David Dain Smith lives in Missouri, but his California winery is just a click away, waiting to spring to life in the dim glow of his computer screen. Smith is making wine through Crushpad, a winery where the grapes are real but the experience is as virtual as members want it to be with email updates, live chat and web cams.
Ernest Gallo, who parlayed 900 and a wine recipe from a public library into the world’s largest winemaking empire, died on March 6 at his home in Modesto. He was 97. ”He passed away peacefully this afternoon surrounded by his family,” said Susan Hensley, vice-president of public relations for E&J Gallo Winery.
No image available
/ 11 September 2006
Grapes that get too much sun face the same problems as humans: Tan today, wrinkle tomorrow. Which is why winemaker Aaron Pott, taking a cue from sun-worshippers, started spraying his grapes with a compost ”tea” that includes small amounts of aloe vera and yucca.