Unpacking Smoke Taint: Insights from the Lab, Vineyard, and Winery 

Wildfire risk is growing—and so is concern about how smoke exposure impacts grape quality, winemaking decisions, and long-term brand integrity. To support the industry in navigating this evolving challenge, we’ve curated a three-episode playlist from the Sustainable Winegrowing Podcast exploring the science, testing, and decision-making around smoke taint. 

Whether you're a grower, winemaker, researcher, or supplier, these expert conversations offer timely insights into what we know, what we’re learning, and what questions still remain. 

 

Episode 277: Tainted or Toasted? Decoding Smoke Markers in Wine 

Guest: Dr. Mango Parker, Australian Wine Research Institute 
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Dr. Parker breaks down two decades of research into how wildfire smoke compounds—like volatile phenols and glycosides—are absorbed, persist in winemaking, and evolve over time. Learn how to distinguish smoke-exposed wines from oak-aged wines, why aftertaste matters, and what markers provide the clearest risk indicators. 

 

Episode 144: New Class of Compounds Linked to Smoke Taint in Wines 

Guest: Dr. Elizabeth Tomasino, Oregon State University 
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A breakthrough discovery from Tomasino’s lab links sulfur-containing compounds (thiophenols) to the smoky, ashy flavors of tainted wines. This finding challenges long-held assumptions and could open the door to better mitigation and testing. 

 

Episode 143: Can Barrier Sprays Protect Against Smoke Taint in Wine? 

Guest: Dr. Anita Oberholster, UC Davis 
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Dr. Oberholster dives into early-stage research on barrier sprays that may reduce phenol uptake in grapes. She also unpacks sensory masking effects—and why some grape varieties may amplify or mute smokiness more than others. 

 

Smoke taint is a complex, evolving challenge—and the industry’s collective understanding is growing thanks to dedicated research and open dialogue. These podcast episodes offer a practical, science-based foundation to help guide vineyard and winery decisions in a changing climate. 

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