Winemaking: An art or a science?

The University of B.C.'s Wine Research Centre has received $3.4 million in funding from Genome BC and Genome Canada in order to develop a hand-held device that would help winemakers monitor proteins in grapes throughout the seasons. This project will also study how yeast cells use genes to adapt the fermentation process.

In order to estimate harvest dates, growers have been monitoring pH and sugar levels at the end of the growth process. However, there are currently no ways to monitor the berry or vine earlier in the season.

"Essentially, we are trying to put more advanced tools into the hands of producers," says Dr. Steven Lund of UBC.

In order to understand what makes a great wine, I interviewed Porter Elliot, a professional wine lover, who works for Winegardner's Wines, a wine distributor, in Bozeman, Mont. 

In this podcast, he describes how he chooses wines, the difference in winemaking between old world and new world, and tells us a story about the birth of the winemaking art. His passion for wine is very inspiring so enjoy!

Porter Elliot (right) sharing a bottle of 2006 Montee de Tonnerre Chablis Premier Cru with friends.

Related articles: http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Genome-British-Columbia-1041812.html