067: Growing for Sparkling Wines in Alternative Regions with Mark Wenzel & Kaibab Sauvage

In this episode, we explore the world of sparkling wine production in unconventional regions with Mark Wenzel from Illinois Sparkling Wine Company and August Hill Winery, and Kaibab Sauvage from Sauvage Spectrum Winery in Colorado. These winemakers discuss their process of adapting viticulture to thrive in challenging climates, turning high-acid grapes into naturally sparkling wines without relying on conventional carbonation methods. 

The episode covers their brands' evolutions, vineyard management techniques, and creative varietal blends. Additionally, Mark and Kaibab share about vineyard management, yield strategies, and future innovations in sparkling wine. 

Listen in for inspiration and practical advice for grape growers and winemakers interested in expanding into non-traditional locales.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Sparkling wine production in non-traditional regions like Illinois and Colorado.
• Adapting viticulture for cold climates.
• The transition from carbonated to naturally sparkling wines.
• The varieties that Mark and Kaibab like to use.
• Vineyard management strategies, including yield management and trellis innovations.
• Tips for harvesting and managing vineyards specifically for sparkling wine production.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Resources:

Do you have a question for Fritz?

Attend Fritz’s upcoming Winning with Shoot Thinning FREE LIVE Virtual Learning event on April 28th at 5:00 PM Central and ask your question live. Register for FREE www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/winning.

Or go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button, to submit a question online for Fritz.

Today’s Guests:

Mark Wenzel is the founder and owner of August Hill Winery and the Illinois Sparkling Company.

Connect with Mark at https://augusthillwinery.com/ or https://iscbubbly.com/

or follow him at https://www.instagram.com/augusthillwinery/ or https://www.instagram.com/illinoissparklingco/

Kaibab Sauvage is the owner and manager of Colorado Vineyard Specialists LLC and the co-founder of Sauvage Spectrum Estate Winery & Vineyard.

Connect with Kaibab at https://sauvagespectrum.com/ or follow him at https://www.instagram.com/coloradovineyard/ or https://www.instagram.com/sauvagespectrumwines/?hl=en 

Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode was brought to you by Shellt Grow Tubes and by Clemens Technologies.

Shellt makes the ultimate grow tubes for grape vines and orchard trees. Their grow tubes are reusable, recyclable, and designed to grow with your vineyard by clicking together for taller or wider coverage. I exclusively recommend Shellt Grow Tubes to the growers I work with. Visit https://www.shellt.us/ and order with the code UNDERGROUND to save 15% off all online orders plus free shipping within the continental United States.

Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in-stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at [e-mail]