The Winemaking Process from Grapes to Glass
Wine-making is an age-old craft that begins in the vineyard and ends in a glass. While it may seem complex, the process can be broken down into a few essential steps that transform grapes into wine.
Harvesting the Grapes
The journey begins with picking the right grapes at their peak ripeness. Our Grapes are hand-harvested to ensure only the best fruit is selected, though some wineries use machines for efficiency. Timing is critical, as the sugar and acidity levels in the grapes must be perfect.
Crushing and Pressing
Once harvested, the grapes are crushed to release their juice. For white wines, the grapes are pressed immediately to separate the juice from the skins. For red wines, the skins are left in the juice to give the wine colour and flavour during fermentation.
Fermentation
Fermentation is the process where yeast converts the sugars in the juice into alcohol. This usually takes place in large tanks or barrels and can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The temperature and conditions are carefully controlled to ensure the best flavours develop.
Aging
After fermentation, the wine is aged to allow its flavours to mature. Wines can be aged in stainless steel tanks, but many are placed in wooden barrels, such as oak, which can add unique flavours like vanilla, spice, or smokiness.
Bottling
Once the wine has reached its ideal maturity, it’s filtered and clarified to remove any unwanted particles. It is then bottled and sealed with a cork or screw cap, ready for sale.
From the vineyard to the bottle, making wine is a careful blend of science, art, and nature. Each step, from harvesting to aging, plays a role in crafting the perfect bottle of wine, ready for you to enjoy.
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