Since grapes can spontaneously ferment without the winemaker adding any yeasts, why doesn’t a box of raisins ferment?

February 20, 2026

Dear Karen: Since grapes can spontaneously ferment without the winemaker adding any yeasts, why doesn’t a box of raisins ferment? The following content is accessible for members only, please sign in.

Dear Stan: Great question. Raisins actually can ferment on their own. In fact, sun-dried raisins in particular have many more yeasts and microbes clinging to them than fresh grapes. In antiquity, wine was probably made by soaking sun-dried raisins in a bit of water and allowing the yeasts on the raisins to convert the sugar in the raisins to alcohol. Most store-bought raisins are coated with a bit of oil to help prevent them from sticking. That coating effectively blocks fermentation.

Last year (2025), the two countries that imported the most Champagne were the US followed by the UK. Together, these two countries consume a massive amount of France’s top bubbly. What country was third in Champagne imports? The following content is accessible for members only, please sign in.

A. Brazil

B. China

C. Switzerland

D. Japan

Cordon

A permanent, woody arm that is trained horizontally from the trunk of the vine, often along a trellis wire. The cordon will support the SHOOTS and grape CLUSTERS.