The Applied Technical Services Family of Companies (ATS FoC) provides smoke taint testing for grapes, wine, juice, and ferments exposed to wildfire smoke. At our Santa Rosa laboratory in the heart of Sonoma County wine country, we help growers, wineries, vineyard managers, and insurers assess smoke exposure to protect wine quality and ensure grapes meet desired production standards.
Why Should Vineyards Test for Smoke Exposure?
Wildfire smoke deposits volatile phenols on grape skins, which bind with sugars to form glycosides. During fermentation and aging, these compounds may release smoky, burnt, or ashy flavors and aromas that can compromise wine quality.
Reliable smoke taint testing detects smoke-related compounds early, providing objective data to help:
- Protect wine value, taste, and quality
- Inform harvest decisions
- Improve quality assurance practices
- Guide purchasing and production planning
- Reduce financial uncertainty
- Produce documentation for insurance claims
Which Smoke Taint Testing Method Is Right for Me?
Once representative samples are collected, our team uses specialized smoke exposure tests to measure free volatile phenols, bound smoke compounds, and other key markers indicating smoke impact.
The Free Method
The Free Method identifies smoke-related compounds that currently affect wine quality and are immediately measurable in the grapes. While it detects compounds that are already present in their active form (free) and are identifiable today, it does not capture compounds that could pose future risk.
This method is most suitable for:
- Insurance claims
- Historical data comparison
- Measuring current smoke expression
- Comparing winery or insurer requirements
- Quality assurance efforts
The Total Method
The Total Method gives a precise estimate of the highest possible smoke compounds that can be released into wine over time, including compounds tied to sugars released during aging and fermenting. This approach supports stronger decision-making by accounting for future risks and delivering a more accurate assessment of long-term wine quality, not just current conditions.
This method is recommended for:
- Vineyard managers
- Growers
- Wineries
- Winemakers
- Grape purchasing decision makers
- Harvest decision makers
- Risk assessors
While testing needs may vary depending on your goals and role in the wine industry, the total approach typically provides the clearest picture of smoke exposure and its potential impact. No matter which testing method is used, every sample batch undergoes rigorous quality control checks to help ensure accurate, consistent, and repeatable results.
Protecting Wine Quality Starts with Reliable Testing
When wildfire smoke creates uncertainty, and wine quality and business decisions are on the line, reliable experience matters. Backed by decades of laboratory expertise, ATS has been a trusted source for testing and inspection services since 1967. Through our growing network of ISO 9001:2015-registered and ISO/IEC 17025:2017-accredited labs, we offer a full range of accredited testing services to protect your most precious assets. Since joining SGS in 2026, we have expanded our reach to support clients affected by wildfires worldwide.
Contact Us
Whether you need smoke taint testing for grapes in the field or wine in vats or tanks, send us your samples, and we’ll provide clear, data-driven results to help you move forward with confidence. Submit an online request form or call us at +1 (888) 287-5227 to speak with an expert today.
