The grape crush is one of the most important steps in the winemaking process because as the skins of the grapes are broken, the sweet juices, pulp, and seeds contained inside the fruit are released. When the juice comes into contact with all the other elements of the grape, it absorbs their unique flavors, colors, and tannins, all of which are crucial for turning plump, ripe grapes into deep, rich, and delicious tasting wine.
When you think about grape crushing for wine, you no doubt envision yourself stomping up and down in a big barrel filled with grapes. This process, called “foot treading,” is still used in many parts of world and most commonly in Portugal, but in the wineUdesign studio, your feet are no longer required to crush the grapes.
Crush Grapes for Your Wine
At wineUdesign, we provide you with everything you need to ensure your grapes are crushed perfectly every time. We have an innovative crusher-destemmer that removes all the stems from the bunches of grapes before gently crushing the fruit to release their juices.
This is an important stage in the making of your wine, especially if you are creating a more delicate variety because the stems contain bitter tannins that can get released into the liquid once pressed and this can affect the taste of the final product. By removing the stems prior to pressing, the fermentation process can start with a mixture that is as clean and pure as possible. This helps deliver a true and satisfying taste that pays tribute to the original fruit. This is next-level grape crushing and best of all, you won’t have to worry about your feet turning purple!
The wineUdesign grape crushing season runs from September to October and from April to May. If you want to enroll in one of our winemaking classes, then you don’t want to wait because space is limited. Call us today at 516-939-WINE (9463) or contact us to inquire about our upcoming classes. Enroll today and Uncork the Fun!