Wine-Making Tales That Enthusiasts Will Love
Wine enthusiasts are a diverse group, each with unique interests and experiences. From the evocative tales that transport one to a place of vicarious enjoyment to stories of personal achievement, there are countless stories that ignite a passion for wine. In this article, I'll share a fascinating experience that both myself and a fellow wine lover were privileged to witness. This story will emphasize the art and wonder of winemaking, making it particularly relatable for any wine aficionado.
Personal winemaking adventure
A few friends and I were attending a charitable event when a wise and generous friend won an extraordinary opportunity. At Rodney Strong Winery, he was given the unique chance to participate in a private tasting and blending session with the very winemaker himself. I had the honor of joining him, and we looked forward to a typical tasting event. Little did we know that the experience was about to take a turn for the extraordinary.
We were welcomed by the winemaker, who gave us an insightful introduction to the wines and the history of their grapes. As I expected, I assumed we would follow the usual tasting routine and then proceed to try our share of the winery's exquisite offerings. We were then led to the underground cellar, a spacious and somber room filled with dozens of barrels. To our surprise, the winemaker pulled out four barrels, each containing wine that had just completed the aging process but had not yet been bottled.
A smattering of measuring cups, fresh paper, and glasses were set down before us, and the winemaker announced that we would be combining our own blends of wine. The idea itself was thrilling, and it was fun watching both me and the other guest experience this personal touch in winemaking for the first time. We took turns carefully pouring the wine from each barrel into our respective glasses, noting which wine we preferred for our blends. It was interesting to see how the different oak types (French and American) affected the taste profile of each wine.
Key lessons in winemaking
As a seasoned winemaker and an occasional winemaking enthusiast, several principles of winemaking have been reinforced through this experience. These principles are crucial for anyone looking to delve into the winemaking journey, whether for personal enjoyment or as a hobby.
Keeping everything clean and airtight
The most fundamental rule when working with wine is to maintain scrupulous cleanliness and ensure that everything is properly sealed. Failure to do so can lead to disastrous outcomes; spoiled wine is a bitter disappointment, and it's not particularly enjoyable to discard large quantities of a flawed batch. The vinegar fly, a pest that thrives in improperly sealed containers, is a common culprit in wine spoilage, making it essential to follow best practices to avoid such issues.
Personal winemaking experience at 14
My journey into the world of wine was initiated when I was 14 years old, sharing the hobby with my father. We often prepared wine together, and one evening, he declared that the batch was ready for decanting. I was eagerly assisting, holding measuring cups and sampling the wine as he carefully poured each bottle. However, I must admit that I had consumed a significant amount of the strong wine, leading to a rather memorable hangover the following morning.
Conclusion
Experiences like these enrich the lives of wine enthusiasts by offering a first-hand glimpse of the complex and rewarding art of winemaking. Whether through vicarious tales or personal adventures, stories about winemaking can truly inspire and educate. So, why not share your own wine-making experience, or perhaps, try out such an experience for yourself?