Secrets Of The Soil: An Inside Look At The Dirty Science Of Good Wine

SONOMA VALLEY, CA — Soil is the unsung hero of winemaking. The soil beneath grapevines shapes the fruit that eventually fills the glass.

Soil also helps explain why some sections of a vineyard produce less than others.

Soil scientist and viticulturist Dr. Paul Anamosa will explore those differences and the role of soil analysis in making better wine during a free Nov. 12 talk at hosted by Sonoma Home Winemakers.

Wine enthusiasts, growers, and makers are welcome.

Anamosa’s talk, “It’s Soil, Not Dirt!,” will examine Sonoma soils and the importance of matching rootstock, variety, and soil to get the best results from a vineyard.

Anamosa estimates he has evaluated more than 30,000 soil pits across California’s wine-growing regions since 1996.

He earned a master’s degree in viticulture in spring 1997, then served seven years as vice president and senior soil scientist for a viticultural consulting company, according to Sonoma Home Winemakers. He founded Vineyard Soil Technologies in 2004.

Sonoma Home Winemakers is a nonprofit whose members are home winemakers dedicated to growing grapes, making wine, and sharing information among members.

No RSVP is necessary for the Nov. 12 event, which includes tastings of wine made by Sonoma Home Winemakers wines. Attendees must at least 21 years old and show identification.

Attendees should bring at least one wineglass, or two for side-by-side comparisons.

Winemakers should bring a bottle of their wine for the tasting.

The meeting at the Sonoma Community Center begins with socializing at 6:30 p.m., followed by the program at 7 p.m. in Room 110.

Information about event and organization is available on the website.

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