Wine is an ancient drink that has captivated mankind for centuries. Behind every bottle of wine lies a unique story, from the selection of the grapes to the moment the bottle is uncorked. In this article, we will take you on a journey through the wine production process, from the vine to the glass, to discover all the steps that make this delicious drink that we enjoy so much possible.

The process of making wine from grapes and throughout a set of operations is called vinification. At the winery, our oenologist is in charge of overseeing this entire winemaking process.

1. The Harvest:

The process begins in the vineyard, where the grapes are selected and harvested, each variety at the optimal moment of ripeness. Harvesting is a crucial task, as the quality of the grapes greatly influences the flavor of the wine. The winery's oenologist is the one who tells us the best time to harvest in each of the estate's vineyards.

2. The Selection and Stripping:

Once harvested, the grapes go through a selection process to remove the leaves and other unwanted elements as they would contribute flavors to the final product. Afterwards, they are destemmed to separate the bunches of grapes from the peduncles.

3. Squeezing :

The way in which the grapes are pressed or crushed can affect the extraction of flavors and tannins from the wine. Once we have destemmed the grapes, the grapes are passed through a treadle machine to break the skin of the grapes, called the skin. This is how the juice is extracted to facilitate the next step, but you must not squeeze too much to avoid breaking the grape seeds, as they would add bitterness to the broth.

 

 

 

4. Maceration and fermentation

The must extracted from the previous process will be kept in tanks at a controlled temperature for a few days, thus allowing fermentation and acquiring the required color.

In these fermentation tanks is where the yeasts convert the sugars into alcohol (alcoholic fermentation).

This process lasts from a few days to several weeks, depending on the type of wine being produced and must take place at temperatures no higher than 29 ºC.

 

5. Pressing

After the alcoholic fermentation, there is still a large amount of wine left in the solid remains of the fermentation. After the discovery (action of separating the wine from the solid parts of the grapes) this solid product is pressed to extract the liquid it contains.

 

6. Malolactic fermentation:

The wine resulting from the previous processes undergoes a new fermentation process (in this case malolactic fermentation) where the sour malic acid becomes lactic acid, which is more pleasant and less acidic in the mouth.

Some wines, such as aged reds, go through an aging process in oak barrels. During this period, the wine acquires additional flavors and aromas, as well as greater complexity.

During the stay in the barrels, the wine evolves and develops different characteristics.

 

 

 

7. Clarification and Filtration:

Before being bottled, the wine is clarified and filtered to remove any remaining sediment and ensure its transparency and stability.

8. The Bottling:

Finally, the wine is bottled and closed with the cork. From this moment, it begins its aging in the bottle, which can vary from a few months to decades.

During this time, the wine evolves and assimilates the oxygen that is introduced into the bottle.

 

9. The Moment to Enjoy:

After all this process, the most awaited moment arrives: tasting the wine. Each bottle is unique and carries with it the history of the vineyard and the skill of the winemaker.

The winemaking process is an art and a science that requires patience and experience. From grape selection to barrel aging, each stage influences the final result and character of the wine. The next time you open a bottle, think about all the work and passion behind each sip and enjoy this drink that has endured throughout history even more. Cheers!