Modern Winemaking: Q&A with Jeff Owens

We sat down with Jeff Owens, winemaker at Odette Estate, to discuss the impact changing technology and climate change has on the winemaking process.

Q: With the advent of electricity, stainless steel, refrigeration, sterile filtration and a host of other technologies in the 20th Century, what would you say represents today’s modern winemaking movement?
JEFF OWENS: The movement is towards fully automated modern facilities equipped with the latest technology. The newest crush equipment, such as optical sorters, have allowed ultimate control and play a huge role in the quality of the wine. This equipment helps aid in the elimination of MOG (material other than grapes) or other undesirable defects such as overripe, underripe or damaged fruit with the help of an image processing software. Stainless steel tanks can now be equipped with many additional options to help achieve various desired goals. Fully automated thermostats, double jacketed glycol walls, and automatic pump over devices are a few of the options that help control temperature and maximize the desired level of extraction in red varietals. Fully integrated software allows winemakers the ability to make adjustments at the tip of their fingers allowing for greater control of the final blend.

We sat down with Jeff Owens, winemaker at Odette Estate, to discuss the impact changing technology and climate change has on the winemaking process.

Climate Change vs. Winemaking

We sat down with Winemaker Danielle Cyrot of CADE Estate and 13th Vineyard, to chat about the effects of wildfires and climate change on the vineyards.

Q: We’ve seen what the direct effects of wildfires have on grape growing regions such as Napa and Sonoma Valley, but what are the other areas of vulnerability that climate change poses on grape growing and wine production?
DANIELLE CYROT: I think water availability and how we use water to irrigate our vineyards in the future will be impacted greatly by climate change. We are no strangers to drought in California, but with the combination of drought, and extended periods of time with temperatures over 100°F, irrigation will be key. We are seeing more extremes with climate change. We normally see temperatures above 100°F during the growing season, but now we are seeing not one or two days, but 7-10 days of extreme heat. Vines start to shut down during these extreme heat events and that impacts color, sugar, and phenolic ripeness.

We sat down with Winemaker Danielle Cyrot of CADE Estate and 13th Vineyard, to chat about the effects of wildfires and climate change on the vineyards.