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Harvest Season Unveiled: The Inner Workings of Wilson Creek Winery
Posted on September 27, 2024 in About
Behind the Scenes with the Winemaking Team at Wilson Creek Winery During Harvest
As the sun rises over the Temecula Valley, a sense of excitement fills the air at Wilson Creek Winery. It’s harvest season, the most exhilarating time of year for our winemaking team. Behind every bottle of Wilson Creek wine is a dedicated team working tirelessly to bring you the best flavors and experiences. Today, we’re taking you behind the scenes to show you what harvest is all about and why it’s so crucial to creating the wines you love.
Preparing for Harvest: The Calm Before the Storm
Before the first grape is picked, months of preparation go into ensuring a successful harvest. Our winemaking team, led by Kristina Fillippi, starts by monitoring the vineyard’s progress throughout the growing season. Using cutting-edge technology alongside traditional techniques, the team carefully tracks grape ripeness, sugar levels, and overall vine health. This data-driven approach allows us to decide the perfect time to harvest each grape variety, ensuring optimal flavor and quality.
Before the first grape is picked, months of preparation go into ensuring a successful harvest. Our winemaking team, led by Kristina Fillippi, starts by monitoring the vineyard’s progress throughout the growing season. Using cutting-edge technology alongside traditional techniques, the team carefully tracks grape ripeness, sugar levels, and overall vine health. This data-driven approach allows us to decide the perfect time to harvest each grape variety, ensuring optimal flavor and quality.
Kristina explains, “Harvest isn’t just a single day—it’s a series of carefully planned events. Timing is everything. We start preparing long before the first grape is ready to be picked. From equipment checks to team training, everything must be just right to make sure we capture the essence of each grape at its peak.”
Grape Picking: Hand-Harvested for Quality
We believe that quality wine starts with quality grapes. We believe that it starts in the vineyard, and that’s why we are fully committed to our regenerative agriculture practices. By nurturing the vines with sustainable techniques, we ensure the healthiest and most flavorful grapes. Hand-harvesting is a vital part of this process. Hand-picking allows us to be selective, choosing only the ripest, healthiest grapes. Our skilled staff picks through when the temperature is cooler, which helps maintain the grape’s freshness and quality.
Walking through the vineyard during harvest is an experience like no other. You can hear the snip of pruning shears, the rustle of leaves, buckets of grapes being thrown into larger bins and the energetic conversations of the harvest team. There’s a palpable energy and sense of teamwork that happen each night.
Crush and Fermentation: The Art of Winemaking Begins
Once the grapes are harvested, they’re immediately brought to our crush pad. Here, the winemaking process truly begins. The grapes are sorted, de-stemmed, and gently crushed to release their juice. This juice, combined with the grape skins, seeds, and stems, is then transferred into fermentation tanks.
Once the grapes are harvested, they’re immediately brought to our crush pad. Here, the winemaking process truly begins. The grapes are sorted, de-stemmed, and gently crushed to release their juice. This juice, combined with the grape skins, seeds, and stems, is then transferred into fermentation tanks.
During fermentation, yeast is added to convert the sugars in the grape juice into alcohol, creating the base for our wine. Kristina and his team monitor this process closely, sampling each batch daily to ensure the flavors develop perfectly. Temperature control is crucial during fermentation, as it can influence the taste and quality of the wine.
Kristina shares, “Fermentation is where the magic happens. It’s where we start to see the true character of the wine emerging. We use a hands-on approach, constantly tasting and adjusting to make sure every batch meets our high standards.”
Pressing and Aging: Patience and Precision
After fermentation, the next step is pressing, where the juice is separated from the solid grape material. For red wines, this is done after a period of maceration to extract color, tannins, and flavor. For white wines, pressing occurs immediately after crushing to keep the juice light and fresh.
After fermentation, the next step is pressing, where the juice is separated from the solid grape material. For red wines, this is done after a period of maceration to extract color, tannins, and flavor. For white wines, pressing occurs immediately after crushing to keep the juice light and fresh.
The pressed juice is then transferred to barrels or tanks for aging. This is where our winemaking expertise truly shines. Each wine has its own aging process, tailored to enhance its unique characteristics. Whether it’s aging in oak barrels to impart subtle flavors of vanilla and spice or in stainless steel tanks to maintain crispness and freshness, every decision is made with the final wine in mind.
Blending and Bottling: Crafting the Perfect Wine
One of the final steps in the winemaking process is blending, where the winemaker combines different lots or varieties of wine to create the perfect balance of flavors, aromas, and textures. This step requires a refined palate, and a deep understanding of how different wines interact with each other.
Once the blend is perfected, it’s time for bottling. We take great care in ensuring that each bottle is filled and sealed with precision. Quality control is paramount, and every bottle is inspected before it’s ready to be labeled and shared with our guests.
One of the final steps in the winemaking process is blending, where the winemaker combines different lots or varieties of wine to create the perfect balance of flavors, aromas, and textures. This step requires a refined palate, and a deep understanding of how different wines interact with each other.
Once the blend is perfected, it’s time for bottling. We take great care in ensuring that each bottle is filled and sealed with precision. Quality control is paramount, and every bottle is inspected before it’s ready to be labeled and shared with our guests.
Celebrating the Harvest: A Time of Gratitude
Harvest season at Wilson Creek Winery is more than just hard work—it’s a celebration of everything that makes our winery special. It’s a time when our winemaking team’s passion and dedication come to life in every bottle. From early mornings in the vineyard to late nights in the cellar, every member of our team plays a vital role in creating the wines you know and love.
As Kristina puts it, “Harvest is about gratitude. Gratitude for the land, for the vines, for the team, and for the opportunity to share our wines with the world. Each bottle is a testament to the hard work and heart that goes into every step of the process.”
Join Us at Wilson Creek Winery
Interested in seeing the winemaking process firsthand? Visit us during harvest season to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of Wilson Creek Winery. Our team is always excited to share our passion for winemaking with our guests. From vineyard tours to tastings, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the care and craftsmanship that goes into each bottle.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or new to the world of wine, Wilson Creek Winery welcomes you to be part of our harvest story. Come celebrate the season with us and discover the art of winemaking in the heart of Temecula Valley.
Wilson Creek Winery’s Regenerative Agriculture Success: A New Era for Our Vineyard and Wines
Posted on September 5, 2024 in Wine 101
At Wilson Creek Winery, we’re fully committed to a sustainable and regenerative approach to agriculture. Eleven years ago, we began with a traditional sustainability program that included eliminating herbicides, introducing cover crops, reducing and eliminating tillage, improving irrigation efficiency, and minimizing the use of fungicides and insecticides through integrated pest management programs.
Seven years ago, our team took it a step further by adopting a regenerative agriculture program. The core idea behind regenerative agriculture is that everything in nature is connected, forming a self-regulating, diverse community. To better manage these complex ecosystems, we implemented a comprehensive environmental monitoring system to track the impact of our regenerative practices. Here’s what we’re doing to ensure our vineyard thrives:
- Plant Sap Analysis: We conduct biweekly sap analysis during the growing season. This gives us a detailed, time-lapsed understanding of nutrient uptake by our plants, ensuring they receive exactly what they need.
- Soil Health Testing: Monthly Haney biological soil respiration tests help us gauge the soil’s biological activity. Additionally, twice a year, we use PCR tests to monitor changes in the soil microbiome. This allows us to track and understand the biodiversity beneath our feet.
- Physical Soil Assessments: Each month, we carry out USDA physical soil health assessments. These help us keep a close watch on the physical characteristics of our soil.
- Insect Monitoring: We actively monitor potential insect pests and beneficial insects year-round. We also incorporate insectary flowering plants within our cover crops to attract and support beneficial insects. In partnership with the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association, we’ve taken over the monitoring of the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter after funding for the program was cut in 2023.
- Collaborative Studies: Our ongoing collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Soil Salinity Lab focuses on the effects of increased organic matter and biological activity on soil salinity and plant nutrient uptake. We also worked with the Metropolitan Water District on a multi-year study using satellite and ground-based technologies to monitor irrigation, plant health, and environmental models predicting pathogen vulnerability.
- Compost Testing: In partnership with Abbott Pharmaceuticals and CR&R Waste Management, we tested various compost levels and application strategies to enhance soil health.
- Ant Control Research: We completed a year-long study with UC Irvine to develop seaweed-based natural alternatives for controlling Argentine ants.
- Cover Crops: Each year, we plant diverse cover crops to boost soil health. We monitor their effects in collaboration with Green Cover Seeds, Regen Ag Labs, and Advancing Eco Agriculture.
- Soil and Plant Health Correlation: Wilson Creek Winery is one of the first agricultural operations in the U.S. to conduct a multi-year study correlating in-depth soil health analysis with plant sap analysis to understand the vineyard microbiome better. We use Ag Code field software and data from Regen Ag Labs and Advancing Eco Agriculture for this project.
- Grazing Sheep: We’ve introduced grazing sheep into our vineyards to enhance microbial diversity and soil health naturally.
All this information helps us make data-driven decisions for custom foliar and fertigation nutrient applications. For example, Block Nine, one of our most intensively managed areas, has shown significant improvements in yield, reduced pathogen pressure, a healthier vineyard microbiome, and better winemaking results over three years. We’re also tracking economic inputs and returns to demonstrate the financial viability of regenerative practices.
Introducing Our New Block Nine Cabernet Sauvignon
We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve just bottled our first wine from Block Nine, our 100% regenerative agriculture block here at Wilson Creek Winery! This Cabernet Sauvignon embodies our commitment to sustainability and our passion for creating exceptional wines. Crafted with care and precision, it reflects the rich, balanced flavors that are only possible when the vineyard’s ecosystem is in perfect harmony. Keep an eye out for the official release, because this is a wine you won’t want to miss. It’s not just a new addition to our lineup; it’s a milestone in our journey toward making Wilson Creek Winery a leader in regenerative viticulture. Get ready to experience the bold, complex taste of our Block Nine Cabernet Sauvignon – a true testament to the power of nature and thoughtful stewardship.
What Does Sustainability Mean to Us?
At Wilson Creek Winery, we support all efforts toward sustainability. Traditionally, sustainability aims to minimize negative environmental impacts. However, considering the ongoing degradation of our ecosystems, we believe it’s essential to go beyond mere stability. Regenerative practices are about reversing this downward trend and fostering an upward spiral of biodiversity, resilience, and improvement.
The Future of Regenerative Agriculture in Temecula
Temecula is uniquely positioned for success with its excellent climate and strong connection with the public through direct-to-consumer experiences at our wineries. We know that people can be skeptical of “greenwashing,” where companies claim to be environmentally friendly while doing the bare minimum. At Wilson Creek Winery, we’re dedicated to providing authentic, face-to-face experiences that genuinely reflect our commitment to true ecosystem restoration and regeneration. By engaging directly with our guests, we aim to educate and inspire, showing them the tangible benefits of our regenerative practices. Together, we can create a more sustainable future for our community and beyond.
Watermelon Sangria
Posted on July 29, 2024 in Recipes
Stay cool this weekend with a huge bowl of Watermelon Sangria! Our Watermelon Sparkling is bursting with nostalgic mid-summer fruit flavors. A perfect accompaniment to sun-drenched days by the pool or a BBQ with friends!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 Large watermelon (seedless if you can)
- 1 (750-ml) bottle of Watermelon Sparkling, chilled
- 2 c. white rum
- 1 c. lime sparkling water
- 1/3 c. lime juice
- 2 lemons, thinly sliced
- 2 c. assorted fresh or frozen fruit, such as pineapple, blueberries, and strawberries
DIRECTIONS
- Slice off the top third of the watermelon lengthwise (set aside and save for later use). On the large half, score fruit with a knife and scoop out the watermelon and transfer to blender.
- Blend watermelon until smooth. (If desired, strain seeds.)
- Add chilled wine, rum, lime sparkling water, and lime juice and stir until combined, then add limes and fruit.
- Refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours, then serve.
Stars, Stripes, and Bomb Pops
Posted on July 3, 2024 in Recipes
Dive into the ultimate summer refreshment with our Bomb Pop Sparkling Drink, a vibrant and playful drink that combines the tropical essence of our Coconut Sparkling, the crisp elegance of our Brut Sparkling, and the juicy sweetness of our Watermelon Sparkling. This delightful drink is taken to the next level with the addition of a classic Bomb Pop popsicle, adding a nostalgic touch and a burst of color for your Fourth of July Celebration! From backyard BBQs to dazzling fireworks shows lighting up the night sky there are so many ways to celebrate! Grab your favorite Wilson Creek Sparkling, add a festive Bomb Pop Popsicle, and cheers to celebrating our nation’s spirit in the most deliciously patriotic way possible!
INGREDIENTS
- Watermelon Sparkling
- Coconut Nui Sparkling
- Brut Sparkling
- Bomb Pop Original Popsicle
INSTRUCTIONS
- Grab your Sparkling Wine of choice (or combine all 3)
- Add the Bomb Pop Popsicle
- Stir
- Enjoy! As the popsicle melts it will add different flavors and keep your wine chilled.
Ways to Expand Your Wine Knowledge
Posted on June 19, 2024 in Wine 101
Article by Mick Wilson
I often hear from members and guests that they desire to grow in their wine knowledge but don’t know how. So I thought I’d share some resources that have helped me.
The best starting point is the website winefolly.com. The best video to start is “How to Taste Wine like a Badass.” Then you can dive deeper into articles and videos on regions and varietals. There is also a solid book called “Wine Folly, Magnum Edition”. It is worth it.
I love the phone app called Vivino. You simply take a photo of a wine label and it tells you the pricing and often has reviews of that wine. This is a good resource for seeing the value of wines you have as well as when you go shopping.
Some books I recommend are: “The Wine Lover’s Apprentice” by Kathlene Berhsad, “Cork Dork” by Bianca Busker, “A Hedonist in the Cellar” by Jay McInerney, “Wine Simple” by Aldo Sohm, and “Message in the Bottle: A Guide to Tasting Wine” by Tim Gaiser (who is a Master Sommelier). A classic is “The Wine Bible 3rd Edition” by Karen MacNeil. Whether you read it or not it looks impressive on your home coffee table or on a shelf for all to see. An even more impressive looking book (and also useful) is “The World Atlas of Wine” by Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson.
Of course the best way to learn about wine is to taste it, a lot of it. Take the Wine Academy classes at Wilson Creek, visit other wine regions and learn why those wines taste the way they do, and simply enjoy tasting wine with others here at Wilson Creek. Do a brown bag night at a home where you invite 4-5 people/couples and have them bring a particular Wilson Creek wine. It is always fun to learn from others. But remember, we all have different palates so the best wine is what YOU like.
If I see you around the winery I’d love to sit down over a glass and answer any questions you might have. And I’d love to hear from you what you are learning and how you are growing in your enjoyment of wine!
-Mick Wilson
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