Tyler Thomas, who is the director of winemaking at Dierberg and Star Lane Vineyards, was the guest on the very popular Episode: 35 of The Inside Winemaking Podcast.  In this episode Tyler returns in a solo format to give color to his thoughts on what it means to be a winemaker and then results from some of the vineyard and winery trials that he has taken on.  There are numerous academic studies of how yield affects wine quality, but Tyler's trials with Pinot Noir might surprise you.  How about the importance of pumpovers?  Perhaps there is a task with a higher value return.  Can you make a decent wine without using SO2?  Is it worth the microbiological risk?  Maybe, but the grape better have the inherent characteristics to protect from oxidation.  Tyler is very forthcoming with his experience in the vineyards, cellar, and his attempts to question the basic principles of winemaking.  

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Dierberg Vineyard, Santa Barbara County
• Star Lane Vineyard, Santa Barbara County
• Donelan Family Wines, Sonoma 
• Vivier Wines, from Stephan Vivier, Tyler's lazy mentor at HdV Wines

I'm hoping to put together an episode where I answer listener questions about grapegrowing and winemaking.  Please email what's on your mind   [email protected]

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Questions?  Comments?  Let me know what you think: [email protected]