How to use this blog

Submitted by Clark Smith on Sun, 04/27/2008 - 12:00am

This blog consists of pieces on various wine technology topics. These are sorted into Categories: Postmodern Winemaking, Natural Winemaking, Terroir, Alcohol Adjustment, Social Responsibility, and so forth. The Search function will bring up titles discussing your keyword: sulfites, micro-oxygenation, chips, allergens, fining, and reverse osmosis are rich in content. I also recommend the Postmodern Winemaking Calendar Mandala or the the Postmodern Winemaking Glossary which ties all the concepts of postmodern winemaking together.

Game changer for DTC shipping for small wineries

Submitted by winesmith on Wed, 09/09/2015 - 3:22pm

This sounds like an ad, but I swear I have no interest in VinoShipper other than to wish them success in freeing us from our chains.

How to make money in wine retail: What almost nobody understands

Submitted by winesmith on Thu, 04/30/2015 - 12:48am

A student in one of my classes asked me to clarify why profitability depends on markup, investment, turnover and supply lines.

The turnover question is a very important point most retailers do not understand. The way to make money in this business is through return on investment, not on markup alone.

Private label wines matter more and more?

Submitted by winesmith on Fri, 09/05/2014 - 10:38am

Brian Rosen argues on his blog that "Private label wines matters more and more" .

Sympathy for the Devil

Submitted by Clark Smith on Sat, 05/08/2010 - 12:00am

Interesting discussion on Snooth.com about Parker's closing his site.

I like this discussion centered around costs and value. A public posting board is like a public park, and it is easier to maintain than a building with sticks and bricks and a staff.

Vintage, Schmintage

Submitted by Clark Smith on Thu, 01/14/2010 - 12:00am

Clark:

What can one stand to gain by making multivintage/nonvintage blends?
What are the pitfalls and drawbacks of multivintage/nonvintage blends?

Arthur Z. Przebinda
Founder and Publisher
redwinebuzz.com

Arthur:

The truth? Let me get on my hobbyhorse. Removing the constraint of vintage purity gives the winemaker more freedom to blend for consistency, complexity and balance. Thus non-vintage wines are without exception a superior product and a better deal for the consumer.

Three Tier System in a Nutshell

Submitted by Clark Smith on Thu, 09/03/2009 - 12:00am

Here at last is a two minute video which captures the essence of wine's distribution network in the U.S. as it malfunctions in a down economy. Also the funniest video I ever saw.

The simple truth of this situation explains why the channels of access for the 150,000+ wines on the market need to go beyond the 2,000 shelf positions in even a very large store. The system is choked with crap.

Appellation America Goes Subscription

Submitted by Clark Smith on Sun, 07/12/2009 - 12:00am

Why Buying Wine on the Internet Makes Sense

Submitted by Clark Smith on Sat, 05/31/2008 - 12:00am

Readers may discount today's blog as self-promoting filthy commerce. So shoot me. The point of posting it here is to illuminate the way the market for artisanal wines has become seriously screwed up at all price levels.

Dear Clark: I really enjoyed your CheapSkate 2003 Cabernet Franc, but I can’t get my local retailer to re-order it. I know I can buy it off your website, but doesn’t shipping cost defeat the whole idea of CheapSkate? – Tom from Santa Rosa