WineXpert 1st kits started-2 questions

[cindyjo]

Hello again everyone, Thank you for your greetings. I started my first kit today and have two questions. I was planning on doing the primary fermenting in the basement but the temp down there was 60 this morning. Fall is coming early in NJ. So I started in the kitchen and we are at a nice 68. Should I stay in the kitchen and cool things down if I need too or should I have husband carefully move downstairs where I will probably need to warm things up. Tough finding a consistent temp.
Second question is I got a hydrometer with my starter kit but did not see a wine thief or test jar. I took my primary SG by just floating the hyrometer in the fermentor and the number was within acceptable range. Is there something I can use for a test jar and wine thief until I can order one?? I am a little annoyed as the person I bought the kit from (not George) said I had everything I needed and this seems to be an improtant piece of equipment. Thanks for your help

 

[sangwitch]

cindyjo, if you're going to try and adjust the temperature in either room, I would think you would want to be where you're more comfortable working. If you're not going to try and adjust the temp, then I would stay in the room that's at 68 because you're within the recommended range for the kit.
I always float my hydrometer in the primary when taking my first readings, but once you're in the carboy you'll find that a wine thief is much needed. I've never seen them come with a starter package.

 

[jcnoren]

I agree with sangwitch.... pick the space/room where you want to be and regulate your temperature. You can warm up your must by using a heat belt ...I haven't used one however other do/have. I use a blanket andsimply cover my primary, and a oil filled heater with automatictemp control....this works for me.





I too float my hydrometer in the primary when taking my first readings. JC

 

[kutya]

Cindyjo: I agree, to stay in the warmer temp. I also float my Hydrometer in the primary at first. As for a wine theif, I just use a turkey baster, and a graduated cylinder. jh

 

[snoozer]

Cindyjo,
Wish I had your problem. Here in Florida I'm set up to do my winemaking in my garage, but this time of year the tempeture out there is a pleasent 98 degrees or so.So I have to move the project into the air conditioned house. Just one more use for the kid's bedroom after he went off to college. He hates sleeping with the fermenting wine when he comes home for a visit.

 

[paubin]

Cindyjo, as kutya said, a turkey baster will work as a wine thief but make sure it is a new one that is used only for wines. Gravy is nice on your mashed potatoes but not in your wines

Any glass that is taller than your hydrometer will work for testing. ie... a tall pilsner glass or champagne fluke.


Pete

 

[cindyjo]

Thanks for all your help. I was having a little panic attack there not knowing what to do. I am staying in the kitchen as I can control the temp there easier. Now I need to keep it away from my one year old. Winethief/test jar is on its way from George along with my next kit. Will look for a champange flute tall enough or just continue to float it until my test jar arrives. Looking foward to seeing how this progresses

 

[Wade E]

Cindyjo, sometimes the hydrometer comes in a plastic tube that is
sealed on one end. This can be used as a test jar, but deffinitely
recommend the wine thief. I do not use the test jar unless I'm doing a
one gallon batch of wine in which the wine thief does not fill up
enough in one dunk, otherwise I just put the hydrometer in the wine
thief and use it as the test tube.

Edited by: wadewade