’s studies progressed from small ferments to those in commercial wineries, helped in part by an industry research grant. A prototype machine to achieve ACE was designed and developed, and allowed ACE evaluation at commercial scale.

Enter Della Toffola and DTMA

  The machine, the scientific results and wine samples were shown to Giacomo Della Toffola in Tasmania. The large Italian winery equipment company Della Toffola then proposed a joint venture with Richard Smart and Angela Sparrow to further the development commercially. The result is the DTMA machine, DTMA being the acronym for Della Toffola Maceration Accelerator.

  This machine was evaluated as a prototype by Angela in Australia, New Zealand and Italy in 2016 and 2017. The DTMA machine is now commercially available in a range of capacities through the international dealerships of Della Toffola (see www.dellatoffola.it).

Della Toffola Maceration Accelerator

  The machine is shown in Figure 2. It is relatively small and portable, and is connected by hoses between the crusher and the fermenter.

  Coriole winery of McLaren Vale, South Australia was the first to purchase DTMA in Australia following trials conducted there by Dr Angela Sparrow. More recently the unit has been used in experiments by several researchers from the University of Adelaide. Trials have been conducted as well in California during the 2019 vintage which will be reported in the future.

Using ACE to Improve Chambourcin Tannins in Missouri

  Interspecific hybrid wines are generally much lower than vinifera in final tannin content. This is in spite of some hybrid grapes having appreciable tannins in their skin and seeds. Several studies have pointed to hybrids as having trouble with tannin extraction and retention during winemaking.

  This has led researchers at the University of Missouri in the U.S. to investigate the efficacy of ACE treatment on cv. Chambourcin.  Alex Fredrickson, PhD. student in Misha Kwasniewski’s lab, presented preliminary results of the study at the 2019 Eastern Section of the American Society of Enology and Viticulture. Alex found that ACE treatment at crush and immediately before pressing substantially increased final tannin concentration in the wines versus control, in measurements made 6-months after pressing, as measured by Adams-Harbertson assay.

  ACE at crush yielded 146 mg/L catechin equivalents (CE), ACE 24 hours to pressing was 118 mg/L CE, whereas control was only 47 mg/L CE. ACE at crushing  represents a massive 310% increase in tannin! This work was part of a larger investigation that included looking into exogenous tannin addition retention as well as tannin protein interactions. The ACE treated wines were similar in concentration to a massive exogenous tannin addition of 1400mg/l at either 20° Brix (1-day after inoculation) or later at 5° Brix.

  These results suggest that ACE treatment either released a large enough amount of tannin to overcome whatever factor is causing poor retention of exogenous additions, or alternatively that the ACE treatment somehow is mediating the problem. No differences were found between total protein content in ACE treated wines or control immediately after pressing; this suggests that the protein-tannin interactions may not explain the increase. Further characterization of the proteins is ongoing.

  Given the promising results the work was repeated in 2019. As this work moves forward the group will be looking into impacts on wine volatiles, the consistency of treatment impacts on Chambourcin and potentially other interspecific hybrids. As well, studies continue into the underlying mechanism for the dramatic increase found in the 2018 results.

Conclusion

  Giacomo Della Toffola believes that the ACE process achieved with DTMA will be a “revolution in winemaking”, his impression when he first viewed the results of ACE research.

  Interestingly Della Toffola has been awarded an esteemed Innovation Award in Winemaking at the 2019 SIMEI Winemaking exhibition in Milano Italy.

  Continuing research has shown that ACE/DTMA can considerably save winemaking costs, some of which are accentuated by vintage compression and climate change. Earlier research by Angela Sparrow has shown that following ACE treatment, red wine ferments can be taken off skins after only three days, thus allowing more use of specialized red wine fermenters and with savings in cellar labor. Early results with DTMA have shown encouraging results with aromatic white wines.

  For further information about ACE contact Angela Sparrow (angela@vinventive.com) or Richard Smart (richard@smartvit.com.au); for DTMA contact  www.dellatoffola.us

1.  Dr Richard Smart: Smart Viticulture, Greenvale, Vic., Australia; vinedoctor@smartvit.com.au

2.  Dr Misha Kwasniewski: Grape and Wine Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA. kwasniewskim@missouri.edu

3.  Alex Fredickson & Dr Angela Sparrow: Vintessential, Laguna, Tas., Australia

Crush Pad Design Considerations Before Building Your Winery

Cyndi
Wine grapes ready for crushing
Wine grapes ready for crushing, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia

By: Thomas J. Payette, Winemaking Consultant

The crush pad design of a winery is one of the most critical areas of the winery.  Much of the hard work, in making wine, happens on the crush pad especially during harvest.  Make sure to design and implement all aspects of the desired needs into the crush pad of your functional winemaking facility.  Below are some broad and expandable review points that apply to most, if not all, crush pads.

Weather:  Often grapes are picked based on weather.  Realistically, if inclement weather is forecasted the vineyard and winery team may make a decision to pick a variety before that forecasted event.  This will often mean that the crushing and pressing of that fruit may happen during poor weather conditions.  For this reason and for protection from all the elements, including hot sunshine, it is recommended the crush pad have a roof or cover over it.    Be sure to have ample ceiling height under the cover so as not to restrict certain activities such as dumping fruit into hoppers by way of forklift.

Cost:  This will be some of the least expensive square footage you will build at your winery.  Make sure to have enough room to handle the bulky mass of grapes so that the fruit may be crushed or processed into their respective least bulky state whether it is juice or must.  Make sure the concrete floor, if used, is thick enough to handle forklift traffic and that the finish has enough aggregate (rough surface) to make sure foot and vehicle traffic will have ample traction on the surface.  Because this will be some of the least cost in terms of square footage be sure to battle building planners that may want to reduce the amount of crush pad space allocated in the plans.

Plumbing:  Think through your operations anticipated on the crush pad.  Then use critical thought as to where certain needs for water are.  Winterizable plumbing, hot and cold, should be placed so hoses can be used but out of the way of foot and vehicle traffic, including doorways.  Size the lines to the area to allow for ample flow and encourage the plumbing contractor to use full port handled ball valves and to not use standard boiler valves for water supply.  Plan mechanical “stub outs” is this area if this area is planned to be the future expansion area of the winery buildings growth.

Wiring:  Make sure to think through plug outlet placement in respect to how it will service each piece of equipment anticipated, use the shortest length of cord and placed so the cords remain out of the way of foot and vehicle traffic.  Examples of operations that will need power are:  Press, pump, crusher, must pump, sorting table(s), shaker(s) and perhaps a few extra outlets if multiple operations will be happening in alternate work areas.  Make sure these electric outlets have weather proof closures and possibly set up on GFI’s ( Ground Fault Interrupters ).  Ample work lighting, including lighting to view into tractor trailers, should be addressed and ample 110 volts outlets should exist.  Review if ceiling fans are desired on your crush pad and if so – place them high above the floor to allow for forklift activity.  Review if any “mood lighting” is desired on a marketing level outside crushing hours.  Make sure to know what power service is run to your building in terms of amps and how many phases (single vs. three phase).  Additional wiring needs may be for internet access, cameras, intercoms, phone etc.

Drains:  A critical feature of the crush pad due to the large volume of water and cleaning used.  Proper sloping floors to these drains should be used so water will gravitate toward them without the assistance of a squeegee   If portions of the crush pad are not covered, make sure to place a three-way valve from the drain to redirect storm and rain water to a more proper location (review local building suggestions).  Review the need for a catch basin to strain solids from the crush pad effluent.  Make sure these drains will withstand the heavy forklift and equipment traffic.

Walls:  The walls on the crush pad should be durable and reasonably easy to clean.  Concrete, cinderblock, tile or other physically strong materials should be considered for at least the first 40 inches of height of the walls.  These are reasonably cleaned and very durable to resist bumping from pallet jacks, forklifts, tractors and other heavy items.  Above the 40 inches, if the masonry is not extended, perhaps look at an easily cleaned attractive and durable surface such a metal or vinyl siding materials.

Flooring Surface:  Mentioned earlier but worth re-emphasizing.  Make sure the surface of the flooring will handle all predicted vehicles, such as pallet jacks and forklifts, in terms of its thickness and PSI ratings.  Also make sure the surface has enough aggregate finish to avoid slipping of foot and vehicle traffic.

Mirrors:  An easy tool to implement, and rarely considered, if certain areas are difficult for forklift and machinery operators to see.  Try and locate a mirror placement that will allow sight to that area.  This could be in, near and around door ways.  Another area nice for mirrors is above any equipment that has high hoppers filled by forklift.  This will allow the operator to remain on the forklift, yet, be able to see inside the hopper to know all the fruit has moved through the hopper before adding more or closing a press door for example.

Catwalks:  Study your crush pad operation to determine if you need catwalks to service, operate and clean certain machinery.  Can these catwalks have dual purpose by allowing winery production staff access the catwalk while also allowing tour guides to accompany tour traffic through the same area?  This can be a great marketing tool as well as a great working tool.  Some wineries have successfully placed their hopper to the press along a catwalk so winery workers may rinse and clean that hopper carefully from that catwalk location. The same area can be used for customer tours.

Crush Pad Access Into Building:  Many wineries opt for a lay out that gives access to the tank room from the crush pad.  Often this is the first place the juices or must will go so that layout makes logical sense.  Try and have easy access to the lab, also, so winemakers can easily assess the fruit and corrections, if desired, can be made quickly and easily. 

Crush Pad Access from Outside:  Makes sure to plan for forklift, pallet jack, truck, tractor trailer and drive on traffic by way of tractor and wagon.  Most designs have at least two tractor trailer loading dock stations so one may park a refer semi on the premise to chill fruit as needed.  Another dock may be used to receive fruit or other items by way of tractor trailer.  If possible include a height to load a box truck or pick up with some relative ease and then make sure vineyard tractors and wagons may drive on the crush pad for delivery and perhaps pomace removal from the crush pad.  Many smart winery setups elevate their presses high enough in the air so that pomace may be dumped directly into a wagon or manure spreader to remove that pomace quickly and efficiently with little shoveling. Think this through when deciding on placement of the equipment.

Building Door Access Placement:  Make sure to have at least one people door, with glass panes , and one larger overhead door, with see though/drive through plastic strip doors added.  The overhead door is usually where large tanks are brought in and out of the winery.  New glass shipments, if arriving at this loading dock will need to have access to the building and this door is often the door of choice due to its proximity to the loading dock.

Thresholds:  Make sure to design most of the crush pad, as well as the complete winery building, with minimal raised thresholds in doorways or between floors so as to allow for easy movements of items by way of pallet jack, forklift, dolly etc.

Vineyard Safety Assistance:  If your winery has vineyard operations on the property or close by, review if one may place the potentially required outdoor chemical safety shower on the crush pad in case of emergency.  Check with someone who knows locality regulations to see if this is an option at reasonable savings.  In many cases this same shower may be enough for the winery lab and production needs.

Non-Stationary Equipment:  If your winery has movable equipment make sure to place electric outlets appropriately to service these pieces of equipment.  Plan to be able to crush reds and to press whites simultaneously if possible.  Many pieces of equipment come with short flexible electric cords to them so take a proactive step, before crush, to replace them with reasonable length cords so as to allow various configurations and flexibility in their set-up.  Not each grape with go through the exact same process and the winery will benefit from this flexibility.

Stationary Equipment:  Make sure stationary equipment is placed strategically to allow it to function properly.  Make sure, for example, that a press is placed far enough away from a wall to allow its juice pan to be moved so a pomace wagon may pull underneath for unloading.

Protective Corners:  Wall corners, by way of some form of angle iron type material, to protect from day to day traffic and worker abuse are a great asset.  These areas often have hoses and cords pulled through them and they wear easily.  It is best to protect them. Other areas to need protection may be around mechanical equipment or winemaking gases such as :  Nitrogen, Carbon dioxide, Argon, Liquid Sulfur Dioxide and now Oxygen.  Pilings best protect these areas from larger traffic issues.

Sight Into Cellar:  If possible make sure the winemaking staff can see into the cellar from the crush pad.  Often transfers are being made and a design that allows visual inspection that the transfer is happening as expected is important.  This function can be a simple as glass paned doors as mentioned above.  Other groups have used cameras to assist the winemaking team confirm their valuable juice or wine moves safely from the crush pad to the cellar or vice-versa.

Hose Access to Cellar:  Many wineries now have openings, usually oversized PVC pipes through the walls, of the buildings so small wine transfer lines may be run through them.  This helps eliminate leaving cellar doors open during the crush allowing cold air to escape and more than likely large amounts of fruit fly access.  These may be used additionally for water hoses and electric lines, if unplanned for in the lay out.  I recommend two PVC “sleeves” with plugs at a minimum place about two inches above the crush pad floor with a slight fall back toward the crush pad so wine, juice and water will drain out on the crush pad for proper cleaning/disposal. 

Gravity:  Keep in mind the crush pad placement if gravity is desired to be used and how that feature will integrate into the rest of the structure and winemaking processes.  Must can transfer into the tanks by way of gravity if the crush pad is elevated higher than the tanks.  Other ways to achieve gravity are by way of forklift.  Be sure to work with all winery personnel and designers to make sure these areas are discussed and completely thought through.   The forklift should be the only machine (see below) that is critical in your process.  This machine is typically easily fixed or replaced on short notice.  Always place a few calls before crush to have a plan “B” as close to your potential needs as desired.

Forklift:  Often the most utilized piece of equipment for moving materials during the crush on the crush pad.  Gravity may be achieved easily with a forklift.  Heavy items are also easily moved from one point to another.  Allow plenty of space for the forklift operator to have adequate space to perform these tasks easily.

Over Thinking Your Processes:  Make sure that your crush pad set up is not so rigid that production on the crush doesn’t have some flexibility.  Imagine if one machine, in a series of machines, were to become broken.  Can a crushing set up plan exist to skip that machine or does the complete process come to a halt?  Make sure the winemaker has enough “stage”, if you will, to have several variations in production choices.

Emergency Processing:  Similar to over thinking the process above.  Imagine poor weather has been persistent for many days during harvest.  Projections of more poor weather are predicted and you are rapidly losing your crop and/or quality.  Contract growers and estate vineyard crews are grumbling.  You can’t keep enough labor at your sorting table and/or you choose not to sort.  Can this process or any other parts in your process be skipped, at will, to not loose or jeopardize the complete vintage?  Perhaps a break down occurs with one of the machines.  Can they be worked around or does this bring the complete processing to a stop?

Equipment:  Make sure when planning your winery and crush pad to think through all the pieces of equipment that may needed.  Make sure ample space is provided on the crush pad for these items.  A starter list of equipment may include but not be limited to :  Press; crusher-stemmer; must pump, pump, sorting table(s); shaker(s) and other(s).  Make sure enough power, light, refrigeration, compressed air or other needs are supplied to the crush area to support these selected pieces of equipment.

Non Crush Pad Use:  I always like to think of the winery as a large refrigerator.  I often will move barrels, on racks by way of forklift, from the winery and work with them on the crush pad when possible.  This allows me to access the barrels fully for a quality control check and to work with them for such activities as racking, stirring, topping, adjustments and making blends.  Working on the crush pad allows more efficient use of the winery square footage inside for storage and minimizing utilities associated with the winery power usage.

Crush Pad Café:  Using this term loosely to suggest other activities can happen on the crush pad area.  This could include tables and chairs, picnics and other winery marketing functions.  Small heaters can make the season longer for this type of use.  Winery personnel often want to hide the machinery associated with processing grapes but we must remember customers often find it interesting if it is clean and safely arranged on the crush pad.

Noise:  Be sure to have mechanicals such as HVAC compressors and glycol units placed with enough distance from the crush pad.  This will assist in better employee communication and help with the use of this area for marketing functions.  Often architects and builders see this ample flat area as a place to station these mechanical units.  Be certain to tackle this topic well in advance to make for better planning and smoother operations both at building and during upcoming harvests. 

Future Building:  If the crush pad will eventually be another part of your winery building planned in the future, make sure to include the infrastructure to support those plans into the mechanical aspects of the crush pad.  This could include footers to code where load bearing walls are projected to be constructed, plumbing stub outs, electrical trunk feeds etc.

Regulatory:  Make sure to review your plat and bonded area before moving forward with some of the operations mentioned above.  In many cases wines being handled on the crush pad means that area should be bonded.  In other cases such as social events taxed wine may not be allowed back onto a bonded premise area.  Review the needs of your winery to see if multiple uses may be possible  in one form or another.

Ancillary Thoughts:

• Will a large water tank, elevated high, be mounted on/near the crush pad to fill a sprayer rapidly?

• If production and tour catwalks are used to service both needs simultaneously?  Will rinsing water overspray be an issue?

• Will employees respect the crush pad space by keeping it organized and not parking personal vehicles on it during working hours?

• Will extra unused pallets be stored on the crush pad and if so where?

  Summary:  When thinking of the crush pad it is best to list everything one may want to do in the space.  Try to think in terms in how each operation can be done with the least amount of physical effort, maximizing quality, and employ those ideas.  “How can I do the best possible job with my fruit, wine and marketing with the absolute minimal effort?”  Make it a pleasure to work at your winery structure with ample planning on the crush pad.

Reach Tom by phone: 540-672-0387 or www.winemakingconsultant.com.

Anatomy of a Trademark Case

Cyndi
trademark law tag

By: Brian D. Kaider, Esq.

In earlier articles, I have discussed the benefits of federal registration of trademarks, how they differ from patents and copyrighted materials, and how far you should go to protect your marks.  But, when someone decides to take the ultimate step to initiate litigation, I find that they often have little understanding of the process, the timelines, the costs, and the burdens involved.  This article is meant to give a high-level view of what a litigation entails, either at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office or in federal court.

Two Venues

  If your goal is to oppose the pending registration of another person’s trademark, or to cancel such a registration after it issues, you will generally bring your case to the USPTO’s Trademark Trials and Appeals Board (TTAB).   On the other hand, if you believe that someone is infringing your trademark and you want to seek monetary damages, you will file a lawsuit in a U.S. District Court.  There is overlap in these proceedings; for example, you can seek to cancel a registered trademark as part of a court case, but there are differences as well; e.g., you cannot seek monetary damages at the TTAB.  Generally, though, the processes in both venues are similar.

Before Filing – Due Diligence

  Whether at the TTAB or in federal court, before you file your case, you are obligated to ensure that you have a proper basis for doing so.   Your attorney will ask many questions and likely want to see some documentation.  This is their due diligence process to see whether you have reasonable grounds to bring your case and to assess your likelihood of success in the matter.  They are looking for such issues as: whether you own a valid trademark and have standing to bring the case; whether the other party has a valid trademark and, if so, which party has priority in its rights; the similarity of the two trademarks and their channels of trade; evidence of when and how the other party has used its mark, etc.  If, after reviewing these materials, the attorney agrees that you have a reasonable basis for your case, they will draft the initial filing documents.  In the TTAB, these would be a Notice of Opposition or a Petition for Cancellation; in federal court, it would be a Complaint.  For simplicity sake, I will refer to all of these documents as complaints.

Filing the Complaint

  Your attorney will synthesize the material you provide into a complaint.  While complaints have a required structure that is somewhat dry and formulaic, because it is the first opportunity to educate the TTAB or judge as to what the case is about, it should paint a very clear picture of how you have been aggrieved and the other party is responsible.  The cost of this stage of the case will depend upon the complexity of the issues and, of course, your attorney’s hourly rate.  For a complex case, it may take as much as 30-40 hours of attorney time to do the legal research, analysis, investigation, and draft the complaint.  The government filing fees for the complaint, whether at the TTAB or in federal court are $400.

Discovery

  This is the stage of litigation of which clients tend to have the least understanding, and for good reason.  It’s a complex array of processes and rules and is frequently the source of many disputes between the parties.  For this reason, it is also often the most expensive part of the litigation process.

  As a general matter, “discovery” is the process through which you get information from the other side in order to try to prove your case.  In both TTAB proceedings and court litigations, the discovery process is fairly broad, meaning that you are allowed to ask for a wide array of information from the other side.  Court litigations, however, are broader in scope because, for example, those cases usually involve monetary damages, which are not at issue in TTAB proceedings. This is also one of the reasons that court litigations are more expensive.

  There are four basic tools in discovery: interrogatories, requests for production, requests for admission, and depositions. 

Interrogatories are simply questions you ask the other side and they are required to answer.  For example, you might ask the other party to describe the dates and circumstances under which they created and adopted their trademark. 

Requests for production are how you ask the other party to provide you with documents or other tangible items in their possession.  As an example, you might ask the other party to produce documents that demonstrate the geographic areas in which they have sold products under the challenged trademark. 

Requests for admission are statements of fact that you ask the other side to admit or deny.  These can be useful to narrow the issues and pin your opponent down on specific points.  For example, you might ask the other party to admit that they did not use their trademark before a particular date. 

Depositions are probably the most dreaded discovery tool.  Through a deposition, you subpoena a witness to physically appear in a room with your attorney and to answer questions under oath in the presence of a stenographer and/or video recorder that will take down their every word.  Depending upon the complexity of the case, these depositions may last as long as 7 hours, each.

  Often, there will be several rounds of written discovery between the parties before depositions are taken.  This enables the parties to review the documents and narrow the issues so they may ask more pointed questions of the deposition witnesses.  This written discovery process can be lengthy, arduous, and disruptive to the parties’ businesses.  The parties generally have 30 days to respond to each discovery request, so the whole discovery process can take anywhere from several months to several years in more complicated cases. 

In addition to drafting and responding to each other’s requests, the attorneys will often have protracted discovery disputes, arguing about the scope of the requests, the disclosure of confidential business information, or the application of attorney-client privilege.  Most clients dramatically underestimate the amount of time it will take to complete discovery, the amount of time and effort they will have to spend in collecting documents and responding to requests, and the costs involved. 

Experts

  All of the discovery issues mentioned above relate to what are called “fact witnesses.”  This can be anyone who has factual information relevant to the case.  In most instances, the requests will be directed to the company and/or individual owners or employees of the company.  In some cases, the litigants may also seek discovery from third parties who have no direct involvement in the matter, but nevertheless have information relevant to the case.  There is another category of discovery, however, relating to expert witnesses.

  In trademark cases, experts will sometimes be called by one or both sides to provide opinions as to whether there is a likelihood that the relevant public will be confused as to the source of goods due to the similarity of the two trademarks.  Sometimes these experts will conduct surveys of the public.  The experts will then draft a written report of their findings and stating their opinions.  The other side will usually then take a deposition of the expert to try to expose weaknesses in their opinions.  While experts can be extremely useful, they also dramatically add to the cost of the litigation due to their fees as well as the cost of associated discovery.

Motions

  Throughout the case, but particularly after discovery, each party may file a variety of motions with the TTAB or court.  A motion is a document requesting the court to decide an issue.  For example, if the other party refuses to provide certain requested documents, you might file a motion to compel, asking the court to require the party to produce the documents.  There may also be motions to dismiss the case, motions for sanctions for abusing the discovery process, motions to exclude evidence or disqualify an expert, and many more.  After discovery is completed, the parties will often file a motion for summary judgment, in which the party claims that there are no material facts in dispute between the parties and therefore they are entitled to win the case as a matter of law.

  With all motions, the other party will have an opportunity to file a written opposition to the motion.  In some cases, the motion will be decided by the court just on the basis of these written briefs, but for more complex issues, the parties or the court may request an oral hearing to present the issues to the court in-person.

Trial

  Up to this point, the processes at the TTAB and in federal court are very similar.  This is where they diverge significantly. 

  At the TTAB, the plaintiff will have a period of time in which they may present evidence to the board in support of their case.  They first have to make “pre-trial disclosures,” telling the board and the other party what witnesses they will present, for example.  Then there will be a “trial” period during which they present their case: they will submit various documents and affidavits, and may take testimonial depositions of the witnesses either through live testimony or written questions. At the conclusion of this period, the defendant will have an opportunity to do the same.  The plaintiff will then have an additional period for rebuttal.  Once these “trial” periods are complete, each side will have an opportunity to file a brief, arguing the facts to the board.  This entire process from the beginning of the plaintiff’s trial phase, to the filing of the last brief, may take as long as 9-10 months.  Upon completion of the briefs, one or both parties may ask the board for an oral hearing.  After all of the briefs are completed and, if requested, the hearing has taken place, the Board will then take all of the evidence under consideration and render its decision.  This process may take several more months.

  By contrast, a trial in federal court is the process with which people are more familiar.  As with a TTAB proceeding, the parties will make certain disclosures to the court and may argue about what evidence may be presented, but the trial phase itself is what people typically expect.  It is a live process in front of a jury and/or judge in which the parties may call witnesses to testify and may present physical evidence for the court’s consideration.  It is a more interactive process, where each side may cross examine each other’s witnesses immediately.  The whole trial process generally may take a couple days to several weeks.

Conclusion

  Whether at the TTAB or in federal court, a trademark litigation is a lengthy, costly, and exhausting endeavor.  Whenever possible, parties should attempt alternative means to resolve disputes that are far less burdensome.  But, when litigation cannot be avoided, the parties should at least have a full understanding of the timeline, the processes, and the costs involved.  While most cases at the TTAB and in federal court settle, the parties should be prepared for the case to go all the way through trial.  Every case is different, but parties should expect a trademark case to take 1 ½ –  2 years to complete, sometimes more.  A TTAB case that goes to trial will certainly cost in the tens of thousands of dollars and often will reach six figures.  A federal court case will start in the hundreds of thousands and may reach seven figures in more complicated matters.  It is imperative that the parties have a full and frank discussion with their attorneys about all of the issues discussed herein.

  Brian Kaider is a principal of KaiderLaw, an intellectual property law firm with extensive experience in the craft beverage industry.  He has represented clients from the smallest of start-up breweries to Fortune 500 corporations in the navigation of regulatory requirements, drafting and negotiating  contracts, prosecuting trademark and patent applications, and complex commercial litigation.  bkaider@kaiderlaw.com, (240) 308-8032

RED BLOTCH DISEASE: Update & Importance of Producing Clean Planting Stock

Cyndi
red veins on leaves
Close up view of Grapevine red blotch virus foliar symptoms

By: Judit Monis, Ph.D.

Early this year I wrote about the Grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV) infection status of vines in the University of California at Davis Foundation block (also known as the Russell Ranch Foundation block).  In this article I will update the reader on GRBV biology as well as the disease status of the Russell Ranch foundation block.  In spite of all the management activities performed to control the spread of the virus, the latest testing results showed a drastic increase in infection of the vines planted in the Russell Ranch foundation block.

Grapevine Red Blotch Disease is Caused by GRBV

  Grapevine red blotch virus is different from most other known grapevine infecting viruses in that its genetic material is DNA, rather than RNA.  Both the molecular and structural characterization has placed GRBV in a new genus Grablovirus within the Geminiviridae family.   Because grapevine viruses are not mechanically transmissible to grapevines, it has been difficult to demonstrate Koch’s postulates.

The postulates state that a pathogen must be isolated in pure form from a symptomatic plant, later introduced to a healthy plant, and cause the same disease symptoms seen in the original infected plant from which the virus was isolated.  Koch’s postulates show the “cause and effect” of a virus, in other words, demonstrate that a specific virus is responsible for the symptoms observed in infected vines.  As hard as it has been for researchers to complete Koch’s postulates with grapevine viruses, Dr. Marc Fuchs team at Cornell University was able to show, using recombinant DNA technology, that GRBV genetic material can reproduce red blotch foliar symptoms in red fruited grapevine varieties.   This is why now we call this virus Grapevine red blotch and not Grapevine red blotch associated virus (i.e., other grapevine viruses have the associated word because Koch’s postulates have not been completed).

  To date it appears that GRBV is a North American virus, although the virus was detected in Chinese, Korean, Swiss, and most recently in Argentine vineyards, it appears that the material originated in North America.  In contrast, other viruses such as grapevine leafroll associated viruses have a world-wide distribution (i.e., it is found everywhere grapevines are grown).  In spite of the recent discovery of Grapevine red blotch virus, it was found in a UC Davis grapevine herbarium specimen indicating that this virus has been present in Californian vineyards since the 1940s. 

Even for an experienced professional like me, sometimes it is difficult to distinguish leafroll from red blotch disease in the vineyard.  This is especially true with red-fruited grapevine varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Pinot Noir. That is why it is so important to confirm the presence of the virus with laboratory diagnostic tests.

Grapevine Red Blotch Disease Transmission and Spread

  Grapevine red blotch virus is graft transmissible and predominantly propagated by producing cuttings of infected rootstock and scion material.  In the recent years the vectored transmission of GRBV has been determined.  Work by researchers at Cornell University and the University of California showed that the three-cornered alfalfa tree hopper (Spissistilus festinus) is able to transmit the virus under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. The three-cornered alfalfa tree hopper insect prefers to feed in legumes, grasses, and shrubs.  However, the discovery of a potential vector cannot explain the reason for the sudden discovery and rapid spread of GRBV in vineyards.  While research continues to determine if other vectors are capable of transmitting GRBV it is obvious that the rapid expansion of this virus in vineyards was due to unknowingly propagating and grafting cuttings from infected vines.

Do We Really Understand GRBV Biology?

  Recent work performed at Cornell University has shown a seasonal and uneven distribution of GRBV in grapevines.  This contrasts the work performed in my laboratory with samples from field grown vines.  My research program (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313858753_Symptom_Expression_and_Detection_of_Grapevine_red_blotch_virus_in_Red_and_White_Fruited_Grape_Varieties) showed that red blotch virus can be detected from any portion of the vine in high concentrations.  In other words, red blotch virus can be detected in newly expanded as well as mature leaves, petioles, lignified or green canes, as well as cordons and trunks.  Further, red blotch virus was detectable throughout the different seasons of the year in samples collected from known infected vineyards in California.  The discrepancy might be due to a potential latent period needed for virus to move and colonize vines. 

The Russell Ranch Foundation Block Virus Status

  Keeping important viruses such as the ones that cause leafroll and red blotch diseases out of productive vineyards relies on clean planting stock programs.  In California, the Grapevine Registration and Certification (R&C) is administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).  A Few years ago, a new block with progeny vines produced with tissue culture and thoroughly tested using the “Protocol 2010” were planted in the UC Davis Russell Ranch block.  The foundation block is located in close proximity to research plots (some include trials of grapevine virus infected vines) and the town and is routinely tested by the UC Davis Foundation Plant Services (FPS) Personnel.  Last year in November, FPS scientists reported the progressive spread of GRBV in the Russell Ranch block.  To summarize, four vines were found infected with GRBV in 2017, in 2018 the number increased to 24 vines, in 2019 the testing results yielded over 300 vines infected with the virus.  Fortunately, FPS has suspended the sale of vines from the Russell Ranch block until further notice.  However, potentially nurseries may have propagated vines from mother plants that were infected with the virus and could continue to disperse the virus to their mother blocks and newly planted vineyards.

Conclusions

  Guidelines are not available on the required distance between nursery and/or foundation blocks from commercial or potentially infected vineyards.  It is expected that transmission of harmful viruses will continue to occur if certified blocks are not carefully monitored and kept in isolation.  The current situation of the CDFA R&C vines demonstrates the need for more applied research to mitigate disease in nursery and foundation blocks.  Due to the progressive spread of GRBV in the Russell Ranch Foundation Block, it appears that the only solution to produce clean planting stock is to start anew

  Unfortunately, no back up tissue culture material of the varieties planted at the Russell Ranch Foundation Block are available.   However, siblings from some of the varieties subjected to tissue culture were planted in the Classic (older) foundation.  In the future, these siblings (numbered 02 rather than 01) will be tested using the Protocol 2010 to make them available for purchase. To obtain virus free plants, the meristem tissue culture technique will need to be applied for the elimination of GRVB.  Once new plants are produced, these will need to be protected from new infections.  For best results, vines should be grown in insect proof greenhouses or screenhouses, and in geographical areas where grapevines are not grown.  It is also advisable to keep a backup of all vine material in case infection is detected in the future.  In the meanwhile, it will be imperative for nurseries and growers to carefully determine the health status of propagated material prior to distribution and planting to avoid multiplying and introducing infected vines to the vineyard.

  Judit Monis, Ph.D. provides specialized services to help growers, vineyard managers, and nursery personnel avoid the propagation and transmission of disease caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses in their vineyard blocks.  Judit (based in California) is fluent in Spanish and is available to consult in all wine grape growing regions of the word.  Please visit juditmonis.com for information or contact juditmonis@yahoo.com to request a consulting session at your vineyard.

2020 The Year of Personalization

Cyndi
Hand using tablet with application icons flying around
Businessman hand using tablet with flying application icons around

By: Scott Moss and Susan DeMatei

According to Forbes, 2020 is going to be the year of personalized marketing. The current opinion is that we are all so bombarded with advertising and emails that we now tune out anything that isn’t specifically relevant to us. When Ad Age asked executives the one thing anyone could do to impact their marketing in the future, a full third of them answered “personalization.” And Conversant Media noted 94% of customer insights and marketing professionals they surveyed listed personalization as either “important,” “very important,” or “extremely important” for meeting their current marketing objectives.

  Back in the 1990’s when the internet and data tracking was young, there was a public outcry concerning privacy and personalization. Individuals were nervous about the newly formed “cookie” technology and didn’t like being tracked online and were suspicious about loyalty cards being scanned at checkout in stores. But now, we take it for granted that when you leave something in a cart you’re going to see an ad for it the next time you log in to Facebook, and we don’t feel creeped out when we buy kitty litter at the grocery store and we get a coupon for cat food along with our receipt.

Age of Customer

  Personalization is everywhere and we’re used to it and we like it – which makes the blanket, non-personalized communications all the more blatantly lazy and unappealing. According to an online Epsilon survey of 1,000 consumers ages 18-64, the appeal for personalization is high, with 80% of respondents indicating they are more likely to do business with a company if it offers personalized experiences, and 90% indicating that they find personalization appealing.

  And, personalization does work. In multiple studies, personalized ads and emails are perceived as more engaging, educational, time-saving, and memorable than mass advertising or emails. Experian reports personalized emails deliver 6x higher transaction rates. And, with new affordable tools, there really isn’t an excuse for mass marketing anymore.

  What this means is that we can no longer rely on mass, generic email blasts to our customers and expect the returns we did in the past. Our buyers are now empowered, and their expectations are high in the messaging and advertising they receive. In the Age of the Customer, we need to be smarter about how we communicate.

  The good thing is, this doesn’t require us to restructure our entire marketing plan. Here are three simple things we can do today to improve the way we interact with our customers on a more personal level:

EMAIL LIST SEGMENTATION

  List segmentation is the quickest way to personalize messages to customers. It can be as simple as creating an email for recent visitors to your tasting room or website purchasers.  Sending these customers, a thank you email 30-days after their visit or purchase is a great way to personalize and engage with a follow-up offer.  You can add a deeper level of personalization if your email provider gives you the ability to insert the customer’s first name in the body copy.

  Additionally, each email can be more personal by modifying the subject line with the purchase location, “Thank you for visiting our tasting room,” or “Thank you or your online purchase.”  Although this may require two email sends, it refines the touchpoint and serves as a reminder of the customer experience.

  Start Crawling: Set up some automatic emails like “abandon cart” and “thank you for visiting.”

  Learn to walk: Take your email list segmentation beyond Wine Club and Non-Club into purchase history. To do this, divide your list into first-time buyers, repeat buyers, and non-buyers/prospects. Then, for every campaign, tailor the message for each. For first-time purchasers give them easy second purchase options similar to their first, for repeat buyers offer them volume or shipping discounts, and for prospects, tell them a little more about yourself and offer a trial package.

  Learn to run: Combine the two. First, set up ongoing automated campaigns (called “drip” campaigns) that remind people they’ve left items in their cart, or that they haven’t logged in to rate or buy a product, or to thank them for an order. Then, take a look at your campaigns in 2020 and brainstorm how you can segment them by purchase or other behavior.

CUSTOMIZED LANDING PAGES

  Sending personalized communications to customers that include a call to action should take them to a page on your website that corresponds to the offer in your email. Keeping the customer journey with our brands consistent is a key component in lowering attrition and increasing sales.

  This requires creating a page template within your website that can be easily duplicated and modified by changing the title, image, or copy to match your outbound communication. This enforces the personalized offer and brand consistency with your customers, while providing a clear path to purchase.

  Brand consistency is the pattern of expression that affects what people think about your company. The more consistent your messaging, the more consistent your branding — whether via words, design, offerings, or perspective. Your brand should build awareness and develop trust and loyalty with customers.

  Start Crawling: For those emails discussing several wines, rather than dumping the clicks at the top of the store page, set up a customized landing page and only include the wines in the email with a header and the offer.

  Learn to walk: For your social campaigns, try a separate landing page with introductory copy about your winery and why they should sign up for your mailing list or like/follow your winery.

  Learn to run: In addition to emails and social media, consider custom landing pages for most initiatives such as pouring events, coupon redemption, Google Ads, and print.

GET TO KNOW YOUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS

  A loyal customer is one that makes repeat purchases rather than switching to a competitor. A loyal customer will be more likely to purchase additional products and recommend your brand.

  Without digging too deeply into your data, a few key metrics can help identify your most loyal customers.  High average order value, buying frequency, and last purchase date is what you will need to start. These metrics can all be found in the customer purchase history of your database. When vetting your data, don’t assume that your best customers are also wine club members. However, if they are not, you may have a missed opportunity.

  After identifying your most loyal customers be sure to nurture the relationship, they are your best buyers for a reason. Knowing what they purchase, how often they purchase, and how much they spend per order will help guide you on when to reach out and with what offers.

  The communication and touches to these customers should be as a personal friend and offers should be presented as gifts. Offering a specially selected “pre-sale” wine or early event access will build continued loyalty. 

  Start Crawling: A handwritten note of thanks for attending an event or a customer referral is an easy way to start and goes a long way to keep your best customers.

  Learn to walk: Identify your top customers and find them on social media. Set up alerts for their posts and like and comment on them as your brand. They’ll be thrilled you care enough about their lives to get to know them.

  Learn to run: Look at your campaigns and give first dibs to your best buyers. Either offer them a pre-order capability or maybe access to the pick-up part a half hour in advance. Realize that discounts aren’t always what they’re after – they want a relationship and time with you.

  The true end result will look like taking your linear annual campaign calendar and splintering it into multiple, smaller, targeted communications that run simultaneously. It takes more work, but it’s worth it.

  Susan DeMatei is the President and Scott Moss is the Director of Operations of WineGlass Marketing, a full-service direct marketing firm working within the wine industry in Napa, California. www.wineglassmarketing.com 

Protect Events Hosted at Your Winery with Event Insurance

Cyndi
Wedding Reception Table at Winery Wedding

By now, most winery owners have heard the buzz regarding event insurance.  Sure, you know it exists, but do you really know exactly what event insurance covers and how it can benefit your clients (and you)? Event insurance is a necessity for winery owners looking to keep themselves, and their clients, protected.  We recently talked with Lauren Hernandez, Senior Event Insurance Specialist at Markel Specialty insurance to learn more.

  “It is probably important to first point out that there are two different types of event insurance– event liability and event cancellation,” states Hernandez. 

EVENT LIABILITY INSURANCE

  “Event liability protects the person hosting an event at your facility,” Hernandez explained.  If during their event someone causes property damage to your winery or someone is injured and the host is liable, an event policy will step in to provide coverage.  The coverage is typically primary over any other insurance protection.  That means the event policy will pay first before any other insurance policy.

  Primary liability coverage by event hosts, such as your clients, is preferred by most venues because it helps minimize the associated risks and exposures of owning a winery. “More and more wineries are requiring their clients to purchase one-day event insurance policies for events hosted at their facility because it reduces the possibility of having to pay for an accident that is out of the wineries’ control,” said Markel Specialty’s Lauren Hernandez. 

Wineries must also remember to require the host to name the winery as an Additional Insured on the host’s event policy.  That way, if there is a claim made against your winery due to the actions of the host, the event policy will defend and indemnify you against that claim.  It is also a good idea to require the host’s insurance carrier to be A.M. Best rated “A-” or better.  That way the carrier is financially strong and likely to be around to pay the claim should one occur.

  Examples of claims that would be covered under an event liability policy can range from damage to a furnishings such as couches, mirrors, coffee tables –   even toilets and landscaping from wedding or other event guests.  Event hosts would also be protected if someone slips, falls and gets injured at the facility if the host was negligent.  There are even worse claims that the event host needs protection from when an over-served wedding guest is involved in an auto accident on the way home.  These situations would be covered only if the damage or injury was the fault of your client.  Your business should have your own risk management plan which includes liability coverage to protect you from the hosts wrongdoing.

ADDITIONAL EVENT LIABILITY COVERAGE BENEFITS:

•   Limits vary by insurance carrier, but bodily injury and property damage liability limits typically are up to $1 million per occurrence and $2 million total per policy period.

•   The venue can be named as “additional insured” on the certificate of insurance for no extra cost.

•   Host liquor liability is included for free.

•   Set-up and tear-down is covered (within 24 hours of the event).

•   If the event being held at your facility is a wedding, an event liability policy covers the ceremony, reception and rehearsal dinner (if the rehearsal dinner is within 48 hours of the event).

•   Many policies are primary over any other insurance policy.  This means, if a claim were to occur, the event liability policy would pay out before any other insurance policy and there would be no need to worry about a potential increase in rates with a commercial business policy (as an winery owner) or homeowners policy (as a bride).

•   Protection and peace of mind for a low cost— there are policies available that start as low as $75.

WHY SHOULD YOU REQUIRE EVENT LIABILITY INSURANCE?

  It protects you. One day event insurance policies are typically primary coverage over your commercial business policy for property damage to your facility caused by your client’s negligence. Your facility can be named as an “additional insured” on the certificate of insurance often for no extra cost.

  It protects your customers.  Event insurance is an easy and affordable solution that helps protect your guests from the unexpected – because when your clients are properly protected, so is your reputation.

  It’s an easy solution.  More and more commercial winery insurance policies are requiring one day event insurance for all events hosted at the insured winery.  An event liability policy fulfills this requirement and are easy to purchase and you can direct your client to purchase them online or over the phone in minutes.

EVENT CANCELLATION INSURANCE

  Another popular event insurance option is cancellation coverage.  Being in the event industry, you’ve seen it all. Photographers go missing the day of the event, gifts get stolen, and hurricanes can ruin a perfectly planned event. Event cancellation insurance is becoming increasingly popular because it reimburses the event host for lost deposits and non-refundable amounts if they need to cancel or postpone their special event due to unforeseen circumstances.

  Examples of unforeseen circumstances include:

•   Vendor bankruptcy.

•   Accident or illness of the bride or groom or an immediate family member.

•   Extreme weather (hurricane, named tropical storm, etc.).

•   Military deployment.

•   Event cancellation insurance also covers additional expenses your client may incur to avoid cancelling their event, and pays for other losses or damages such as:

•   Lost wedding rings.

•   Damage to special attire.

•   Vendor no-shows.

•   Lost or damaged photography.

•   Lost or damaged videography.

•   Lost or damaged gifts.

  The pricing for an event cancellation policy is a little more involved as it is based on where the wedding is set to occur and the overall wedding budget. Policies start as low as $130.

Exactly how much event cancellation coverage does each event need?  Look a look at the chart below that outlines coverage limits based on the total overall event budget.

Total Event Budget

$7,500 $15,000 $25,000 $50,000 $100,000
Loss Of Deposits $1,000$1,500 $2,000 $3,000 $5,500
Photography & Videography$1,000 $1,500 $2,000 $3,000 $5,500
Special Attire & Jewelry$1,000 $1,500 $2,000 $3,000 $5,500
Wedding Gifts$1,000 $1,500 $2,000 $3,000 $5,500
Extra Expenses$1,875 $3,750 $6,250 $12,500 $25,000
Professional Counseling$500$650$1,000$1,000 $1,250

WHAT ISN’T COVERED UNDER EVENT INSURANCE

  With event insurance, some claims would be hard to disprove.  Because of this, many insurance carriers will exclude covering certain circumstances because of the potential increased risk of insurance fraud.

  Examples of circumstances typically not covered:

•   Change of heart –Typically if either the bride or groom get cold feet and change their mind during the wedding planning process or are at the altar and decide not to go through with the wedding, this would not be covered.

•   Known Circumstances – Previously known issues that could affect the event (Example: planned medical procedure delays or cancels the event).

•   Lack of Funds – if the event host is unable to pay for the planned event.

•   Non Appearance – if certain individuals (such as parents, the bride, etc.) don’t show up for the event, the show must still go on as this would not be covered.  Polies do not cover cold feet if either the bride or groom change their mind during the wedding planning process or at the altar and decide not to go through with the wedding.

START PROTECTING YOUR CLIENTS

  It’s easy to start protecting your clients (and yourself).  Request free brochures from Markel Event Insurance and provide your clients with an easy & affordable option to protect their special event.  Event liability policies start as low as $75 and can be purchased online or over the phone in minutes.  Visit www.markeleventinsurance.com/grapevine to learn more!

FROM WINE GRAPES TO WOOD GRAINS: COOPERAGES & WINEMAKERS ARE PARTNERS IN GOOD TASTE

Cyndi
2 people sitting down barrels
Photo Courtesy of: Whispering Willow Photography

The artistry of cooperage and winemaking is a genuine friendship.  And like old friends, there is widespread agreement among coopers and winemakers that the success of most wines depends a great deal upon the barrel in which that wine is aged. 

  A master cooper can build a barrel with nothing but hand tools from the log to finished product.  Along with that experience is a wealth of knowledge of the finer points of barrel-making, such as where to source wood as well as how (and why) different woods are used to create different wines. 

  Those who have spent decades in cooperages have fashioned barrels created from woods sourced not only from the United States but also as far away as France, parts of Eastern Europe and even Japan.  While white oak is dominant in the cooperage industry, there are some rare uses of woods that include acacia, chestnut, cherry tree and exclusive species.  Combine the cooper’s experience with that of a winemaker and the result is what wine consumers taste from the glass and feel on the palate.

  With some 30 years of working with wood, few know more about making barrels for wineries than master cooper Russ Karasch, who has taught the industry to his daughter, Heidi Korb. The result is Minnesota’s Black Swan Cooperage, launched in 2009.

  Karasch is responsible for the company’s unique styles of barrels, including a patented HONEY COMB® Barrel, which he invented.  While most of Black Swan’s clients are craft distilleries and breweries, Karasch is a living library of the kind of knowledge upon which coopers and winemakers thrive.  A vital part of that knowledge, Karasch says, is an understanding of different kinds of wood,  their origin and their impact in making multiple types and varieties of wines.

  “Quercus Petraea and Quercus Robur are European Oak, French Oak, Hungarian Oak and German Oak, as well as other countries.  Quercus Alba is the main American Oak.  However, there are many sub-species of Quercus Alba.  It used to be (that) most winemakers preferred French Oak but, as we advance in technology and learn what the wood does and doesn’t do, by toasting and treating the wood in different ways, we are ending up with some phenomenal wines using all the woods.  It used to be if you made red wine, you would use this wood, or white wine you would use (that) wood. We are advancing in knowledge in both wine and wood, so the rules are changing.”

  It is no coincidence that master coopers like Karasch understand the language of winemakers because both professions require a blend of art and science. 

Another case in point is Kentucky-based Canton Cooperage.  Founded in 1933 and acquired in 1998 by Chene & Cie (owners of Taransaud Cooperage of Congac, France), the company benefits from the experience of master coopers who, with a cumulative total of more than 600 years in the business, have a keen understanding of what winemakers need and want.  Canton Cooperage operates from a platform of social responsibility, sponsoring an apprentice program in local schools and partnering with American Forests, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reforestation. 

Enologist Bruno Remy, Sales Manager and Vice President at Canton Cooperage, explains why the wood of choice for most cooperages is oak and why most wineries prefer it.

  “Oak wood is prevailing in the cooperage industry due to its positive physical characteristics to make staves, to give the shape to the barrels and no leaking.  Most importantly, due to its richness in many interesting molecules, the wood will bring structure and flavors to the wines or alcohols.  In addition,    the wood offers a certain porosity to allow oxygen and other gas to pass through the staves, in and out.”

  Remy points out that there are several elements that winemakers take into consideration when choosing barrels and the different woods used to make them. 

  “A barrel should have a positive impact for the use of fermenting or aging a wine.  The choice is coming from the flavors that you will look for, size of the barrel, the percentage of new wood in your final blend, time for aging in the barrels, cellar conditions to store the barrels (temperature, moisture).”

  Black Star Farms, located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula near the four-season resort town of Traverse City, understands these multiple considerations.  The award-winning, family-owned winery sources  from cooperages that provide barrels derived from American, French and Eastern European Oaks.  Winemaker and Managing Partner Lee Lutes explains the reason for such careful diversity.

  “We use French Oak exclusively for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as they simply have an affinity for one another that is time tested and consumer ‘qualified.’  We use two other primary barrel types, American and Eastern European, for other reds, such as our Red House Red, our Merlot or our Cabernet Franc.   These two types of oak tend to have more spice and tannin to them than French, which works well    with these bolder red wines.”

  In the case of barrels made from American and Eastern European Oaks, Lutes adds that the attention to detail used to select these types of barrels is driven by knowing the cooperages that produce them and the source of the actual wood. 

  “We tend to prefer American Oak that either comes from Minnesota or Missouri, as these tend to be tighter grained barrels (from slower growing trees), but with good spice.  The EE (Eastern European) barrels we prefer tend to come from Hungary, as they provide some cocoa and coffee tones that are very complimentary to deeper red wines.  Different coopers source from all of these regions, so there is much to choose from for wood sourcing.  There are specific coopers we prefer, but most in the industry are quite good and make solid barrels.”

  Jeremy Santo, Winemaker for Washington’s Mercer Wine Estates in Yakima Valley, agrees. The fifth-generation winery sources barrels from 14 cooperages.  Santo emphasizes the mutual trust and respect that winemakers and cooperages share.

   “Why do I use the cooperages I do?  The obvious answer is they make amazing barrels.  But the relationship is the most important part.  My favorite cooperages are also my friends.  This allows for a relationship that you can collaborate and ask questions on what’s the best type of barrel for which wine.  The coopers know what they are doing.  They guide me in the direction to make the best wines.”

  Santo echoes a recurring theme shared by Lutes and Remy when it comes to selecting which barrels to use for different varieties and even styles of wines. The type of wood used, size of the wood grain and toast levels are all key factors, he says.

  “I like to use French Oak primarily on higher quality fruit.  French Oak tends to add nice sweetness to the mid-palate of wines without overt oak aromas and flavors.  French Oak allows the fruit of the wine to shine as well as providing sweetness to the mouthfeel.  The American Oak I like also adds a lot of mid-palate sweetness but has more of the roasty, toasty, marshmallow and vanilla characteristics that’s perfect for mid to entry level wines. For higher tier/reserve wines, I lean more towards French Oak (tighter grain wood).  The tighter grain wood allows for longer aging of the wine.  The oak impact is gradual/slower, so the wine can age longer and develop flavors/aromas over a longer period of time.  For reserve quality wines, you have more time to age unlike the $15 to $20 bottle of wine which is made to drink ‘now’.”

  The question of using staves is met with mixed results, despite the lower costs as compared to barrels. According to Remy, staves can be installed in tanks, mimicking the use of barrels, adding micro-oxygenation.  He adds that the actual quality of today’s staves is much higher than, say, 20 years ago, due to technology and the knowledge of how to select better oak wood, how to season the wood and how to apply precise toasting.

  In contrast, Santo opts out of using staves and prefers oak cubes, citing ease of use and faster more, efficient extraction of oak impact of the wine, while keeping aromas and a nice feel on the palate intact.

As for oak barrel alternatives, Santo favors using oak cubes in tanks to achieve more oak impact on lower priced wines.

  Another wood barrel alternative is Karasch’s latest patented invention, called  Squarrels. ®  The play on words describes a customizable, square, steel, stackable barrel, using wood only where it’s needed, saving winemakers time and money.

  Most of these experts agree that over time, a traditional barrel loses its potential to release flavors in wine roughly after four to six years of use.  When barrels become “neutral,” some wineries simply use them to add the breathing factor.  Once retired from winemaking, barrels can be reconditioned for spirits, flooring or even furniture.