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Wondering what software folks use to make labels like those that Mrs. Johnd made? Those are incredible. My labels are just silver or gold hand written using a glass pen. Works fine, and the wine dosen’t know. Would love to make up some artwork and actually make a proper label.

If you are fortunate, you may have a winery near you that grows some of their own grapes. We have the Texas Hill country within an hour or so drive and group to help pick. If I want any of the grapes, all I have to do is ask. I use a 6 gallon primary fermenter, so not taking much. The folks...

As I use clearing agents in the primary and secondary fermentation. I also rack a few times while changing over from the primary to secondary fermenter and then to the carboy for bulk aging. I have found that at the end of the bulk aging, I have very little (but a bit) of sediment in the...

Forgot to mention that I also use clearing agents, the help to flocculate the sediment.

I always also alway rack before bottling. I found that even after 6 to 12 months of bulk aging and multiple racking, there is always a slight amount of sediment left. Can’t get rid of it all. That’s what the dimples in the bottles are for. To get that last few bits out. A few extra racking...

As they say, “Time is your friend”. That is especially true in making wine. Wait at least 6 weeks after bottling for the first taste test. I let my stuff age for a year (hard to do) before I really think it is ready. Last batch was bulk aged for a year and just bottled. It was still a young...

I Just bottled some Cabernet Sauvignon after 14 months in a carboy. Used an airlock with K meta in it. No problem, just have to keep an eye on the water level in the air lock. Everything went well. Also put in some French medium toast Oak at the start. Added K-meta after each testing (3-5...

Agree that the tablets have some filler and that reduces the actual K-Meta in the tablet. Just thought I would pass on that not all Camden tablets are 1.4 to1.6 grams. Better to check.

Looked at my Camden Tablets today, 100 tablets total weight 56.67 grams. That’s what is on the package. That makes them 0.57 grams per tablet.

I use a variable speed hand drill and a paddle to de-gas my wine. Doesn’t matter if it is a couple of months or long term bulk aging, I still check it by Using a drill and plastic paddle. If I get a lot of gas coming out of solution, will de-gas twice with the paddle and drill (about 30 secs)...

John’s, thanks, as I mentioned, use kits more than crush. Will be doing more with fresh grapes and don’t want to screw the up too badly. This is a great way to learn about wine and actually make good wine. Inhave had some bottles that cost more than the premium kits, and wasn’t as good as...

From this discussion, I take it that a loose cover, or cloth cover for reds is the way to go. How long before we should put the air lock on? How often to punch down the cap? I have made quite a few kits now, but not many from new crush. Just getting into doing that. Did one batch (6 gal) of...

Who is SH?

Forgot to say that the time period for that wine was 2 years. I also am a Geologist, so deal with statistics and risk all the time. 24 bottles is not really a valid sample size, and I have no anecdotal data on temperature and humidity levels in that closet, except that we keep the house at 78F...

I have seen enough evidence on this to conclude that my wine (if it has Cork) is going to be laid down, not upright. I use grade 2 or 3 corks as I sometimes forget a bottle or 2 and it stays in the closet or cooler for a few extra years. I had a case of French wine that was mistakenly set...

Have used the RJS Cru international Rose’ kits quite a bit, makes a nice Rose’.

Just go to your local wine store and buy a can of wine keeper gas (Nitrogen and Argon), or also available from Amazon. A can goes a long way.

I used some advice from Joe and put in some Grapefruit zest (1/4 of a small grapefruit) and 1 1/4 tablespoon of white wine/Rose’ Tannin. That was the first batch. 2nd had a bit of Lemon zest added. Third just the Added tannin. All have received a thumbs up from all that have tried them. We...

I would say both

I Will also keep my glass carboy, they work for me and are paid for. As with many other things, what works for you is what you should use. Doesn’t hurt to try new methods though, always ready to learn.