Home Wine Making

Tips for Homemade Wine

1. You can make wine from concentrates that are available in kits or from fresh grapes. Using the concentrates usually provides more consistent and predictable results. With fresh grapes you will have to monitor critical factors like the sugar and acid levels and make required adjustments as you go along, however the end product can be superior. A beginner would do well to work with kits initially and then graduate to using fresh grapes as their wine making experience grows.
2. Wine is the result of the conversion of the sugar in the fruit into alcohol by yeast – the process of fermentation. The fermentation creates carbon dioxide gas, which is released into the air. A wine maker simply facilitates this entire process and creates the ideal conditions for the yeast to work as it would, in nature.
3. The single most important factor that affects the wine making process is cleanliness, or sanitation. Wine is a product created by natural fermentation and the presence of any dirt, microorganisms and contamination can seriously alter the process by contributing unnecessary by-products to the finished wine. These by-products can be felt in the form of undesirable flavors and aromas in the wine.
4. The next important fact to monitor is the acid level in the wine. Winemakers need to regularly check the acidity of the wine at different stages during fermentation and make necessary adjustments on an ongoing basis. When the acidity is too high, the wine usually becomes undrinkable. Conversely, too little acidity can render a ‘flat’ taste to the wine.
5. Always use glass bottles and if you are re-using bottles, ensure that they are scrupulously sterilized. Pay attention to the quality of the corks that you buy and avoid corks that appear cracked or have fissures. Short corks are good for short-term storage and long corks are recommended for long-term wine storage.
6. Always filter the wine before racking it; it will make for a smoother and softer finish.

Basic Steps in Home Wine Making

The following is a simplified outline of the basic wine making process.

1. Select your raw material from fresh fruits, juices, or concentrates. Most wine makers prefer to work with seasonal fruits that are locally available. Using local produce also allows them to learn from earlier attempts and modify the process per their taste and requirements.
2. The fruit is then cleaned, peeled and extra elements like the core and seeds are removed before crushing and pressing.
3. The mixture is adjusted to enable better fermentation. These adjustments may include the addition of water and sugar or the addition of yeast and other nutrients like sulphur dioxide and acids.
4. Fermentation is initiated at a constant temperature of 55 – 65 degrees C for a period of time, set by the desired taste of the wine.
5. The next step is racking of the wine. Wines are allowed to sediment and the wine is then decanted into a fresh container before it is labeled and racked.
6. Racked wine is then left for aging which can range from three months to over a year, depending upon the type of wine and the personal preferences of the winemaker.

Wine Making Kits

Home wine making kits are easily available and usually give reasonably consistent results. Always go for a high quality kit, since the end product is generally better. Kits are available from a number of online retailers, wine shops and websites of premium wine brands. Some retailers that carry kits include:

• Home Brewers has a wide range of wine making kits on offer.
• Home Brewit is another good resource for winemaking kits wine brewing related and supplies of all sorts.
• R J Spagnols is a quality retailer of wine making kits and supplies.