5 replies to this topic

[Marmot]

A couple friends and I are hoping to do a couple of wine kits. I know everyone says wine is really easy to do with a kit. Anyone willing to post a how to for wine? I want to know the process, fermenting temps, time, equipment, adjuncts/additives, tips/tricks, etc. I know I won't have a problem doing a couple wine kits, but I want to know what I am getting in to before actually doing it.Marmot

[ScottS]

They come with detailed instructions and all of the necessary ingredients/adjuncts. Typically you don't want to deviate from the instructions. The only time I've ever needed to deviate was when doing a port, where the instructions as stated resulted in a stalled fermentation.I don't have any instructions on me, so I can't tell you specifics. But the gist is:Dump juice in a bucket, top up with water to 6 galsAdd yeastFerment at 65-70 for a 10-14 daysThe port kit I did included a couple different clarifiers, I don't remember if they were added before or after fermentation, but it was simply dump them in and stirRack after primary fermentationAge for awhileRack againAge some moreBottleIt's very easy. Much easier than beer. The only big change requiring some adjustment from making beer is the long aging time.

[wengared]

strangebrewer posted instructions on the old board, which helps even if doing a kit, i don't know if it made it over here to this board, we're in the process of doing a wine kit and so far no problems following their instructions, except on the amount of potassium metasulphite to add at bottling but got that cleared up. It's really not that much different then doing fruit wines.

[Hightest]

I make 2-4 wine kits a year, and for the most part the process steps are quite similar. If you want a preview of those steps it would simply take a visit to the kit maker's website - example: Kit Instructions

[strangebrewer]

I dug up my old wine making post and added it to the FAQ's here, thanks for reminding me wengared. I'll work on a FAQ for wine kits as well.I started out making quite a few kits and they are as simple as everybody is making them out to sound. I like ScottS's version of the instructions the best though. The only place I deviate from the instructions is on the timing. If you want drinkable wine in 6 weeks then follow them word for word. If you want much better wine and you're willing to wait 6 months then add the KMETA and clarifier when the instructions say and leave it to bulk age for a couple months. The KMETA will protect the wine from oxidation. Same reason you add a little more before bottling as to protect it in the bottle.I no longer add potasium sorbate to my wines either since I bulk age for at least 6 months before bottling. If you have any question about fermentation restarting on you then add the potasium sorbate! Though I can say 5 years of making kit wines and I've never had a bottle of fizzy red.

[Marmot]

Thanks for the info. That is exactly what I was looking for. I just wanted to know what I was getting into along with some recommendations for the veteran winos.Marmot