Getting to Know the Person Behind the Wine: 10 Questions to Ask a Winemaker

Wine enthusiasts eager to learn the stories behind their favorite bottles know that one of the best ways to do so is to speak directly with the winemaker Sitting down for an interview with the person who crafted the wine provides insight into their methods, philosophies, and personal journey

Below are 10 questions to ask winemakers that will reveal key details about how they approach their art and help drinkers better understand and appreciate each sip

1. How did you get started in winemaking?

A winemaker’s path often begins long before they set foot in a winery. Understanding their early interests and what drew them to winemaking provides helpful context. Maybe they grew up in a winemaking family, took elective enology classes, or were captivated by wine while travelling abroad. Their beginning influences their style and vision.

2. What formal training do you have?

While some winemakers are self-taught, most have some type of formal education in enology or viticulture. Knowing where they studied, and with whom, provides insight into the lenses through which they view winemaking. Old World or New World philosophies, traditional or modern techniques – their background shapes their approach.

3. How would you describe your winemaking philosophy and style?

Every winemaker has a personal perspective that guides their work. Their philosophy may emphasize minimal intervention to let the grapes and terroir shine. Or highlight innovation and unconventional techniques. Understand their ethos by asking them to sum up their style and values.

4. What inspires your winemaking?

Winemakers draw inspiration from diverse sources – travel, food, art, relationships, even dreams! Their muses reveal what captivates their imagination and creativity. Inspiration is the lifeblood that energizes passion and sustains commitment through long days at harvest.

5. Walk me through your winemaking process.

The precise steps a winemaker takes from harvest through bottling tell a fascinating story. Listen for small details that make their protocol special – hand harvesting at night, extended skin contact for rosé, native yeast fermentation. Their exacting methods manifest in the glass.

6. How do you monitor and adapt throughout the winemaking process?

Winemaking requires making many complex decisions along the way about things like extraction time, oak usage, blending choices, etc. Discover their flexible, responsive approach by asking how they tailor methods to each harvest’s unique characteristics.

7. How do you feel this wine represents your winemaking style?

Let the winemaker make connections between their finished product and signature techniques. For example, they may describe how partial whole cluster fermentation lends the wine its silky tannins, or lees aging gives it a round, creamy mouthfeel.

8. What are some of the biggest ongoing challenges you face as a winemaker?

All winemakers confront difficulties – unpredictable weather, equipment issues, labor shortages, changing regulations. Understanding the realities of their work makes it easier to appreciate the many obstacles they navigate to produce great wine.

9. What’s been your most memorable winemaking experience?

Winemaking happens to be full of colorful stories! Maybe it was the harvest when wild boars came out of the vineyards at night, or bottling wine alongside three generations of family. Asking for a standout memory prompts rich replies.

10. What would your dream winemaking project be?

Everyone has professional aspirations remaining to fulfill. Find out what the winemaker envisions down the road – perhaps starting an experimental micro-winery focused on esoteric varietals, or partnering with growers in an esteemed region abroad. Their unrealized dreams reveal enduring passions.

A winemaker interview offers a direct line into the soul of a wine. Letting winemakers share their own tales dispels mystery, spawns connection, and infuses each sip with meaning. Their words, like their wines, linger with resonance.

Next time you admire a special bottle, take a moment to appreciate the many unseen human hands and hearts that crafted it. And consider reaching out to extend your gratitude and curiosity directly to the winemaker. The stories they tell will enrich your enjoyment tremendously.

So pick their brain, listen intently, and raise your glass as you drink in their insights along with their wine! The wine and the winemaker’s words will linger on your palate long after the bottle is empty.