** CDR WineLab In-Stock - Immediate shipping available **  The Science of Fruit Wines: Technological Principles and Analytical Control in Non-Grape Fermentation Defining Fruit Wines: Chemical and Technological Distinctions In modern oenology, fruit wine production has transcended its origins as a rural craft to become a highly specialized sector of food science. The transition from artisanal production to a global industrial category relies on a deep-seated understanding of the unique chemical matrices presented by non-grape fruits. Unlike viticulture, where the raw material is often naturally optimized for fermentation, alternative fruit substrates—such as pomegranate, fig, and various berry species—exhibit diverse polyphenolic profiles and acid concentrations that demand precise technological interventions to ensure product stability and commercial viability. Fruit wines are characterized as non-distilled alcoholic beverages, typically containing 5% to 13% alcohol

A Story of Leadership, Innovation, Hard Work, and Inclusion In an industry dominated by large-scale manufacturers and long-established corporations, National Storage Tank (NST) stands out not only as a leader in engineered water storage systems but also as a certified woman-owned business driving change through innovation, diversity, and community impact. Led by CEO Nicole Oblad, NST has become a powerhouse in the design and delivery of bolted steel, stainless steel, fiberglass, and underground water storage tanks, serving industries ranging from hospitals and data centers to agriculture and manufacturing. Yet, what truly sets NST apart isn’t just the scale of its operations, but the values that fuel its success. Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry The water storage and construction industries have traditionally been male-dominated, but NST’s leadership has rewritten that narrative. Under Nicole Oblad’s guidance, NST has become one of

In the ever-evolving world of wine, tasting rooms have long been sacred spaces for sampling vintages and educating consumers about winemaking. But recently, the definition of what belongs in a tasting room has expanded beyond the conventional pour. Enter the world of alternative beverages—non-alcoholic wines, wine-based cocktails like Frosé, and low-alcohol spritzers. These trends are carving out significant space, appealing to younger generations, health-conscious consumers, and a broader range of visitors. The rise of alternative beverages in tasting rooms isn’t just a fleeting fad—it’s a response to shifting consumer preferences and lifestyle trends. The adaptability of tasting rooms to these new offerings is a testament to the industry’s resilience. The question now isn’t whether tasting rooms should adapt, but how they can complement the core identity of wine while capturing the attention of a broader audience. Changing Consumer Preferen

Bolted steel tanks are a versatile and efficient storage solution widely used across various industries. Known for their durability, easy installation, and cost-effectiveness, these tanks are preferred for storing liquids, dry goods, and other materials. Industries requiring large-scale storage solutions or meeting specific safety and regulatory standards can significantly benefit from bolted steel tanks. This blog will explore the top sectors that benefit from bolted steel tanks and why these tanks are the ideal choice for them.  1. Water and Wastewater Treatment Industry The water and wastewater treatment industry is one of the primary users of bolted steel tanks. These tanks store potable water, wastewater, stormwater, and process water. Their ability to resist corrosion and various environmental conditions makes them ideal for these applications. Benefits for the Industry: Corrosion Resistance: Bolted steel tanks are typically coated with protective liners, such as ep

Meg Maker is a writer curious about nature, culture, food, wine and place. Her award-winning work appears in her own publication, Terroir Review, and other trade and lifestyle outlets, and has won praise in the New York Times, Washington Post, Jancisrobinson.com and elsewhere. She is also a fine artist, illustrator, lecturer and educator, and serves on the governance committee of the Circle of Wine Writers. She lives in rural New England.  Read the full interview here.

"GROUNDWATER . You can't see it, but millions of Californians depend upon it as a vital source of water for their homes and businesses." Those are not my words but the introductory words for the promotional video that appears on the SGMA (Sustainable Groundwater Management Act) website1 . The statement is a rather simply worded way to convey the obvious: that groundwater is vital to our livelihood here in California, and especially important to honoring and sustaining our agricultural heritage. While groundwater provides needed sustenance for numerous rural, as well as urban communities, it is agriculture that demands the lion's share of the resource. Central Valley agriculture turns to groundwater pumping whenever drought or poor rainfall years reduce the availability of surface water deliveries. Cries for construction of more reservoirs to capture and store more stormwater and snowmelt so that canals can be filled with more water are always being heard. Yet, apart f

For more than 100 years, we have been serving the financial needs of farmers and ranchers. And since most of our customers don’t live in their barns, we know those needs also include rural home lending. Our new partnership with Rural 1st offers tailored lending options for lot, land, construction, and home loans for those wanting to live rurally. Join us for a free webinar to learn what loan options are available and how we can help you achieve your dream of living rurally. Register here: https://www.agloan.com/harvesting-value/ Harvesting Value is a monthly webinar series that provides information and resources to help farmers & ranchers make the best decisions for their operations.

Early morning fog from the Pacific Ocean flows into the Anderson Valley through the coastal redwoods and rises into the hills before dissipating as day warms the air. These maritime influences keep daytime temperatures low, making it the coolest wine-growing region in California and the perfect environment for the Pinot Noir grapes for which it has gained fame. “Over the past decade, Anderson Valley has entered the world stage,” says Kristen McMahan, Winemaker at Goldeneye. “As one of the largest producers in the Valley, we take that to heart. We want people to explore Anderson Valley, and we want to be a good representative and steward of the place where we grow grapes and make wine. We're really proud of it, and so we aim to deliver the best possible examples of the Valley’s wines.” When it was designated an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 1982, two-thirds of the Anderson Valley’s 582 vineyard acres were planted to Chardonnay and Alsace Var

While we are all thankful for what the rain is bringing for our water needs, the storm and winds that have come with it can pack a punch on power lines and your power needs.  With agricultural operations becoming increasingly reliant on technology and electricity, a reliable power source becomes paramount. In this blog, we will explore the need for supplemental and mobile power solutions to support wineries throughout the season. Wineries engage in various vital operations, such as crushing, pressing, fermentation, and temperature control, all of which require electricity to function efficiently. Any disruptions in the power supply during these processes can lead to spoilage, oxidation, and overall loss of yield and profit. The Growing Dependence on Power in Winemaking Advancements in winemaking technology have revolutionized the industry, making it more efficient and producing higher-quality wines. From mechanical harvesters to temperature-controlled fermentation tanks,

Last night while I was sleeping, my heart beat 38,400 times. I didn’t ask it to keep beating through my slumber, nor did I thank it when I awoke. I just took my heartbeat, and my life, for granted. Shame on me. We do the same with wine. Sure, we enjoy the aroma, bouquet and taste. But we rarely reflect that this magical elixir is a natural farm product…a land preserver…a reflection of place and time…an artistic statement…a liquid food…a Biblical focus…a poetic inspiration…a cultural phenomenon…an economic engine…a noble beverage with humble roots which brings people together around the world. Wine is magic. So why don’t we tell people? Natural magic It’s easy to fret about the future of wine. Boomers are aging, younger generations are opting out, spirits are innovating and there are increasing warnings about the dangers of alcohol.  It’s deja vu all over again. We’ve been here before, and