Wine is more than just a drink - it’s a story told through the soil, the grape, the climate, and the craft of the winemaker. Whether you're a seasoned sommelier or just beginning to explore the world of wine, understanding how it's made can deepen your appreciation with every sip.
So pour yourself a glass, and let’s discover 10 interesting facts about how wine is made:
1. It all begins in the vineyard
The quality of a wine starts long before it reaches the bottle. Factors like soil composition, altitude, climate, and sun exposure all shape the flavor of the grape. This is what the French call terroir - the unique fingerprint of the land.
2. Grapes are picked at the perfect moment
Timing is everything. Winemakers carefully monitor sugar and acidity levels in the grapes to decide the ideal harvest moment. In some regions, harvesting is still done by hand to preserve the integrity of the fruit.
3. Crushing grapes is less messy than you think
While ancient winemakers used their feet (and some still do for tradition), most modern wineries use gentle mechanical presses that protect the seeds and skins, allowing for more controlled fermentation and less bitterness.
4. Fermentation turns juice into wine
This is where the magic happens. Yeast - either natural or added - consumes the sugars in the grape juice, converting them into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Fermentation can take place in stainless steel tanks, oak barrels, or even clay amphorae.
5. Red wine ferments with the skins
The difference between red and white wine isn’t just the grape - it’s also the process. Red wines ferment with their skins, seeds, and sometimes stems, which add tannins and deep color. White wines are typically pressed and fermented without skins.
6. Temperature matters
Fermentation temperature is carefully controlled. Warmer temperatures (25–30°C) are used for red wines to extract color and tannin, while cooler temperatures (10–15°C) preserve fresh aromas in white wines.
7. Oak barrels influence taste and aroma
Aging wine in oak barrels adds flavors like vanilla, toast, or spice. The type of oak (French, American, etc.) and how heavily it’s toasted also affect the final result.
8. Not all wines age well
Only a small percentage of wines are meant to be aged for years. Most are crafted to be enjoyed within a couple of years of bottling. That said, aged wines often develop more complex aromas and softer textures.
9. Blending is a true art
Many wines are a blend of different grape varieties. A winemaker might combine, for example, Tempranillo and Garnacha to balance acidity, body, and flavor. It’s a creative and scientific process that takes years to master.
10. Bottling is the final touch
Once the wine is aged and filtered, it’s bottled - sometimes with a cork, sometimes with a screw cap. From here, it’s labeled, sealed, and ready to be enjoyed. But every bottle still carries the journey of the grape from vine to glass.
Want to see it in action?
Join one of our wine experiences and step into the world of winemaking yourself. Whether it’s exploring boutique vineyards in Catalonia or tasting cava straight from the cellar, we’ll guide you through the process - from grape to glass.
