The concept of Oxidation Reduction Potential – or ORP – isn’t revolutionary science; it’s been known throughout the winemaking and brewing communities for more than 80 years. ORP measures electron pressure; the tendency of a system to gain or lose electrons. Positive ORP, an electron-accepting process, creates an oxidizing environment, while negative ORP, an electron-donating reaction, creates a reducing environment. The effects of ORP chemical reactions on fermentation processes have been observed for decades. What’s groundbreaking for today’s modern winemaking community is that two top-notch, fermentation specialist companies have teamed up on the ability to accurately measure ORP dynamics in wine must, which vastly improves the potential for production winemaking controls across the board. Gusmer Enterprises, the leading manufacturer, supplier and innovator of products and services to beverage industries since 1924, is partnering with Hamilton Company, global pioneer in process ana

Harvest STOMP is an exciting harvest-season celebration that brings together growers, vintners, and community members who care deeply about Napa Valley’s agricultural future. From exceptional wines to spirited entertainment, the event marks the start of harvest while raising vital funds to support the Napa Valley Grapegrowers and their work cultivating viticultural excellence and environmental stewardship across the valley. As part of the evening, this year’s Fund-a-Need will directly benefit the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation, the region’s only organization exclusively dedicated to advancing farmworkers and their families through education and professional development. This work strengthens long-term opportunity and stability, creating lasting impact across Napa Valley. More than a celebration, Harvest STOMP is a shared investment in Napa Valley’s future. Get ready to raise a glass, raise a paddle, and celebrate the people and stewardship behind Napa Valley

For winemakers and distillers, crafting exceptional beverages is only part of the journey. To ensure your product maintains its premium quality and reaches consumers in perfect condition, the preservation of both its taste and appearance is critical. This is where the often-overlooked factor of glass color comes into play. The color of your bottle can have a profound impact on the longevity, flavor stability, and overall appeal of your wine or spirit. By understanding how different glass colors protect against light damage, you can make more informed packaging choices that safeguard your product’s quality and enhance its shelf life. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind glass color and light exposure, explain how traditional and modern glass choices can protect your product, and provide insights into balancing practical preservation needs with aesthetic considerations. Whether you’re crafting aged whiskey or fine wine, the right glass color is more

Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is an essential micronutrient for yeast metabolism. The thiamine content typically found in grapes ranges from 80 µg/L to 1.2 mg/L. Although most yeasts, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, can synthesise thiamine, they prefer to absorb it from grape must. This preference conserves energy, which can be used for cell growth and the production of vital fermentation metabolites. In fact, yeasts can absorb all available thiamine in the must within the first six hours after inoculation. A thiamine deficiency in the must can have practical consequences, such as sluggish or stuck fermentations and an altered aromatic balance. Thiamine’s role in yeast metabolism and fermentation Thiamine and its biologically active forms serve as cofactors in central carbon metabolism (sugar breakdown). Without thiamine, several enzymes cannot function, risking incomplete fermentation. Thiamine also exhibits antioxidant activity, protecting yeasts from free-rad

Napa, California - VA Filtration and LEV2050 have established an exclusive North American distribution agreement.  VA Filtration and LEV2050 have established an exclusive distribution agreement for North America and Chile. This partnership allows VA Filtration, based in Napa, California, to be the sole distributor of LEV2050’s bioreactors and related fermentation technology. The agreement leverages VA Filtration’s established presence and expertise in wine and beverage filtration, combined with LEV2050’s innovative bioreactor systems for yeast and bacteria propagation. Through this collaboration, wineries and food producers in North America and Chile gain direct access to LEV2050’s advanced microbiology solutions, streamlining imports and support. Recent import records confirm shipments of LEV2050 bioreactors to VA Filtration, highlighting the active implementation of this exclusive distribution arrangement. “We have always been known for our innovati

Tanks are critical production tools that must be handled safely. Pressure management is essential, especially for sparkling wine and other carbonated beverages, but even still wines benefit from properly designed and maintained tanks. Container Logic’s stainless steel tanks combine durability, precision, and safety features to protect both wine and the people working with it. Why Pressure Ratings Matter Every tank has a pressure limit, measured in bars. Selecting the right rating is vital: Still Wine: Even low-pressure environments can experience minor pressure buildup during fermentation. Using appropriately rated tanks prevents leaks, deformation, and safety hazards. Sparkling Wine & Carbonated Beverages: Secondary fermentation generates significant internal pressure. Tanks must safely handle this pressure to avoid blowouts, maintain product quality, and protect staff. Container Logic offers tanks rated from 1 bar to 7 bar, allowing wineries to choose the perfect ve

When people talk about barrels, it’s usually the glamorous ones that get the attention—new French oak, custom toasts, those first vintages where the oak impact is bold and unmistakable. But if you walk into most working cellars, you’ll notice something: the barrels stacked three high in the back aren’t all brand-new French oak. A lot of them are neutral.  And they’re doing some of the most important work in the room. We’ve seen plenty of cellars where neutral barrels outnumber new oak five to one. Nobody makes a big deal about it—it’s just how the work gets done. More Than “Just Neutral” Once a barrel has given up most of its extractable oak character, it often gets labeled as “neutral.” The implication is that it’s somehow less useful. But neutral oak plays a role that’s just as important as the flashier new barrels. In short: neutral doesn’t mean useless—it means versatile: Blending t

Second-Year Sponsorship Highlights American Wine Industry’s Economic Impact and Community Building Mission  WineAmerica, the National Association of American Wineries, announced today its proud sponsorship of the 2025 Come Over October Congressional Wine Caucus press conference and reception, taking place on October 8th in Washington, D.C. This marks the second consecutive year WineAmerica has supported this important invitation-only industry event, demonstrating the organization’s continued commitment to fostering bipartisan support for America’s burgeoning wine industry.  The reception will showcase wines from across many states, celebrating the breadth, diversity and quality of American wine production from coast to coast. This comprehensive representation underscores the truly national scope of the American wine industry, which now includes 10,637 wine producers operating in every state. Economic Powerhouse Supporting American Communities WineAmerica&r

Meet Carlos Martinez, Junior Network Engineer at Wineshipping At Wineshipping, we celebrate the talented individuals who keep our operations running smoothly across every site. Carlos is part of our IT Infrastructure department, where he plays a vital role in supporting all locations across our network. Carlos officially joined Wineshipping in April 2020, but his journey began much earlier—back in 2012 with Pack and Ship Direct, which was later acquired by 24 Seven Enterprises, and ultimately by Wineshipping. This December, Carlos will celebrate an incredible 13 years as a Wineshipper! More About Carlos From the Club Line to IT Carlos’s career path is a true Wineshipping story. He first started on the club line, carefully placing bottles and collateral into boxes. A pivotal moment came when, after being asked about his tech background, Carlos was offered the opportunity to step into an IT role. That conversation opened the door to a new career path, and he hasn’t look