original_query: What is the process of winemaking?
query: What is the process of winemaking?
answer: Winemaking involves five basic stages: harvesting, primary fermentation (where sugars are converted to alcohol), malo-lactic conversion (optional, softens the wine), aging (maturation in barrels or tanks), and bottling.  Variations exist depending on the type of wine (red, white, sparkling, etc.).