We can probably all agree that readying equipment for winemaking is not exactly a carboy of fun; nevertheless, it is an absolutely crucial aspect of winemaking. Reports of wine gone bad and, sadly, accidents resulting from improper washing and sanitizing of equipment and handling of chemicals are all too common.
Nice short overview video providing instructions for fermenting, clarifying, and bottling a 6-gallon boxed wine kit. The winemaking kits yield 30 750mL bottles, which can be available for drinking in 8 to 12 weeks. Similar to wine made from grapes, kit wine remains drinkable for several years.
I am always surprised at how many winemakers — new and experienced alike — still make wine with absolutely no concern for pH. It’s akin to never checking the engine oil in your car. Sooner or later, you’ll be left stranded by the side of the road, hood open, and smoke billowing from the engine . . . or with a case of spoiled wine.
The Master Vintner® Wine Starter Kit is the most comprehensive winemaking starter kit on the planet—equipped with all the tools you need to make top-quality wine in a fraction of the time. The crystal-clear Big Mouth Bubbler™ PET Fermentor instantly shows you how your primary fermentation is progressing. Graduated gallon markings give you accurate volumes without ever taking a measurement.
“The Guide” (as a PDF file) for making red wine. Detailed instructions. Print this and place it in a notebook for easy reference. Instructions for every step of the process, including how to test and evaluate results.
Eight-minute video about why we use the terms Primary and Secondary fermentation. Are these the right terms for wine, or do they come from beer and naturally have been adopted by home winemakers? What is the difference between primary and secondary fermentation? How does this differ from malolactic fermentation?
Malolactic fermentation is often explained by describing the buttery, creamy notes it contributes to many Chardonnays. A couple of decades ago, that profile was highly valued, and the hallmark of some very well-known California brands. However, as that style has fallen largely out of favor, many wine drinkers have come to take a more negative view of malolactic fermentation as something that can make wine seem heavy or graceless.
The Home Winemaking Channel provided on the YouTube platform provides a wealth of videos containing tips, tricks and general information for the novice to the enthusiast. The channel covers everything you would want to know about making wine at home and will even include items of interest at commercial wineries for comparison.
