amaea smoke taint fix

As wildfires threaten California’s wine country, New Zealand wine-tech firm amaea says its VPx filtration can selectively remove smoke-taint markers, helping winemakers recover value and preserve style as they brace for another difficult harvest.

Since August 2023, amaea VPx has treated more than 368,000 gallons (about 1.4 million litres) of smoke-impacted wine for over 47 North American clients, following its late-2023 launch and a 2024 WINnovation Award. Consulting winemaker Christopher Hudson reports successful remediation of a 2023 Oregon Pinot Noir, noting strong sensory outcomes without the heavy stripping seen in older methods.

Built on molecularly imprinted polymers, VPx targets volatile phenols in a one-pass, low-pressure run, then regenerates the beads for reuse.

Scale is being achieved through a partnership with Napa’s VA Filtration, giving Californian wineries easy access as wildfires like the 17-day Pickett fire in Napa Valley are becoming increasingly common. “We’re focused on helping producers salvage quality” says amaea’s Eric Uganecz.