Clark Robert Smith
Clark Robert Smith | |
|---|---|
| Born | United States |
| Occupation(s) | Winemaker, consultant, author, educator, columnist, composer, singer |
| Years active | 1980s–present |
| Known for | Postmodern winemaking methodology, wine consultancy Vinovation |
| Notable work | Postmodern Winemaking (book) |
Clark Robert Smith is recognized as a trailblazer within the wine sector, earning widespread acclaim for his impactful work with vintners and influence on the international wine industry. He has launched successful wine labels, provides consultancy services across five continents, serves as a judge at global wine contests, and delivers winemaking instruction at six academic institutions.
Early life and career
Clark’s parents met while attending MIT. His father, an Aviation Engineer, was honored by Ronald Reagan with a presidential award for his role in developing engines for the Apollo spacecraft. Raised on the East Coast and in Birmingham, Alabama, Clark attended the private Indian Springs School, which helped shape his writing abilities. Although he briefly studied at MIT, he graduated with top honors from U.C. Davis between 1977 and 1983.
Smith was the founding winemaker at The R. H. Phillips Vineyard, where he expanded production from 3,000 to 250,000 cases per year over a seven-year period. He pioneered night harvesting techniques and contributed significant research on how vineyard conditions affect wine quality. Before entering winemaking, he sold wine in the East Bay and started his career as cellarmaster at VeederCrest.
Postmodern winemaking
In 1990, Clark established Vinovation, which evolved into the largest winemaking consultancy worldwide, serving over 1,200 clients internationally. He created a postmodern winemaking methodology that challenges conventional solution chemistry models by emphasizing structural development, aroma integration, and fostering living soils. His book, Postmodern Winemaking (published by U.C. Press), was honored as Wine and Spirits Magazine’s Book of the Year in 2013.
Pioneering technologies
During the 1990s, Smith secured patents for reverse osmosis techniques used to reduce alcohol content and correct volatile acidity, positioning Vinovation as a leading provider of wine technologies globally. He introduced American winemakers to innovations such as micro-oxygenation, ultrafiltration, electrodialysis for tartrate stabilization, and alternatives to sterile filtration. After divesting Vinovation and its associated technologies, Smith concentrated on writing about postmodern winemaking principles that prioritize structural integrity, aroma harmony, aging potential, and environmental synergy over reductionist chemical approaches. His philosophy encompasses concepts like living soils, vine equilibrium, grape maturity, co-extraction processes, oxygen management, minerality expression, microbial balance, and even connections between wine and music. Smith encapsulates his viewpoint: "Wine is not science; it is cuisine – the ultimate slow food."
Wine specialist
Smith is widely regarded as an expert in enhancing wine structure and a passionate proponent of living soil practices. Since 1984, his Fundamentals of Wine Chemistry course has drawn more than 4,000 attendees. David Darlington’s profile of Smith in Wine & Spirits magazine earned a James Beard award. Smith oversees the Best of Appellation wine tastings for AppellationAmerica.com, authors the monthly "The Postmodern Winemaker" column in Wines and Vines magazine, and holds adjunct teaching positions at California State University at Fresno and Florida International University. In 2016, he was honored with Wine Business Monthly’s "Innovator of the Year" award.
Techniques for Reducing Alcohol in Wine
Clark highlights the importance of achieving the ideal balance in wine—the perfect harmony of flavor and aroma—which is heavily influenced by its alcohol level.
Author, Columnist, Educator, and Writer
In 1993, Smith launched WineSmith.com to investigate California's terroirs through varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Roman Syrah, all crafted with traditional European techniques. Since 2007, he has been producing wines at Diamond Ridge Vineyards, located at a distinctive high-altitude site in Lake County. Clark contributes editorial content and articles to various wine publications including Appellation America and the "The Postmodern Winemaker" column in Wines and Vines magazine. For over two decades, he has taught wine courses at institutions like the University of California at Davis, Napa Valley College, Fresno State University, Southwest Missouri State University, Florida International University, and L'Academie du Vin in Tokyo.
Musical Pursuits
Smith has cultivated a strong passion for exploring the relationship between wine and music cognition. As a composer and baritone singer, he performs with the Sonoma Chanson men's chorus, held the position of President of the Redwood Chordsmen in 2017, and participates in the barbershop quartet known as "Sound Logic." He is currently working on a CD featuring original compositions inspired by authentic experiences within the wine industry. Smith resides in Santa Rosa, California.