My keynote guidance to a newbie.
@Grayson99, I highly recommend you print that out, and put it in the binder you
will start for taking notes. In fact, if that post isn't a sticky, it should be.
@Scooter68 knows what he's talking about, and I believe he's made an excellent compilation of the tips he's handed out over the years. He states that these are best practices for
fruit (country) wines right at the beginning, but they apply to grape wine just as well. That information may appear daunting at first, especially as a beginner, but read the entire post. Don't worry about the stuff you don't understand, for now.
Amen! Somehow, a video seems to make anyone appear like they're an authority on any topic.
One further piece of advice I'd like to add: as a beginner, if you can, make a few kit wines by following the directions
to the letter. Not only will Scooter's post help you understand what you are doing, and why, but making a few kits will also help you understand everything in Scooter's post. And if something does go wrong, most manufacturers will send you a free replacement kit -- if you've followed their instructions. Otherwise, you're on your own. Once you have a few under your belt, there's a wealth of information here on how you can tweak them to make them better, or how to make your own wine from your own ingredients.
Oh, and sorry Scooter, but I have to slightly disagree with your statement:
Wine making is a hobby for those willing to play the Long-game. Great wine doesn't happen in 6 weeks. (If you don't have patience - this is probably not the hobby for you)
It's true that great wine doesn't happen in 6 weeks - no question about it - but you can enjoy this hobby without making great wine. If you make a 4-week kit, and enjoy drinking the result the day it's bottled, then this hobby is also for you.
However, if you do have patience, then this hobby will be much more rewarding, and if you don't, you may find it difficult and frustrating finding help when you have trouble with a batch. Just my 2 cents.