Why Winemaker Kerry Likes Brewing Beer Too
The saying goes “it takes a lot of beer to make wine.”
After a long day in the cellar, many people in wine production enjoy a crisp, refreshing lager or a hoppy IPA. At first glance, wine and beer may seem similar – both are fermented beverages that have been crafted for thousands of years.
However, a closer look reveals that wine and beer production involve very different approaches. Wine is essentially an extension of grape growing and a method to process and store food that would otherwise spoil. It is fermented once a year, during the grape harvest, and its simplicity showcases the nuances of ingredients, place, and growing conditions.
In contrast, grain is much more storable than grapes, allowing beer to be made year-round with seasonal ingredients added for extra flavor and variation. Because grains are stable, they can travel, enabling a brewery in Sunnyside to use malt from Germany and hops from New Zealand in the same beer. Thus, the recipe is crucial in beer-making.
While often overlooked, these differences provide a wonderful education in fermentation science. For instance, a fundamental difference lies in the source of fermentable sugars. Grapes come to the winery with sugar. Grain must be malted, milled, and then heated with water to allow enzymes to convert starches to sugar, forming wort. The chemistries measured, the makeup of juice and wort, clarification methods, production timing and schedules, and packaging considerations all differ significantly.
By learning the art of brewing, Kerry gains a fresh perspective on fermentation and broadens her technical expertise. The freedom and flexibility of beer recipes foster her creativity and inspire new ways of thinking. Brewing in collaboration with Varietal Beer Co. is fun and allows her to share this experience with others. This new perspective keeps her winemaking fresh, enabling her to innovate while continuing to produce classic wines.
Enjoy the latest project, an Italian Pilner, and celebrate the 4th with the Red, White, and Brew bundle available for a limited time!
