There is a romantic timelessness about wine that can feel as though nothing has changed over decades or even centuries in some regions. While there are traditions that have carried for generations without much, if any transformation, the truth is that viticulture and winemaking is on the cutting edge of innovation and modernization.
We are celebrating “Geek Week” until July 27th at our HQ on York Ave, where galleries are featuring exhibitions of Hip Hop paraphernalia, dinosaurs, and space travel. In honor of wineries and winemakers pushing the envelope and using innovation to advance wine quality and the future of wine, we are showcasing wineries with groundbreaking technologies implemented by trailblazing adventurers and vintners!
Lynch-Bages, Pauillac
Chateau Lynch-Bages recently unveiled a brilliant state-of-the-art winery, which is “...one of the most incredible feats of vinicultural engineering that the wine world has seen in the last two centuries,” according to George Lacey, Sotheby’s Head of Wine, Asia.
The new winery utilizes natural light, ergonomics, and energy efficiency, with an increased number of vats which allows for a more streamlined, extended, and thoughtful blending process.
RAEN, Sonoma Coast
Founded by Carlo Mondavi, the grandson of the late Robert Mondavi, RAEN stands for Research in Agriculture and Enology Naturally. In addition to crafting ethereal and captivating wines, Carlo invented a driverless and fully electric tractor called Monarch, which is transforming agriculture and making it easier for farmers to farm sustainably and organically in spite of labor shortages.
The Royal St Robert Vineyard is named for Carlo’s grandfather Robert, who Carlo says was “neither royal, nor a saint,” but who Carlo felt could “walk on wine”. RAEN proves that Carlo is as groundbreaking as his legendary grandfather, and is sure to have a legacy just as powerful.
Torres, Spain
These two wineries are members of the International Wineries for Climate Action, a non-profit aimed at decarbonizing the wine industry.
Wine production can contribute to carbon emissions due to several factors involved in the winemaking process through vineyard operations such as tractors and sprayers, energy use in the winery, packaging, and transportation.
These wineries have made changes such as utilizing lighter-weight glass and measuring emissions to be sure they are not only producing world-class wines but also being “good citizens” and taking care of future generations of farmers and wine-lovers alike.
Massican, California
Dan Petroski has already forged his own unique path, moving from a successful career in publishing to being a winemaker in Italy, Sonoma, and then Napa Valley, eventually founding Massican, the only winery in Napa Valley that makes exclusively white wines. His unique style of utilizing Mediterranean varieties that are well-priced and eminently drinkable has made Massican a staple of Michelin restaurants throughout the United States, not to mention a thriving mailing list. Dan doesn’t want to only meet clients in the traditional spaces, however, and is forming a Massican wine bar in the Metaverse, where clients can meet and engage with the brand from anywhere in the world.
