Ron Casertano

Living the Dream

Raised in a traditional Italian community in the heart of Pittsburgh, PA, Ronnie’s passion for wine and winemaking is deeply rooted in Old World Tradition. A 41-year produce veteran, Ronnie’s early exposure to the fresh produce market was the catalyst for his interest in the wine grape industry. In his early years, Ronnie was mentored by the “old school” produce industry professionals. Reflecting on his mentors, Ronnie remembers “they really knew growing districts and understood why particular grapes grew well in specific appellations.” 

As his interest in winemaking expanded, he avidly pursued sourcing the very best wine grapes to improve his craft wines and bring to the marketplace. In his pursuit of the best grapes, Ronnie gained knowledge of better winemaking techniques and practices first hand while visiting wineries and vineyards. He quickly recognized the value in sharing this experience. 

“Ronnie has been responsible for helping home winemakers evolve in the Tri-State Area,” says Nino Sapone, a third-generation Pittsburgh area winemaker. “We have all benefited from Ronnie’s knowledge and complete understanding of the winemaking process. Quality is the name of the game.”

According to Ronnie, he has “the job everyone dreams of.”

“I get to share in tradition with friends and family,” he explains. “It never seems like work. I enjoy my ability to support the individual and club winemakers as well as visit and consult with wineries to find sustainable solutions for their long-term needs, and I get to enjoy wine along the way.”

Ronnie’s insatiable appetite for discovering new sources for grapes has not diminished. “I’m proud to say, Consumer Fresh Winemakers has a unique selection of estate grapes from California, wonderful Chilean grapes, along with distinctive opportunities from both Italy and the Great Lakes regions, and hopefully, very soon, from South Africa!”  

Posts by Ron Casertano:

pH & Wine Quality

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Proper Nutrition for Yeast in Winemaking

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Good fermentation practices

Making good wines, like any other task requires a good process.

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Rehydrating your yeast for clean and complete fermentations

Steps to properly rehydrate your yeast for your best wine ever!

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Proper cleaning and sanitizing of your equipment for winemaking

Ron discusses the best practices for cleaning and sanitizing your wine making equipment. Keeping everything clean and sanitized is a major factor in how your wine will turn out.  

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Homemade Wine Making Using Fresh Wine Juice

If you don't want to de-stem and crush fresh grapes to make wine, then try using fresh wine juice. I stress the word FRESH. It's important that you start with fresh, high-quality pressed juices.

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Good Fermentation Practices For Making Wine From Grapes

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The Second Racking of Your Wine

Time for your second racking?

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Proper Storage and Maintenance of Your Wine

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Ronald Casertano and Michael Pinto surrounded by Muscat Canelli at the Lanza Vineyards. New for 2015!

We will be offering Muscat Canelli for 2015!

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