Greetings oh wise ones!

[ldmack3]

I actually joined the forum several years ago but "employment" situations kept me out of wine making until last year. And I just found the forum again.

I get really carried away with my hobbies. Year to date I've made 14 kits, have 2 in primary fermentation and 3 unstarted. But to be fair I split it with a partner and I give away a lot in my job. I've a got a Eurocave Chamber and a 52 bottle el-cheap-o cooler.

This fall is going to be new for me as I want to start making wine with fresh juice. Being in Houston, TX I've been dragging everything to the garage for the messy work then back inside before it gets too hot and wait for the next step. Sooooo I've just enclosed a portion of my garage and am adding a standalone AC unit to keep it cool.

I'm anxious to lear about using fresh juice and balancing PH, TA, etc.

Glad to be here!

 

[Brian]

Welcome to a great forum! Lots of good people with lots of experience so ask any questions you may have.

 

[Julie]

Hi ldmack3,

LOL, normally I say welcome to winemakingtalk but for you I'm saying glad to see you finally posted since!!!!!!!!!!





Ok, I'm saying welcome to winemakingtalk. So glad you remembered us.

 

[ldmack3]

Getting slow in my old age I guess.
Where do you post the "Here is what I have done"?

 

[Julie]

It is under the general winemaking thread. here is the link:

http://www.winemakingtalk.com/forum/f6/what-you-making-what-have-you-made-5926/index41.html

 

[robie]

Welcome to the forum. Enclosing a portion of your garage says you are really serious about wine making.

Have you ordered any fresh grapes/juice, yet?

 

[winemaker_3352]

Welcome aboard!!!

 

[ldmack3]

Fresh grapes

Welcome to the forum. Enclosing a portion of your garage says you are really serious about wine making.

Have you ordered any fresh grapes/juice, yet?

I got started making wine at home in 2007 but this will be my first season to be able to try fresh juice. Now that I have the space I'm looking at a couple of suppliers but most will not ship. Also previously I've been forced to bottle age. With this new space I will be able to carboy age 6-8 at a time. Not doing a barrell yet but am researching it. No fresh grapes yet either; maybe next uear.
I have a source for frozen California must and Italian & French fresh from Kamil. I might try a MM Fresco but most of my juice will be from Kamil.

I'm REALLY looking forward to AprilMay when the Chilean harvest happens!

Recommendations/suggestions/constructive criticism always welcome.

 

[robie]

I got started making wine at home in 2007 but this will be my first season to be able to try fresh juice. Now that I have the space I'm looking at a couple of suppliers but most will not ship. Also previously I've been forced to bottle age. With this new space I will be able to carboy age 6-8 at a time. Not doing a barrell yet but am researching it. No fresh grapes yet either; maybe next uear.
I have a source for frozen California must and Italian & French fresh from Kamil. I might try a MM Fresco but most of my juice will be from Kamil.

I'm REALLY looking forward to AprilMay when the Chilean harvest happens!

Recommendations/suggestions/constructive criticism always welcome.

Bone up on red wine making in small (20 to 23liter) barrels. That's where the real difference is between a good commercial and a low body homemade kit wine. The difference a barrel makes is considerable.

 

[ldmack3]

Bone up on red wine making in small (20 to 23liter) barrels. That's where the real difference is between a good commercial and a low body homemade kit wine. The difference a barrel makes is considerable.

Thanks Robie:

I found out the best way to make really good wine from kits is to by one that requires the addition of water, then don't add all the water. It's gueswork since I can't really do two of the same at the same time and document the differences but I am sure you are correct. I want a barrell BAD!! George at FVW tells they are a maintenace nightmare. Doesn't look like it from all I've read. What is your take?

 

[robie]

Looking good!

I have two barrels and IMO, they are easy to maintain. Barrels are something you can think about for the future.

 

[ldmack3]

What is IMO?

 

[Deezil]

Welcome to WMT

IMO = "in my opinion"