Located in Woodinville, Washington the Martedi winery is hard to resist when you learn its owned and operated by 4 Italian brothers and family. So, understandably there was no way I was going to refuse an invite to help crush grapes... ( with my feet?)
Joseph Miglino the creator and head winemaker is nothing short of brilliant when it come to crafting the finest of wines, and one perk of the job was being allowed to taste EVERYTHING!!
Once they've decided upon the kind of wine they want to make they harvest that kind of grape and begin to shovel the freshest most plum and sweet smelling grapes you can imagine into a this giant machine.
This machine then begins to separate out all the large stems and leaves from the grapes. However, it also has a second job...it also gently crushes the grapes just enough to break the skin but not crush the grapes completely which would release too much tannin.
I'll admit I was a little bummed out that there wasn't going to be any crushing grapes with my feet, lol.
As the machine works the crushed grapes are dispensed down a ramp, through which we do a by hand cleaning of the grapes. Picking out any large stems and leaves that may have slipped through.
The smell at this point is AMAZING and the juice is so incredibly sweet.
After we inspected them, the juice and grapes entered another machine where they are crushed again and dispensed into a large holding bins.
Here they add certain ingredients to balance and control fermentation ...they have it down to a science.
These containers are not filled to the top due to the natural gases released by the grapes which will cause the batch to swell.
After the day of fun...work ...no it was more fun we enjoyed the labors with buffet of assorted cheeses a other yummy snacks.
Hope you enjoyed this little post, I appreciate your time and attention.
-Cheers!!
This reminds me of last summer. Mullberries grow wild here. They are sweet and fragile so you should use them quickly after picking. One day I picked a gallon them and presented them to my inn keeper. I was hopping she would make jelly or use them in pankakes. I was called away for a few weeks. Returning I asked her if she had used the berries. She said no, I left them for you. They were still in the fridge where I had left them. I lifted the lid and they had firmented while not molding. I drained and jused what was left. I don't know if it was mullberries Brandy or wine but it sure tasted elegant and light while giving a lift to my spirits.
Thats awesome!! Now I want to try that- lol
That looks like an awesome day!!!
I wonder if I can find them in my local wine store?
Alas, they have not made it to Ontario yet.
They ship all over ... I bet they'd be tickled to send you some, just tell them Kate told you so. lol
Ontario holds a monopoly on wine sales. They block it at the border. It doesn’t get shipped back but it never arises.
I’ll be happy when I find a bottle during my travels. It will be a long awaited treat.
Winemaking is so much fun! I haven't made from grapes since I was a little kid making with my Italian grandfather in the garage. I'm glad you enjoyed the process
That's so neat you got to learn it as a kid...I think its a great way to spend a day.