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I’m very glad I read this thread. But, have to admit, I’m disappointed. I’ve been mixing a gallon, putting it in an old distilled water jug and filling a spray bottle when it gets low. Then just using the spray bottle to spray stuff down when needed. Now, I read that I’ve been probably...

That surprises me that you say bottle aging has less oxygen exposure. If I have five gallon carboy with a couple inches of headspace, that’s less oxygen than a half inch in 25 bottles.

This has been my thoughts. I wanted to just leave my full ones on top so I'm not lifting them when they need to be racked. This saves my back and doesn't disturb the sediment I'm trying to rack them off of.

Thanks. That’s close to what I was thinking. But, I’m not going to attach it to the wall because I might need to be moved.

When we bottled our first wine, we did it in the kitchen and that height seemed to work. I thought that if it’s too high for racking or bottling I could make a short stool or cut the legs off. Just would like to do it right the first time if I can. When I think about it, you’re always...

I’m putting together a wine cellar. Ok....it’s a small room in the basement that isn’t being used for anything else. Anyway, I’m going to build a wine making work table. Used for storing aging carboys and racking type activity. My main question is, what is the optimum height? Normal...

Thanks....that’s the thought process I was going through. But, I’m a newby.

Ok...yes, I added K-sorb then also. Forgot about that. My biggest question is do I need to do all that a week or more before I bottle.

@winemaker81 If you don't mind, I have a quick question. When I made my rhubarb wine (First wine ever that I made), I back sweetened. So, I racked it one week before I bottled, added K Meta. Then, sweetened it and bottled a week later. Somewhere on here I was told that was a good process...

Question.... When a really good commercial winery makes a Bordeaux blend like that, do they make the wine, age them separately then blend, or mix the grapes or must at the beginning and make the wine in one batch?

Thanks for the great reply. So, I’m making a Malbec right now. If I can find a 6 gallon barrel and make a Merlot or Cabernet, I could top it off and end with sort of a Bordeaux blend. The oxygen would be at a low level and age the wine appropriately. Of course, this is about 3+ years...

Ok....what’s the scoop on this? I first learned that once primary fermentation is done, oxygen is your enemy. That’s why you want to keep the carboy as topped off as possible with an airlock. However, now I’m reading about barrels and how they are great , in part, because they allow for some...

Is it possible to get a wine kit from grapes grown in these countries? For instance, I'm interested in making a Pinot Noir and thought it would be fun to make one with grapes actually from Burgundy France. But, all the kits I find are either from Australia or California. Thanks,

Well, I went ahead and ordered some Winestix from MoreWine. Since I'm making a French wine, I wanted French Oak. (at least that's where the type of wine originated from) Also, since I'm new and really don't know what I'm doing, I wanted medium toast and they only had dark toast. Is there a...

@wood1954 I’m very interested in your experience with these grapes. I have a vineyard by me that is willing to sell me the grapes, crush them and provide the juice and skins. I really would like to make a local wine. However, I’m fairly new to wine making. I’ve made a batch of rhubarb and...

Speaking of which. I’ve been looking and it’s hard finding a 5 or 6 gallon barrel.

I actually have two. When I started my first batch of rhubarb in April, I didn’t know what size to buy so I bought a 5 gallon. Recently I started a kit so I needed a 6 gallon. It worked out great because when I racked it the first time, I just racked it into the 5 gallon with two extra...

All good ideas. I thought about a floor corker all I have is a hand held one that worked, but I think a floor corker would be nicer. I also thought about having them pick out the next wine I make and getting me a wine kit. They will be helping us drink it....so they could enjoy the gift too...

I’ve used that recipe before and it’s awesome. I need to do that again. it’s way better bacon than you can buy.

So....my kids always ask what I want for Christmas. Three kids all in college....so, they go together and might spend $75-100. I’m new to wine making. So, what’s a good gift idea to tell them?