New to all this

DDT · Jan 4, 2012

Hello there,

I am in the process of making my first wine kit. I went with the wine experts Borolo and its going well.
I am thinking of starting up a homemade fruit wine after this is done. I was wondering if anyone had any tips for a first timer. Also if anyone had any suggestions. I was thinking of maybe making something with a mix of fruits.
Any tips or suggestions welcome.

Runningwolf · Jan 4, 2012

DDT welcome to our forum. You certainly came to the right place. As soon as Julie jumps on she'll have an ear full for you. She makes a great summer wine from mixed frozen fruit she buy's at Sam's club or GFS. You might also look under our recipe section, but she sure will guide you along with some other folks who have done this.

robie · Jan 4, 2012

Welcome! We have some people who can help you with the fruit wines.

Good luck on your new hobby.

Wade E · Jan 4, 2012

Do you have all the stuff needed to do this like yeast nutrient and energizer, acid blend, sulfite, and sorbate? Another good thing to have on hand for fruit wines is ascorbic acid. The best thing for making fruit wines is a fermenting bag!!!!!! Get a big one, I use the coarse ones as they dont clog up and clean easier. Best thing to do when making something like this is to decide what you want to make but post what you plan on doing before doing it as a new winemaker so we can check and let you know if you are using enough fruit

DDT · Jan 4, 2012

I was thinking maybe something with strawberries but I'm not sure what would mix well with that. I am also looking to keep costs down.

Quick question. Do I need all those chemicals like bentonite, metabisulphite and sorbate that I used with my wine kit? Or can I just use the yeast and thats it?

Runningwolf · Jan 4, 2012

DDT said:
Quick question. Do I need all those chemicals like bentonite, metabisulphite and sorbate that I used with my wine kit?

yes yes yes! These are the main tools you always have in your tool box.

Wade E · Jan 4, 2012

Almost forgot pectic enzyme to break down the fruyit cells and extract its sugar and color. You can go without a few of those but I dont recommend it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Arne · Jan 5, 2012

Check out the tutorials on here. Lots of good advice on there. We will help all we can, but they give you the basics to get you started on the right foot. Most all the chemicals you need can be bought for 25 dollars or so. Make sure you get a primary fermenter that is big enough. Remember your must grows as it ferments, at least while it is really going. Slows down after a while and settles down. But cleaning up when it goes over the top isn't a lot of fun. THis is a great hobby, good luck withit. Arne.