Winemaking: Barrel Topping

If you step into our barrel room in the heart of winter, you might find our winemaker, Todd, perched atop a row of barrels. It might look odd—maybe even a little dangerous—but he’s up there performing one of the most essential (and physically demanding) winemaking tasks: barrel topping.

What Is Barrel Topping?

As wine ages in oak barrels, a small amount naturally evaporates. Winemakers call this the Angel’s Share—a poetic way of saying the wine disappears into thin air. While it sounds lovely, too much evaporation leaves room for oxygen to sneak in and settle on the surface of the wine. Oxygen exposure alters the wine’s character, potentially leading to oxidation, which dulls its vibrancy and complexity.

To prevent this, winemakers carefully monitor barrel evaporation and top up regularly. Barrel topping involves adding wine back into each barrel to replace what has evaporated, ensuring the wine remains protected and develops as intended. This seemingly small step is essential to maintaining the balance, structure, and ultimate quality of the wine.

What Affects Evaporation in Barrels?

While barrels may seem solid, oak is actually a porous material, allowing tiny amounts of liquid and alcohol to pass through. The rate of evaporation depends on several factors:

• Humidity Levels – In dry conditions, more water evaporates, potentially increasing the wine’s alcohol concentration. In humid environments, alcohol evaporates faster than water, altering balance and mouthfeel.

• Temperature – Warmer cellar temperatures speed up evaporation, meaning more frequent barrel topping is needed.

• Barrel Type & Age – Newer barrels have tighter wood grain, slowing evaporation, while older barrels allow more to escape over time.

To manage these factors, winemakers carefully control temperature and humidity in the barrel room, striking a balance between minimizing evaporation and allowing the wine to evolve naturally.

A Day in the Life of a Winemaker: The Topping Routine

So, what does barrel topping actually look like? Here’s a peek behind the scenes:

Climbing the Barrel Stacks: Some barrels are easy to access—but others? Not so much! Even if it means climbing to the very top of the barrel stacks in the farthest corner of the cellar, Todd does it. Balancing on stools and ladders, he makes his way to each barrel, one by one.

Wine Thief in Hand: Yes, you read that correctly. Todd doesn’t just climb—he carries tools with him. One of the most important is a wine thief, a special tool used to pull wine from the barrel for sampling.

Tracking and Adjusting: During every topping session, Todd checks the progress of the wine, taking notes and ensuring each barrel is aging as expected. He tracks changes, records observations, and fine-tunes the process to maintain consistency across vintages.

The Final Pour: Why It All Matters

Barrel topping might seem like a small detail, but it plays a crucial role in crafting high-quality wines. Keeping barrels full helps maintain consistency, prevents oxidation, and ensures that when the wine finally makes it to your glass, it’s everything he envisioned. So next time you sip a perfectly smooth, well-aged Page Cellars wine, just know—Todd has been hard at work making sure it’s the best it can be. 🍷

Want to see this process in action? Next time you visit, ask Todd about barrel topping—he’s always happy to share a good winemaking story!

How to Host the Perfect Wine + Food Pairing: Tips from Page Cellars

At Page Cellars, we believe that wine is best enjoyed when it’s paired with the right food. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner or planning a large celebration, knowing how to match our wines with your favorite dishes can elevate your entire dining experience. Rooted in the rich terroir of Washington’s Red Mountain AVA, our passion for winemaking shines through every bottle. Here are a few simple yet powerful tips to help you pair our wines like a pro.

1. Start with the Wine’s Weight & Body

Match the weight of your wine to the richness of your dish. For lighter plates—think fresh salads, seafood, or crisp appetizers—reach for a glass of our Unoaked Chardonnay. Its bright, clean profile makes it an ideal partner for these delicate dishes. For a heartier entrée, such as steak or a rich pasta, consider a more robust red like our Preface Cabernet Sauvignon or Tryst Cabernet Blend, both offering deep, concentrated flavors that stand up to bold, savory meals.

Pro Tip: The more intense the dish’s flavors, the more structured your wine should be.

2. Balance Flavors, Not Intensity

Pair wines and foods by balancing their inherent flavors rather than simply matching intensity. When your dish includes tangy or acidic ingredients, the lively notes in our Unoaked Chardonnay provide a refreshing counterpoint. On the other hand, if your meal features subtle sweetness—as in glazed pork or roasted vegetables—a smooth red like our Columbia Valley Merlot or Lick My Lips Merlot can harmonize beautifully without overpowering the dish.

3. Contrast or Complement: It’s Up to You

There are two schools of thought in wine pairing:

• Contrasting Pairings: For an unexpected twist, try pairing our Brut Sparkling Rosé with spicy appetizers or fried foods. Its effervescence and crisp finish can cut through richer, zestier flavors, offering a delightful contrast.

• Complementary Pairings: Alternatively, enhance the flavors already present in your dish. For instance, the earthy tones of a mushroom risotto pair wonderfully with the savory nuances of our Cabernet Franc, elevating both the food and the wine.

Pro Tip: Experiment with both approaches to discover new flavor combinations and create an interactive dining experience!

4. Keep Tannins in Check

Tannins provide structure and a slight dryness to red wines, making them excellent partners for fatty or protein-rich dishes. Wines like our Mourvèdre or Preface Cabernet Sauvignon pair beautifully with grilled meats, stews, or creamy sauces. The fat in these dishes softens the tannins, creating a well-balanced mouthfeel.

Pro Tip: Avoid pairing high-tannin wines with overly acidic or spicy dishes to prevent any clash of flavors.

5. Don’t Forget About Texture

Texture plays a crucial role in pairing. Crisp wines such as our Unoaked Chardonnay are perfect with crunchy salads, lightly battered seafood, or even crispy fried appetizers. Meanwhile, the velvety finish of our red blends—like Tryst Cabernet Blend or Rival Merlot Blend—enhances the creaminess of a pasta dish or the smoothness of a cheese platter.

6. Consider the Occasion

Your pairing choices can set the tone for your event. For casual gatherings, a charcuterie board paired with our Rosé of Sangiovese or a glass of Columbia Valley Merlot creates a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. For special occasions, curate a multi-course meal that starts with a refreshing Brut Sparkling Rosé for appetizers, moves on to a bold red like Preface Cabernet Sauvignon for the main course, and finishes with a lingering glass of Lick My Lips Merlot.

7. Plan Your Pairing Around the Season

Let the seasons guide your pairing choices. In cooler months, hearty, warming dishes such as roasts and stews call for robust reds like our Mourvèdre or Zinfandel. In warmer weather, the light, crisp nature of our Chardonnay or Rosé of Sangiovese is the perfect match for fresh, seasonal produce, seafood, and vibrant salads.

Pro Tip: Use seasonal ingredients to highlight the natural flavors of both your dish and your wine.

Ready to Host Your Own Pairing Event?

Feeling inspired? Hosting a wine and food pairing event is a fun and interactive way to share your love for great wine. Whether you’re planning a private tasting, an intimate dinner party, or a special celebration, our team at Page Cellars is here to guide you through the perfect pairings with our exceptional selection.

Contact us today to learn more about renting our space or setting up a private tasting experience that will leave your guests talking about the perfect pairings long after the last glass is poured.

Cheers to unforgettable pairings!
— The Page Cellars Team

Sip, Learn & Explore: The Page Cellars Experience

At Page Cellars, we believe wine is more than just a beverage—it’s an experience. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or new to exploring the world of Washington wines, we invite you to embark on a journey of discovery, where each sip tells a story, and every visit offers something unique. Nestled in the heart of the Woodinville Warehouse District, our winery blends bold, Red Mountain AVA wines with immersive, hands-on experiences that invite you to connect with wine in a meaningful way.

Ready to sip, learn, and explore? Here’s what awaits you at Page Cellars.

Sip: Discover the Best of Red Mountain AVA

When you step into our tasting room, you're stepping into the heart of Washington wine country. Our focus on Red Mountain AVA—one of Washington's most coveted wine regions—means you’re sipping some of the state's most powerful, complex wines. This small but mighty AVA is known for producing rich, concentrated fruit thanks to its abundant sunshine, warm days, and cool nights. These ideal growing conditions create wines with bold structure, intense flavors, and balanced acidity.

Our thoughtfully curated tasting flights take you on a journey through these distinctive characteristics. From our elegant 2020 Cabernet Franc to our structured 2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, each wine reflects the unique terroir of Red Mountain. Whether you’re visiting us for a casual afternoon or a special celebration, every pour is an opportunity to savor the best of what Washington wine has to offer.

Ready to taste the bold flavors of Red Mountain? Visit our Woodinville tasting room Thursday through Monday and experience our wines firsthand.

Learn: Go Behind the Scenes of the Winemaking Process

Ever wondered what goes into making a great wine? At Page Cellars, we love to share the magic behind the bottle. Our winemaking approach is rooted in tradition, but it’s also driven by innovation and passion. With extended oak aging—often 24 to 30 months—our wines develop layers of complexity and depth before they're even bottled. But there’s more to the story.

Join us for a private tour of our working winery and discover how Todd Krivoshein, our owner and winemaker, crafts each vintage with meticulous care. From hand-harvesting the grapes to the art of barrel aging in American oak, you'll learn about the steps that bring our wines to life. We believe that by understanding the process, you’ll appreciate the wine even more—and we’re eager to share that knowledge with you.

Looking for a deeper dive into winemaking? Book a private tour or tasting today and learn the secrets behind our award-winning wines.

Explore: Make Your Visit Unforgettable

At Page Cellars, we’re more than just a winery. We’re a community gathering place—a venue where wine lovers can come together for unforgettable experiences. Whether you're planning a girls' night out, a private anniversary celebration, or a team-building event, we offer an inviting, flexible space perfect for any occasion.

Our tasting room can be transformed into the ideal venue for small parties, corporate events, or intimate gatherings. Imagine an evening spent sipping wine with your closest friends, learning about the different varietals, and indulging in expertly paired hors d'oeuvres. Want to make your event even more memorable? Let us help you create a customized experience, complete with wine tastings, guided pairings, and even behind-the-scenes tours.

Thinking of hosting your next event with us? Contact Page Cellars today to inquire about private event rentals, and let’s craft an unforgettable wine experience for you and your guests.

Join the Page Cellars Family

If you find yourself returning for another pour, why not become part of the Page Cellars family? Our wine club offers exclusive access to limited releases, discounts on purchases, and invitations to special events throughout the year. From members-only tastings to vineyard tours and wine release parties, being part of our wine club ensures you’re always in the know and always sipping on something special.

Plus, as a member, you’ll enjoy discounts on private tastings, event rentals, and priority access to our most sought-after wines. Whether you’re expanding your cellar or simply want to enjoy world-class wines throughout the year, our wine club is the perfect way to deepen your connection with Page Cellars.

Ready to join our wine-loving community? Sign up for our wine club today and unlock exclusive perks and experiences with Page Cellars.

Experience Page Cellars for Yourself Whether you’re here to sip your way through our bold, Red Mountain wines, learn the craft of winemaking, or explore our winery for your next event, we’re excited to share the journey with you. Our team is passionate about creating meaningful connections through wine, and we can’t wait for you to join us.

Plan your visit to Page Cellars, reserve a private tour, or inquire about event rentals today. Your next unforgettable wine experience is just a click away!

Hours:
Thursday - Monday: 12 PM – 5 PM
Trivia Night: First Fridays, Monthly 7-9pm
Closed Tuesday & Wednesday

Location:
19495 144th Ave NE, Suite B-205
Woodinville, WA 98077
(425) 877-7789