My first wine kit arrived today!

[Scott Harbison]

How about a Vintners Reserve Bergamais

GaDawg, I asked that same question on another thread! Have you had experience with the Bergamais?

 

[GaDawg]

GaDawg, I asked that same question on another thread! Have you had experience with the Bergamais?

Yes, several years ago, and it was good, not great but a good early drinker.

 

[jgmann67]

Welcome. Lots of great advice so far.

I made the Lodi Cab a couple years ago. Still have a few bottles left. It's just getting to that "wow" point for me.

Best advice anyone can give you: Make more.

I'd also suggest that, once you get comfortable with your wine making abilities, take a look at the threads on extended maceration.

 

[crushday]

I’d also recommend you buy the all in one wine pump. I wish I had to start instead of the other items like: degassing whip, siphons, bottling attachments, etc. the all one wine vacuum pump does all this more.

Can you provide more info on the pump? Brand you’d suggest and where to buy?

 

[mainshipfred]

Can you provide more info on the pump? Brand you’d suggest and where to buy?

Allinonewinepump.com. Steve will point you in the right direction for what you need and won't over sell you.

 

[heatherd]

I started out making one batch at a time - I now tend to hover around 7, just because I'm space-limited. During harvest times that can increase a bit. Bottom line, it seems to take the pressure off if you're making several things, so you're not drinking wines before their time. For reds that can be consumed early, Bergamais is one, I have also consumed red blends earlier.

 

[Scott Harbison]

I started out making one batch at a time - I now tend to hover around 7, just because I'm space-limited. During harvest times that can increase a bit. Bottom line, it seems to take the pressure off if you're making several things, so you're not drinking wines before their time. For reds that can be consumed early, Bergamais is one, I have also consumed red blends earlier.

7 at one time?? That's space limited? Wow, I need your space! I have a large garage, but it's not air conditioned, so this time of year with the outside temps in the 90's, the garage hovers around 80-85%. I don't think that would work. Maybe later in the year I could start another batch or two out there. Of course the Harley, the golf cart, the kids moped and workout stuff are all in the garage....the cars stay outside. LOL. But there's room for the wine making equipment if the temps are right.

 

[HOOLIE]

I've decided to begin my wine making experience with this Eclipse Cabernet kit. I went with the Cab since I prefer bigger, bolder wines. And, I liked the fact that it has skins with this one. I ordered oak chips and some tannin, "just in case it needed some extra ummph!

Now, I'm just waiting on my equipment kit so I can get this baby started!

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Enjoy your Eclipse. Have made about 8 batches and everyone enjoys. Never bothered tweeking but maybe on the next one will try. Also blend Merlot to make Meritage

 

[Scott Harbison]

So...now I’m ready. I think. I got this today but didn’t have time to open it yet. I’ll unbox everything in the next day or so and hope to get that first batch going asap! I did order a Fontana Merlot kit that was cheap and had free shipping on Amazon. It arrived today as well. Y’all get ready for a bunch of questions!!

 

[M38A1]

Well, based on this thread and a few others, I picked up a Eclipse Cabernet Sav kit w/skins for $145 locally. The $30 discount made it irresistible to try based on what I've read. I've not done a kit wine yet, but am looking forward to it. Thanks for nudging me....