It's time to uncork the amazing world of wine in the comfort of your own home bar. While cocktails have long reigned supreme in the mixology realm, there is a whole universe of flavors and experiences waiting to be discovered in the realms of wine. In this exciting journey beyond cocktails, we'll explore the rich artistry behind winemaking. So, put down your cocktail shaker for a moment and grab a corkscrew.

 Let's embark on an adventure of flavors, aromas, and the joy of sharing a glass with friends and loved ones. Get ready to elevate your home bar experience as we explore the captivating world of wine.

Wine Origin and Winemaking

Wine is a fermented juice from crushed grapes that dates back as far as 9,000 years ago in China, where it was believed to have discovered evidence of the use of grapes in wine recipes with fermented rice and honey. The earliest days of wine production were spotted in Armenia, Georgia, and Iran, which dates back from 8000 to 5000 BC.

And because the drink is one of the oldest beverages known in history, there’s been a lot of versions of its origin as to how wine was invented and discovered. From the early Bronze Age to Egyptian Elixirs, down to the Greek, French, and Roman discovery of wine, the drink sure has left a remarkable mark with its discovery and cultivation.

The Process of wine-making varies depending on the places where fermented beverages or wines are produced. For example. In China, the use of grapes was believed to have existed during Zhou Dynasty1046 to 221 BCE. The presence of fruit in the process was identified by the tartaric acid found at the bottom of old jars where the drink is fermented and aged. This is their own winemaking process.

In France, prior to “Vinification,” the grapes undergo a process called “Pigeage.” It is a traditional way of crushing grapes by stomping on them in a vat using the feet. Skins and other solids from the fruit are called “caps,” which is the best source of tannins. 

Winemaking Process

First is harvesting the wine grapes. Of course, see to it that the fruit is already matured/ripe enough for harvesting. This will determine the wine’s sweetness and overall flavor. Some use machinery to harvest, while most still rely on hand picking to avoid stressing the grape vines and soil.

Next up is de-stemming and Crushing. Separating stems and leaves, and branches from the cluster is vital so as not to add any bitterness to the wine’s flavor. After de-stemming, the grapes are transferred to large buckets to be crushed. A crusher machine is used to make life easier and more efficient, producing “must” in a short period of time. This method also improves sanitation, therefore, improving the wine’s quality and shelf life. While crushing with feet nowadays is becoming rare, some are still keeping the tradition alive.

For white wine, the must is quickly pressed after crushing to separate the juice as quickly as possible from skins and solids. This is to prevent colors and tannins from mixing into the juice. Red wine, on the other hand, is left in contact with skins and solids to allow colors and tannins to be absorbed completely.

The third step is “Fermentation and Maceration.” With the right amount of yeast, food for their growth, prevention of oxidation, and temperature control, you can guarantee high-quality of wine production. Fermentation allows the conversion of sugar to alcohol for a period of 10 days to a month. For some sweet wines, the process is disrupted to allow some sugar preservations to avoid losing that sweet taste and flavor.

The fermented liquid also undergoes “Malolactic fermentation.” It’s a type of fermentation that allows you to lower the acid level of must to make it more palatable. The process is caused by enzymes from lactic-acid bacteria. 

The fourth step is clarifying the must to ensure there’s no presence of caps by adding some compound like clay or bentonite. These additives aids in the adsorption of solids, pushing them at the bottom hence leaving the must clear and solid-free. 

Aging is when the must is stored in oak barrels and left to sit there for a certain period of time to transform into wine. It allows oxygen to enter and alcohol and water to escape. During this process, additional clarification and acidity decrease takes place. 

Most of the table wines are marketed and consumed in less than two years of aging. Rosé and dry red wine aged for a short period of time clarified, and then bottled. White wines are rarely aged in wooden barrels for a long time, and some are not even stored in barrels to maintain their clear white color. This reduces the cost of storage and produces a fresher, fruitier flavor. 

A final filtration is required before the bottling process. Sulfur dioxide is adjusted or added to, heated, and then filtered for one last time to ensure the wine’s top-notch quality. 

The next step is Bottling the wine. There are wines that are bottled first before aging, some are stored in stainless steel or ceramic tanks, and most are in wood to age first prior to bottling. Bottle shapes and color is used depending on the cost and the type of wine. White wines usually change when exposed to sunlight, so it’s best to store them in brown, brownish-green bottles while red wines are usually stored in green or dark-colored bottles.

Corked bottles are ideal for the continuous aging of red wine. Screw caps are for standard wines. Bottled wines should be stored on their side if unopened, with the absence of light, moisture, and high temperature.

Here are some Wine-based Cocktail Recipes we curated for you to try!

White wine spritzer

Bicyclette Cocktail

Front Porch Swing

Rosé Smash Cocktail

Pineapple Sangria

Rosemary and Roasted Grape Wine Cocktail

Negroni Sbagliato Recipe

White Wine Margaritas Cocktail

The Port World Cup Cocktail

Wine Cooler

While cocktails may often take center stage in the world of mixology, it is important not to overlook the other incredible libations that can elevate your home bar experience. Wine with its rich history and endless variety, offers a whole new dimension to your drinking repertoire.

By incorporating wine into your home bar, you can broaden your horizons and offer your guests a truly diverse and memorable drinking experience. So, why limit yourself to cocktails alone when there is a whole world of libations waiting to be explored? 

Cheers to the endless possibilities that await to be experienced and explored!