Our Bench Trial Process

Step 1 - Send Sample for Evaluation & Fill Out the Intake Questionnaire

 

​To begin, send us (or schedule pick-up) a minimum 250mL sample of wine for winemaker to evaluate along with a completed sample intake questionnaire.

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• We offer free sample pick-up on Mondays between 9:30am and 2:30pm for Napa and Sonoma regions.

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•  If mailing samples, please consider weather conditions and overnight with ice packs if necessary.

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• Alternatively, to expedite the process you can send the maximum sample volume needed for trials and tasting (6 x 750mL for trials and 4 x 375mL for final tasting samples). Please note that this is the maximum volume required for trials; a lesser volume may be needed for simpler trials, but this can only be determined after evaluation.

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Step 2 - Review Estimate & Select a Trial Option

 

Upon receiving your wine, we will evaluate it, outline trial options, and provide an estimate within 48 hours.​ After reviewing the estimate, select the trial option you wish to proceed with and sign the contract so we can arrange your trial start date and begin the process. It is important to prioritize getting your trials on our schedule to ensure timely completion.

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• If you have not already done so, send (or schedule pick-up) the requested sample volume for trials and final samples.

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Step 3 - Taste Refined Versions of Wine Lot

 

Once the trial commences, you can expect to receive 1-3 improved versions of your wine lot along with detailed cellar protocol on how to implement these changes in your winery within 6 business days (plus shipping time).

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Additional Information:

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• Please allow up to 6 business days for the trials to be conducted.

• Upon completion, you will receive 375mL samples of a control wine along with 1-3 improved versions of your lot, along with detailed cellar protocol on how to implement these changes in your winery.

• We recommend blind tasting the final samples.

• Please note that if we are shipping final samples, allow an additional 1-2 days for them to be returned (shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer). Final samples are shipped on Mondays (or the following Tuesday in case of a holiday). If you opt for the complimentary Napa/Sonoma courier, sample pick-up and drop-off are available only on Mondays.

 

Additionally, we provide hourly consultation services with our winemaker for tasting final samples in person in Napa and Sonoma counties or via Zoom. Our team can also assist with other winemaking requirements, including work order writing, general winemaking advice, and blending services on an hourly basis.