Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/131907
wi n e m a k i n g (which has made my life very rich) than I could have gotten in my first career (I'm a recovering engineer). So, instead of boring you to tears with something you probably already know, I'm going to go out on a limb recalling some of these experiences and episodes and possibly give some advice. Here are a few pearls for the younger winemaking crowd and some "I remember when that happened to me" anecdotes for winemakers of my generation. So here it goes—in no particular order or preference. To avoid having a tank with a partially collapsed top, have your staff vent all tanks prior to setting up pumps and trickle inert gas through the top manhole. Most embarrassing moment Let's get the most embarrassing/jobthreatening thing out of the way first. Every seasoned winemaker owns a partially collapsed tank top. Whether it was your fault (as was the case for me) or the fault of your cellar staff, it was done on your watch. The very first thing your staff should do prior to setting up pumps and hoses is to vent all tanks. Adopt the practice of trickling inert gas through the top manhole and this problem is solved. Having your staff double-check each other is also advised. By the way, you can restore most tank tops to pretty fair condition with a few tricks, but call in your tank supplier for the best advice. Winemakers share and collaborate on their proprietary information, techniques, solutions, successes and failures. Winery owners share lawsuits. It's the way it has always been. I thank my winemaking friends for their candor. Mix stuck fermentations Remember to periodically (and I might say thrice daily) mix your stuck fermentation tanks while they are being warmed. If you don't, I can guarantee that when you do try to mix the tank, the dissolved CO2 in 4TH ANNUAL WINERIES, BREWERIES & DISTILLERIES If you own or operate a Winery, Brewery or Distillery, or if you've considered entering the exciting and rapidly expanding world of the Alcohol Industry, this program is a must! Seasoned owners/operators to novices will gain invaluable insight into such important topics as: * Licensing & Land Use Considerations in Producing & Distributing Alcoholic Beverages * Creating and Protecting Intellectual Property * Legislative Update * Distribution Update * Finance and Improving Valuations * Fort George Case Study www.TheSeminarGroup.net 68 W in e s & V i ne s J U NE 2 013