How do i know if my yeast is working?

Gooseybamp · Apr 12, 2020

First time making wine. How can i know if my yeast is working or not? It has been 20 hours since i started it. I followed the instructions from the kit. But im just wondering should there be more bubbles or what should i see? Also my lid for my primary fermentor doesnt have a hole for an air lock so i can’t see bubles feom that. so i am just leaving the lid loose on the bucket. Room temperature is at 22 degree celcius and the yeast was just sprinkles on top of the must as per kit directives. Also should i be mixing the must every day or not?

Johnd · Apr 12, 2020

While there are outward signs of fermentation, the best way to confirm it is by taking readings with your hydrometer. If the SG / BRIX is dropping, fermentation is underway and progressing.

sour_grapes · Apr 12, 2020

Gooseybamp said:
First time making wine. How can i know if my yeast is working or not? It has been 20 hours since i started it. I followed the instructions from the kit. But im just wondering should there be more bubbles or what should i see? Also my lid for my primary fermentor doesnt have a hole for an air lock so i can’t see bubles feom that. so i am just leaving the lid loose on the bucket. Room temperature is at 22 degree celcius and the yeast was just sprinkles on top of the must as per kit directives. Also should i be mixing the must every day or not?

And to put your mind at ease a bit: You likely won't see "lift-off" for 24 to 48 hours. But I think I see bubble in that photo. If so, you are doing fine.

Gooseybamp · Apr 12, 2020

Johnd said:
While there are outward signs of fermentation, the best way to confirm it is by taking readings with your hydrometer. If the SG / BRIX is dropping, fermentation is underway and progressing.

I checked it this morning 12 hours after i didn’t noticed any difference but i will check it again tomorrow

Gooseybamp · Apr 12, 2020

sour_grapes said:
And to put your mind at ease a bit: You likely won't see "lift-off" for 24 to 48 hours. But I think I see bubble in that photo. If so, you are doing fine.

There are bubbles im just not sure if they were there before or not

hounddawg · Apr 13, 2020

Gooseybamp said:
First time making wine. How can i know if my yeast is working or not? It has been 20 hours since i started it. I followed the instructions from the kit. But im just wondering should there be more bubbles or what should i see? Also my lid for my primary fermentor doesnt have a hole for an air lock so i can’t see bubles feom that. so i am just leaving the lid loose on the bucket. Room temperature is at 22 degree celcius and the yeast was just sprinkles on top of the must as per kit directives. Also should i be mixing the must every day or not?

um your in the early ferment yes?, i'd take that lid off, stir it to get as much oxygen into it as you can, you stir the heck outta it once to twice a day, between stirrings keep a towel over your bucket, keep a reading on you must till she's down to around .998,, then rack to your secondary, carboy or gallon jugs, anything that you have bungs for with airlocks, best of luck
Dawg