From Picking to Grape-Stomping, Here's How to Make Merlot

After making chardonnay, the harvest experience with merlot was completely different. It was hardier than the chardonnay and had less disease pressures. We were divided into groups of two to monitor different rows of grapes leading up to harvest, and it was really interesting tracking the development of the grapes—you could easily see how even small amounts of rain impacted the berries and their flavor. Similarly, prolonged periods of sunshine concentrated their flavor and sugars. I...