How Is Wine Made? The Winemaking Process Step by Step
From harvest to bottle: the winemaking process in plain English, covering crushing, fermentation, pressing, aging, blending, and bottling.
Andrew L. · September 19, 2026 · 3 min read
The HarvestLink Blog
Plain-English guides on how wine is made, what makes a wine region special, and how to buy and sell wine grapes and bulk wine.
HarvestLink is an online marketplace where wine grape growers, wineries, and wine brands buy and sell wine grapes and bulk wine directly, including confidential listings under NDA.
Wine Basics
How Much Alcohol Is in Wine? ABV Explained for Buyers and Brands
Most table wine is about 11 to 15 percent ABV. See what sets alcohol level, how it is measured, and how much a US wine label can be off.
Andrew L. · September 19, 2026 · 3 min read
Red Wine vs White Wine: How They Are Made Differently
The real difference between red and white wine is skin contact. See how crushing, fermentation, pressing, and aging differ, and why rosé sits in between.
Andrew L. · September 19, 2026 · 4 min read
What Are Sulfites in Wine? PPM, Labels and Limits Explained
Sulfites occur naturally in wine and are often added to protect it. Learn what total SO2 in ppm means, the US label rule, and the legal limit.
Andrew L. · September 19, 2026 · 4 min read
Wine Grapes
How Many Gallons of Wine Does a Ton of Grapes Make? (Free Calculator)
A ton of grapes typically makes about 130 to 180 gallons of wine. Use the free calculator to convert tons to gallons, bottles, cases, and barrels.
Andrew L. · September 19, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Buy Wine Grapes: A Buyer's Guide for Wineries and Winemakers
How to source wine grapes by the ton: what to specify, how to compare vineyards, agree on terms, and plan picking, hauling, and receiving.
Andrew L. · September 19, 2026 · 3 min read
Spot Market vs Forward Contracts for Wine Grapes: What to Know
How spot and forward wine grape contracts differ, what terms to include (tonnage, price per ton, brix, delivery), and how to plan multi-year supply.
Andrew L. · September 19, 2026 · 3 min read
What Is Brix? How Sugar Ripeness Shapes Wine and Grape Prices
Brix measures sugar in grapes. Learn how it is measured, how it predicts alcohol, and why buyers and growers put brix targets in grape contracts.
Andrew L. · September 19, 2026 · 4 min read
Buying Bulk Wine
How to Buy Bulk Wine: A Step-by-Step Guide
Define your spec, confirm permits, get samples and lab data, agree on price per gallon and delivery, and verify the wine on arrival. A step-by-step guide.
Andrew L. · September 19, 2026 · 4 min read
How to Start a Wine Brand Without a Vineyard: Private Label and Bulk Wine
How to launch a private label or white label wine brand: source bulk wine, understand permits and label approval, and plan bottling and costs.
Andrew L. · September 19, 2026 · 3 min read
What Is Bulk Wine? A Plain-English Guide for Wineries and Wine Brands
Bulk wine is wine sold by volume before bottling. Learn how it is stored, measured in gallons, priced, and who buys it, plus a glossary of trade terms.
Andrew L. · September 19, 2026 · 4 min read
Farming and Regions
Organic, Biodynamic, Sustainable and Natural Wine: What the Labels Mean
What organic, biodynamic, regenerative organic, sustainable and natural mean on wine, which are certified, and what to ask when buying grapes or bulk wine.
Andrew L. · September 19, 2026 · 3 min read
What Is Terroir, and Does It Really Matter in Wine?
Terroir is the combined effect of place and people on a wine. Learn what the official definition includes, what science supports, and why buyers care.
Andrew L. · September 19, 2026 · 3 min read
What Makes Napa Valley Wine So Special?
Why Napa Valley is so famous: a small valley, a Mediterranean climate, a Cabernet Sauvignon focus, 17 sub-appellations, and a global reputation.
Andrew L. · September 19, 2026 · 4 min read
Selling
Selling Wine Anonymously: How Confidential NDA Listings Work
Why wineries sell bulk wine and grapes without their name, and how HarvestLink NDA listings hide the seller while buyers still see the specs that matter.
Andrew L. · September 19, 2026 · 3 min read