How to Make Wine

If you have an interest in how to make wine, begin by reviewing some introductory tips here, then check out the listed resources to get started with your hobby.

If you are more interested in buying a bottle of wine at the local liquor store than in making your own wine, that’s just fine. Many people, however, want to take their wine interests to the next level: learning how to make wine. Whether you select a wine kit or purchase the equipment and ingredients individually, there is definitely something to be said for creating your own bottled masterpiece.

WineMaker magazine estimates that there are a million home wine makers in the United States – twice as many as there were four years ago. Join the ranks of those enjoying the fruits of their labor when you make and bottle your own distinct wine.

To begin, you will need to purchase a variety of wine making equipment to get the job done. LovetoKnow’s wine making supplies list is an excellent overview of the items you will need, as well as a listing of retailers for all of your wine making needs.

One of the best ways to dive in to wine making is by purchasing a wine kit. A wine kit will take the guesswork out of the process, providing you with the equipment and ingredients you need to make your own wine in about 30 to 60 days. This is often an excellent starting point for a beginning wine maker.

Wine supply stores offer a variety of wine making kits that range from $50 to as much as $200. The great news is that the equipment can be reused, including a fermenter, hydrometer, sulfite, siphoning system, carboy and airlock stopper. Most kits include juice concentrates to make the wine, so everything you need is packaged together, along with the instructions for how to make wine. Kits typically yield six gallons of wine.

If you want to ease in to wine making, another option is to try out a homemade recipe that doesn’t require special equipment or excessive ingredients, such as Dandelion Wine. Another fun twist is to concoct your own creation with wine and other ingredients, such as:

• Sangria
• Mulled Wine
• White Wine Sangria

Share your wine creation with friends and loved ones – nothing is more personal than a homemade gift, and for wine lovers, they will cherish the unique present. Make it truly your own when you create a custom wine label and package it in a charming wine and cheese gift basket.

As with most hobbies, there are countless books on the subject. Wine making is no exception. The following are well-rated books available at Amazon.com, describing how to make wine:

• The Way to Make Wine: How to Craft Superb Table Wines at Home
• Home Winemaking Step-by-Step
• The Home Winemaker's Companion: Secrets, Recipes, and Know-How for Making 115 Great-Tasting Wines
• Home Winemaking Step-by-Step

As with anything on the Internet, there are abundant online resources for how to make wine. Wading through all of the search results for wine making, however, can be time-consuming (although it won’t take quite as long as aging your wine!). To make the process a bit easier, LovetoKnow Wine has compiled several resources to get you started on your wine making journey:

• HomeBrew Wine – includes answers to your winemaking questions, equipment information, wine kits, and instructions for red wine and white wine making.
• Pressedforwine.com – a great resource for home wine making, with details about equipment, types of wine, the economics of making your own wine, and even a thorough overview of corks.
• beer-wine.com – in addition to basic winemaking directions, you’ll find a variety of kits and wine making equipment for purchase.
• Midwest Homebrewing and Winemaking Supplies – offers an extensive line of equipment and kits for your wine making needs. A free instructional winemaking DVD is included with your purchase.
• Making Wine – includes a helpful list of Frequently Asked Questions, as well as a “Making Wine” video available to order.

• Sonoma Winery Tours
• Interesting Facts About Wine
• How to Throw a Wine Tasting Party
• Definitions Of Wine Types
• Is Red Wine Good For You

• Dry Red Wine Types
• Red Wine Calories
• Wine Calories
• Wine Serving Temperatures
• Best Red Wine Under $15

• Wine Making Supplies for The Home Brewer
• Dandelion Wine
• Category:Wine Articles
• Wine Maker Magazine
• How to Make Fruit Wine