WINEMAKING
The hobby of making your own wine has long fascinated mankind. From grapes
to fruits to berries to concentrates, there is a medium for anyone who is
interested in producing the perfect 'vintage wine'. The process involved,
whether using fresh fruit, grapes or concentrated juices or purees requires
using the same equipment.
Wine is produced using a two- stage fermentation process referred to as 'first
stage fermentation' and 'second stage fermentation'. In the first stage of
fermentation, yeast is converted into equal parts of carbon dioxide and
alcohol. In the second stage of fermentation, the remainder of the alcohol
is developed.
There are four basic pieces of equipment required to properly produce quality
wine:
1. An open container (preferably foodgrade plastic or stainless steel)
double the capacity of the gallons being produced - i.e. a 10-gallon container
to produce 5 gallons. This is to allow for the expansion of the active
fermentation which will take place in the first stage.
2. A second container that is the size of the gallons being produced -
i.e. a gallon jug for a gallon of wine or a 5-gallon jug (referred to as carboy)
for a 5-gallon batch.
3. Siphoning equipment (siphon hose and racking tube) to transfer wine
from the primary to the secondary stage.
4. A fermentation lock (or airlock) which is placed in the neck opening of
the secondary fermentor. Sterilizing solution (containing sodium metabisulphite or
campden) is placed in the lock to allow CO2 to escape during the
remainder of the fermentation process.
NOTE: Sterilizing solution is also used throughout the process to rinse
winemaking equipment to prevent contamination.
Although not required, it is recommended that a hydrometer be used throughout
the winemaking process. This instrument measures specific gravity
which (l) controls the alcohol level (2) indicates when wine should be
transferred from the primary to the secondary stage and (3) indicates when
fermentation is complete.
Heart of the Vine stocks a Deluxe
Winemaking Kit which
is comprised of the following components:
10 Gallon Plastic Primary Fermentor
5 Gallon Glass Carboy
Siphon Hose and Racking Tube
Fermentation Lock with 61/2 drilled rubber stopper
Hydrometer and Test Jar
Sterilizing Solution
Book, The
Art of Making Wine
(contains 50 fresh fruit recipes)
PRICE: $62.00
For hobbyists interested in producing the very finest vintage grape wines, we
stock an extensive inventory of quality Vintner's Reserve concentrated and pure
juices. Varietals include: (REDS)
Beaujolais, Red Burgundy, Red Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chateau de Roi,
Chianti, Merlot, Medoc, Port (WHITES)
White Bordeaux, White Burgundy, Gewurtztraminer, Liebfraumilch, Riesling,
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay (ROSE')
Chablis Blush, White Zinfandel
(GRAPE/FRUIT BLEND)
Apricot Chardonnay, Black
Raspberry Merlot, White Zinfandel with Exotic Fruits)
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This is a brief introduction into the art of winemaking. It is both a
fascinating and rewarding hobby. Register for our email newsletter for
tips, specials and to ask questions.
