History Behind Murano Glass

Steve Livingston is a former Columbus, OH, police officer. As one of his many interests, Steve Livingston is a hobbyist glass blower in his spare time from doing voice acting working in Los Angeles, CA.

One of the most prominent periods and companies in the rich history of glass blowing is Murano glassworks from Venice. Murano is a small island chain just north of the main Venetian archipelago. While Venice developed a sprawling glassworking industry by the 13th century due to its proximity to wood and fine sand to create the glass, the furnaces were a major fire hazard among homes.

In 1291, all glassmaking masters and workers were forced to move and stay on Murano to protect the main islands and limit exports. While the exports were opened over the next century and glassmakers allowed various benefits, they couldn’t leave the Venetian islands to keep the current Venetian monopoly on high-quality glass.

Over time, some glassworking masters risked their lives to leave the Venetian Republic and founded furnaces all across Europe. The Venetian monopoly collapsed as new glassworking methods were introduced. However, the high quality of Murano glass remains to this day.

Hot and Cold Fermentation for Wine

Hailing from Columbus, OH, Steve Livingston splits his time between voice-over work as the owner of Steve on the Mic in Los Angeles, CA, and board activities for the COC Cancer Charity. Outside of work, Steve Livingston enjoys winemaking. He is a professional and personal vintner working towards several wine-making certifications.

Although it’s often overlooked, temperature plays a big part in how wine ferments. The fermentation process involves the metabolization of sugar. This naturally produces heat, but winemakers are capable of monitoring temperature levels of a mixture via external temperature control. With this control, wine makers manipulate the mixture so the yeast doesn’t break down and the process remains active, while also altering the flavor of the affected wine.

Primarily used for red wines, hot fermentation improves the extraction of tannins, color, and phenolics from grape skins. Ideally, ferment red wines at a temperature of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Thanks to the higher temperatures of this fermentation process, wine-makers lose fruity flavors and aromas. This is preferable for many red wines. However, the temperature can’t be too hot or it produces cooked flavors that aren’t desirable for many blends.

Meanwhile, cold fermentation involves fermentation at temperatures between 45 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It is best used for white wines, where fruitiness and aromatics are more essential for the overall wine flavor. Cooler temperatures slow the fermentation process, so white wine fermentation normally lasts longer than red wine fermentation.

Wine Industry Trends in 2021

A Los Angeles, CA resident, Steve Livingston graduated from the Ohio State University and holds a bachelor of science in international business. A board member of The COC Cancer Charity in Columbus, OH, Steve Livingston is the owner of Steve on the Mic, where he is also a voice artist for commercials and audio narratives. Additionally, he is a winemaker and wants to expand his business in the future overseas.

Low and non-alcoholic wine has become a trend among winemakers. According to research, in 2020, low and non-alcoholic beverage consumption increased by up to 32 percent throughout the world. Though most of the sales came from beer and cider, it is expected that by 2024 the consumption of low to non-alcoholic beverages will increase by a further 31 percent, which can also increase the consumption of low alcohol wine.

Another trend in the wine industry is represented by organic and biodynamic wine. The pandemic increased people’s concern about the environment and sustainability, and the wine industry is also looking to develop and accelerate more towards natural ingredients, health, and wellness. Organic wine is most sought in wine drinking countries such as Australia, France, or Italy.

The COC’s in Active Cancer Treatment

With over two decades of experience working in several leadership positions, Steve Livingston currently owns Steve on the Mic, a company that allows him to work independently as a voice-over artist in Los Angeles, CA. Steve Livingston is a board member at The COC and donates 5 percent of all his quarterly business sales to the charity located in Columbus, OH.

The COC is a cancer charity that serves patients actively going through cancer treatment, helping them get necessary financial and emotional support during this challenging moment. Since 2006, The COC has raised over $500,000 to pay for extra childcare expenses, help with treatment, and prevent eviction. Utility disconnect and vehicle repossession are others.

Mary Jenkins founded The COC after her cancer diagnosis. While going through significant personal adversity, including stage three breast cancer and getting laid off to focus on recovery, Mary Jenkins asked for financial assistance from other cancer organizations. However, the only answer she received was that these organizations only fund research, treatment, and awareness. Mary dedicates herself to The COC and provides excellent recovery experiences to those in active treatment.