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Brew UK Forum » Forum: Wine Kits - Recent Posts http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Brew UK Forum » Forum: Wine Kits - Recent Posts en Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:33:58 +0000 Mark on "Making Wine in Beer Stuff" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/making-wine-in-beer-stuff#post-30127 Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:45:29 +0000 Mark 30127@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ I Keep 1 vessel just for wine and 1 vessel for beer,lager,cider but they all get racked off into the same secondary vessel. Never had a problem with unwanted contaminants. The vessels get sterilised properly before and after use hence i have not had problems arise YET! nw on "First wine kit temperature control." http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/first-wine-kit-temperature-control#post-30058 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:14:06 +0000 nw 30058@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Thanks Mark Mark on "First wine kit temperature control." http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/first-wine-kit-temperature-control#post-30028 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:31:21 +0000 Mark 30028@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Yes remove the heater. The cooler the wine is in the 2nd vessel the easier it clears. Mark on "SEDIMENT ISSUES" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/sediment-issues#post-29970 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:06 +0000 Mark 29970@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ I told you mate to buy the vinbrite filter machine but you obviously have not. With this you get no sediment in the bottles. You say you have put the bottles outside in Garage, WHY? It is obviously to cold at the moment, just keep them indoors somewhere between 10-15c. It is so cold outside and this is why your wine is clouding, bring them in to get them a bit clearer but you will probably still have sediment in the bottles. reekmaster on "SEDIMENT ISSUES" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/sediment-issues#post-29963 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:07:28 +0000 reekmaster 29963@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ i have just done my second batch of chardonnay it was finished fermentation after 7 days ,i put it into a 2nd fermentation bin for 3 days then bottled . the wine was clear as a bell just after bottling but after i put them into a cool place in my garage a day later they have all clouded up and look terrible , will this clear in time when they cool more , what should i do . nw on "First wine kit temperature control." http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/first-wine-kit-temperature-control#post-29953 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:35:20 +0000 nw 29953@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi All I am just about to start my first ever wine kit (it’s a Beaverdale 6 bottle Rioja). It says in the instructions that the ideal temperature to ferment at is 20 degrees C (I’ll be doing this in my garage using the Electrim 75 immersion heater). What I would like to know is when the fermentation stage is over and I rack it off to another vessel do I still need to keep it warm or can I just remove the heater? jamesianbriggs on "Making Wine in Beer Stuff" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/making-wine-in-beer-stuff#post-29729 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:24:41 +0000 jamesianbriggs 29729@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Thank you folks. Much appreciated. Off to Tesco, then... Sqiffy on "Making Wine in Beer Stuff" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/making-wine-in-beer-stuff#post-29704 Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:51:33 +0000 Sqiffy 29704@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Personally I would say that you would probably get away with a 25l bucket at the primary stage but not for the secondary fermentation. A 1 gallon batch is going to leave too large a surface area and too great a headspace for your wine. I think there will be a very high risk of oxidising your wine if you use the 25l bucket for the secondary. If you can I would ferment it in a much smaller bucket and then use a glass demijohn or a 5litre PET bottle for the secondary. When you syphon your wine off the sediment you shouldn't end up wasting much whatever you use to ferment your wine in. General consensus is to keep separate buckets and plastic containers for wine and beer as it is believed that some beer scents / flavours can become ingrained into the plastic and effect the wine. Some also believe that equipment used for beer is more prone to developing unwanted contaminants then equipment used for wine. This is generally the view put forward on most wine forums. I wouldn't like to say that this is a scientific fact but if you can keep separate equipment the problem certainly won't arise. saracen on "Making Wine in Beer Stuff" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/making-wine-in-beer-stuff#post-29701 Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:39:05 +0000 saracen 29701@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi there. I wouldn't think making a 6 bottle kit in a 25 lt fermenter is practical. Far better to drop in at Tesco and buy a couple of 5 lt bottles of water for 85p each. The bottles are exactly the same as commercial fermenters and you'll avoid all the problems you outlined above. You can either leave the caps slightly loose or drill the caps and fit the airlocks. jamesianbriggs on "Making Wine in Beer Stuff" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/making-wine-in-beer-stuff#post-29698 Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:42:05 +0000 jamesianbriggs 29698@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hello all, I have two 25l fermenters with airlocks, taps and little bottler etc. that I use for beer. I'd like to try a wine kit so can anyone answer me a couple of questions: -Is it practical to make a six bottle kit in a 25l bucket or will I end up wasting loads of wine when siphoning stuff off sediment? -Will making wine in my beer stuff taint/stain it? Thanks, James y-no on "when do you rack off wine?" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/when-do-you-rack-off-wine#post-29201 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:01:32 +0000 y-no 29201@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ thanks saracen...i'll give these a try....slainte! Technotrucker on "How to make sparkling wine" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/how-to-make-sparkling-wine#post-28836 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:22:10 +0000 Technotrucker 28836@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ I was just about to put my twopenn’orth in when I noticed this thread is 4 month's old...wonder what happened??? <img src="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_redface.gif" title=":oops:" class="bb_smilies" /> saracen on "How to make sparkling wine" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/how-to-make-sparkling-wine#post-28741 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:41:46 +0000 saracen 28741@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ That should work. 40°c seems a bit high for re-hydrating yeast, though, and a whole pack seems excessive. 1/4 of a pack should be enough. Traditionally, Champagne is bottled before fermentation is complete and stored upside down. The sediment then collects on the bottom of the cork and someone who is very, very good at it eases the cork out of the bottle far enough for the pressure inside to expel the sediment. Then it's capped. The method above will work, but only do it with Champagne or Sparkling Wine bottles. They are made strong enough for the job and ordinary bottles aren't. In any case, I'd store it somewhere an explosion won't do any damage. powertoolpete on "How to make sparkling wine" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/how-to-make-sparkling-wine#post-28735 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:35:17 +0000 powertoolpete 28735@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Has anyone tried this? Does it work? Or is there a proven way? Mark on "Suggest a blush" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/suggest-a-blush#post-28513 Sat, 21 Jan 2012 21:03:01 +0000 Mark 28513@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ I was going to suggest a nice one but only available as a 30 bottle kit <img src="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_sad.gif" title=":(" class="bb_smilies" /> powertoolpete on "Suggest a blush" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/suggest-a-blush#post-28501 Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:13:28 +0000 powertoolpete 28501@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ can anyone suggest a good blush wine, I have only seen 2 different ones, Zinfandel Blush and Chablis Blush, which is the best out of these and what is a good make of kit for this? (looking to start with a 6 bottle kit) Thanks Pete Mark on "Steriliser Chaos!" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/steriliser-chaos#post-28433 Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:24:17 +0000 Mark 28433@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ whatever you use works whether you use thin bleach,milton,starsan,VWP,youngs sterilizer etc etc etc Just make sure you do it properly and sterilize anything that comes into contact with the brew. y-no on "Steriliser Chaos!" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/steriliser-chaos#post-28432 Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:13:42 +0000 y-no 28432@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ thanks guys....thats great...all the research is done...all the questions answered...let production commence....slainte! grmski on "Steriliser Chaos!" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/steriliser-chaos#post-28366 Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:08:02 +0000 grmski 28366@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Oldbrewer - I use a similar technique add bleach and water clean with a sponge then run off through the tap and rinse well. Do this after use and before use and for me it's a cheap and effective way of sanitising. oldbrewer on "Steriliser Chaos!" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/steriliser-chaos#post-28356 Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:07:11 +0000 oldbrewer 28356@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ I wash everything in a bleach solution and rince thoroughly. The taps should be ok if the solution is run through them. No problems so far. kaptinkurtz on "Steriliser Chaos!" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/steriliser-chaos#post-28349 Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:51:14 +0000 kaptinkurtz 28349@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ If I take the top shelf out of the dishwasher, one fits in perfect on the bottom shelf. Couple of spoons of miltons in the bottom (it's good enough for babys bottle, its good enough for my bottle) and set it off on a 40 degree cycle. I do the lid, and other equipment etc at the same time. When you take it out, put the lid on to prevent stuff falling/flying in whilst you get prepared. Can probably leave it like this for about an hour before worrying. You can do the same trick with your bottles, bottom shelf holds 26, which means I usually end up with a 2 litre flagon of wine for Sunday lunch, and a bottle or two of "cooking wine" which tends to sit by the cooker and get glugged liberally into whatever's on for tea. Done this for 3/4 years, and never had a problem y-no on "Steriliser Chaos!" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/steriliser-chaos#post-28231 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:23:23 +0000 y-no 28231@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ hi there folks...i just noticed 'just starting' mention that he uses milton fluid! is this ok or just as good as the other chemicals i hear mentioned? and if so can it leave a taste in the wine? or does it need to be rinsed out?, the insructions milton provide say that it doesn't need to be rinsed when being used for baby's bottles so surely that would be good enough for the f.v....what do you think? Barracuda on "Red Wine Not Bubbling" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/red-wine-not-bubbling#post-27873 Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:42:48 +0000 Barracuda 27873@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ I shall. Unfortunately, I have no younguns available to do all the menial tasks, and everyone else is going to expect a constant supply of free homebrew. <img src="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_exclaim.gif" title=":!:" class="bb_smilies" /> Never mind. There is something satisfying about doing EVERYTHING myself. It makes every finished bottle an achievement, even down to the label. Which reminds me of a thread I was going to start.. Mark on "Red Wine Not Bubbling" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/red-wine-not-bubbling#post-27846 Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:14:15 +0000 Mark 27846@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Let us know what you thought of the Beaverdale Rioja onec you've had first taste. Could you not pay a youngun to peel the labels? Barracuda on "Red Wine Not Bubbling" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/red-wine-not-bubbling#post-27845 Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:11:39 +0000 Barracuda 27845@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Yes indeed. Thankfully, tasting is the one aspect of Wine that I have no problem with. I'm actually qualified to do it! But even in a 'green' wine, you can get an idea of which flavours are going to be dominant once it's aged for a little while. In other news, my fingernails are numb, I just spent over 2 hours peeling the labels off of over 100 wine/beer/cider bottles that I'd accumulated over christmas and soaked. Funtimes. Mark on "Red Wine Not Bubbling" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/red-wine-not-bubbling#post-27749 Sun, 15 Jan 2012 22:16:53 +0000 Mark 27749@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ That is good news Barracuda Don't expect big things when you first taste but obviously after 4 weeks will be better but 2 months onwards will condition better and better. Barracuda on "Red Wine Not Bubbling" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/red-wine-not-bubbling#post-27745 Sun, 15 Jan 2012 21:29:55 +0000 Barracuda 27745@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Update: After cleaning, drying and re sealing the lid, and leaving for a day or two, I had bubbles again, which was reassuring. Fermentation is slowing naturally now, and I should be clearing and thinking about bottling towards the end of this coming week. Looking forward to a post ferment taste! Sqiffy on "Carafe 21" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/carafe-21#post-26156 Sun, 08 Jan 2012 20:47:32 +0000 Sqiffy 26156@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi Steve, You can use a bucket as a primary (See my post -<a href="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/dried-elderberry-wine-recipe"> CLICK HERE</a>), that is exactly what I do. Aerobic fermentation - The Primary Fermentation will typically last for the first three to five days and can be undertaken using a bucket. On average, 70 percent of the fermentation activity will occur during these first few days. Durring aerobic fermentation air exposure is not an issue and sometimes even encouraged through stirring the wine to introduce oxygen. Anaerobic fermentation - The Secondary Fermentation is when the remaining 30 percent of of fermentation activity will occur. Unlike the typical four to seven days the primary fermentation takes, the secondary fermentation will usually last anywhere from one to four weeks depending on the amount of nutrient and sugars still available. Durring anaerobic fermentation air exposure is to be kept to a minimum. This can easily be done by attaching an air-lock to the fermentation vessel. I use the large glass carboys fitted with an airlock but it is quite possible to use your primary bucket for the secondary fermentation. There are two issues you should be aware of if using a bucket for the secondary fermentation. Firstly, 'head space is very important durring the secondary fermentation. You should ensure that there is as little 'free' air space as possible above your wine. Secondly, if you intend to use the same bucket for both primary and secondary fermentation you will need a second bucket to rack the wine into when you move from the primary to secondary fermentation. If you only have an inch or two from the wine surface to the bucket lid then using a pair of buckets will be fine (providing they are drilled and fitted with rubber grommets to accomodate the air lock). Plastic buckets are cheaper than glass carboys although the plastic 'better bottle' carboy (pictured at the top of this page) may be worth a look. I don't make the kit you refer to but wine making is pretty standard kit to kit or even making wine from raw ingredients. Good luck with your wine making. JustStarting on "Red Wine Not Bubbling" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/red-wine-not-bubbling#post-26125 Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:48:19 +0000 JustStarting 26125@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ OK, a couple of points... The "extra" rack at 5 days is in the 30-bottle kit instructions, but not the 6-bottle. I think it's skipped (along with a few other bits) in the 6-bottle as they expect 6-bottle people to be beginers. The kit instructions have had this disparity for several years. I usually do the rack as suggested, and it's never stopped fermentation. I have to say, the majority of the sediment really does seem to appear in the first few days, so the thoery seems a sound one. Having said that, I can't say I've noticed the extra racking making any difference. But may I'm not good enough to appreciate the subtle advantage it gives <img src="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_wink.gif" title=";-)" class="bb_smilies" /> Beverdale Kits do seem slight more sensitive to temparature when it comes to fermentation. All I can think is that your rack caused a temperature drop. The 30-bottle kits have a large thermal mass. I'd wait a bit and see... Neil. smcarr87 on "Carafe 21" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/carafe-21#post-26119 Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:40:40 +0000 smcarr87 26119@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi Guys I am a total newcomer to fermenting wine and really struggling, I bought the Carafe 21 kit but I believe they have sold me the wrong container to ferment it in. its just a huge bucket with lid. Where can I find the right container to do this in and do i follow the instructions all in the one container??? Help me pleeeeease Steve wildbrew on "Wine hasn't cleares" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/wine-hasnt-cleares#post-26049 Sun, 08 Jan 2012 14:58:30 +0000 wildbrew 26049@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi Zoealderney Try some kwik clear finings it works for me every time. <img src="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_smile.gif" title=":-)" class="bb_smilies" /> eyesup on "Wine hasn't cleares" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/wine-hasnt-cleares#post-26024 Sun, 08 Jan 2012 13:41:57 +0000 eyesup 26024@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Zoe I am having the same issue, with California Connoisseur Sauvignon Blanc. It is not clearing. Followed instructions, What happened to yours? Mark on "Red Wine Not Bubbling" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/red-wine-not-bubbling#post-25894 Sat, 07 Jan 2012 16:43:48 +0000 Mark 25894@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Mine was not an opinion but what i always do with the wine kits as i believe if you let it ferment out fully in the primary vessel then no problems occur. Start transferring in middle of fermentation then a chance of letting bacteria in or fermentation dosn't restart. Enjoy your ales tonight <img src="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_smile.gif" title=":-)" class="bb_smilies" /> Barracuda on "Red Wine Not Bubbling" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/red-wine-not-bubbling#post-25893 Sat, 07 Jan 2012 16:37:16 +0000 Barracuda 25893@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ I guess time will tell. Thanks for your opinions guys. Appreciated. I'll be passing the time by going out this evening and sampling some delicious American and European Ales, without forgetting the local ones too, of course. Cheers. Mark on "Red Wine Not Bubbling" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/red-wine-not-bubbling#post-25891 Sat, 07 Jan 2012 16:31:03 +0000 Mark 25891@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ It says youn can ferment it without the transfer, this is what i would have done and just let it ferment out in the primary. Then i would have transferred it prior to adding the stabiliser. But this is just me. Like i said chances are the bubbles will be in airlock later or by the morning at latest. Barracuda on "Red Wine Not Bubbling" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/red-wine-not-bubbling#post-25890 Sat, 07 Jan 2012 16:24:48 +0000 Barracuda 25890@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Saracen: Some good points there, i'll consider re attaching the cap as you suggest, if the problem continues. Mark: Also good point, re the space in the top of the FV. It looks like they have updated the Instructions: <img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/mrbarracuda/Scan0001.jpg?t=1325949573"> <img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/mrbarracuda/Scan0002.jpg?t=1325949391"> Mark on "Red Wine Not Bubbling" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/red-wine-not-bubbling#post-25889 Sat, 07 Jan 2012 16:21:51 +0000 Mark 25889@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Saracen the instructions that came with this vessel do say to grease the thread and o ring which is what i have followed and obviously Barracuda. The ring seals in the recess and has always stayed there. But what you are saying does seem logical. saracen on "Red Wine Not Bubbling" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/red-wine-not-bubbling#post-25886 Sat, 07 Jan 2012 16:15:18 +0000 saracen 25886@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi Barracuda. Using Vaseline on sealing rings and cap, in my experience, can cause all sorts of problems with leaks. I don't use this type of FV but with barrel caps, plastering Vaseline all over the seal normally causes it to slip out of the recess under tightening pressure. I always clean the cap thoroughly, dry it, clean the ring thoroughly, dry it and place the ring and cap in the fridge to firm up the plastic. Then I re-fit the ring, smear a light coating of Vaseline on the surface of the seal only and tighten it no more than a firm hand tight. If you get Vaseline behind the seal the chances are it can slip out. If the seal is airtight, the threads are irrelevant. Mark on "Red Wine Not Bubbling" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/red-wine-not-bubbling#post-25885 Sat, 07 Jan 2012 15:46:05 +0000 Mark 25885@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ your instructions must be different to the ones i have found for this wine, although they are for a 6 bottle beaverdale the method should surely be the same. <a href="http://www.the-home-brew-shop.co.uk/acatalog/Beaverdale%204.5%20litre%20instructions.pdf" rel="nofollow">http://www.the-home-brew-shop.co.uk/acatalog/Beaverdale%204.5%20litre%20instructions.pdf</a> Mark on "Red Wine Not Bubbling" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/red-wine-not-bubbling#post-25884 Sat, 07 Jan 2012 15:42:22 +0000 Mark 25884@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ I use this vessel for wine and it is excellent, you have done the correct thing with vaseline on the seal and o ring. I would give it till the morning to see if bubbles are in the airlock though, i say this as there is a great distance from where the wine is to the top of vessel and will take a while to start getting the air out especially as the initial fast ferment has been and gone. Barracuda on "Red Wine Not Bubbling" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/red-wine-not-bubbling#post-25883 Sat, 07 Jan 2012 15:35:28 +0000 Barracuda 25883@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Saracen: You may be right. It is the first time i've used this FV <img src="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/store/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/4/1/4160_1.jpg"> I used vaseline on the base of the cap, and the provided rubber seal.. it may be air is escaping from the bung hole in the cap. I will indeed carry out visual and hydrometer checks. But it was comforting to see those bubbles. Barracuda on "Red Wine Not Bubbling" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/red-wine-not-bubbling#post-25882 Sat, 07 Jan 2012 15:31:26 +0000 Barracuda 25882@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ They did. It specifically said that Beaverdale has decided that performing an additional rack part way through improves the wine, as 70% of sediment is produced in the first 3-5 days of fermentation. This method takes the liquid off the sediment preventing it from sitting on the used yeast cells and tainting the wine. (Fermentation should then continue, total ferment for red is suggested as 10-25 days). I realise most kits don't suggest doing this, but this one did.. and now i'm concerned, as it seems to have halted the fermentation. saracen on "Red Wine Not Bubbling" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/red-wine-not-bubbling#post-25881 Sat, 07 Jan 2012 15:27:02 +0000 saracen 25881@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ It could be the 2nd FV is not absolutely airtight. It's unlikely you would stop fermentation by simply transferring it. Give it another week and then do a hydrometer test to see if the Gravity figure is as expaected from the instructions. You can also do a visual check. If the wine is cloudy the chances are it's still fermenting, and if it is clearing, the fermentation has stopped or is all over and done. Mark on "Red Wine Not Bubbling" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/red-wine-not-bubbling#post-25871 Sat, 07 Jan 2012 14:59:00 +0000 Mark 25871@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Did the instructions actually say to rack off into another vessel after 5 to 7 days? As normally you would not rack off until fermentation is complete with a wine kit. Barracuda on "Red Wine Not Bubbling" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/red-wine-not-bubbling#post-25870 Sat, 07 Jan 2012 14:28:56 +0000 Barracuda 25870@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hey folks. I'm making a Beaverdale 30 bottle Rioja kit. As instructed, I have racked into a second FV after 5-7 days (apparently this makes a better quality wine, removing the liquid from the initial sediment and continuing fermentation in another). The Wine was still bubbling/fermenting before I did this. However. Having airlocked the second FV (using vaseline on the cap also) and placed in my temp controller cupboard (20c), fermentation has not restarted/continued. Even after 20 hours. Should I be concerned, or patient? Thanks. JustStarting on "Steriliser Chaos!" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/steriliser-chaos#post-25192 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:36:03 +0000 JustStarting 25192@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ I've always used a sponge with the fermentor 1/4 full of Milton. (Or Sainsbury's own version.) Soak the sponge, and then wipe over all surfaces. Let it dry. Repeat. This gives at least 5 mins contact time. I tend to sterilize when I finish with a fermentor (to stop anything growing) and again before I use. Oh, and I chuck airlocks, bottles, etc. into the fermentor to sterilize at the same time. Neil. Mark on "SEDIMENT ISSUES" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/sediment-issues#post-25100 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:26:35 +0000 Mark 25100@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ No i never bottle wine straight from the fermenter. If for the sake of argument it says rack off 7 days after adding finings then i will rack off after 10 days to let it be as clear as possible. Once racked off i will put it through the vinbrite filter machine to polish it then bottle it. You could leave out the polishing with the vinbrite but you will always still get a little sediment and cloudiness at bottom of bottles. Monk on "SEDIMENT ISSUES" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/sediment-issues#post-25066 Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:48:30 +0000 Monk 25066@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Did you bottle straight from the fermenter? It is best to rack over to demijohns for that initial few weeks, then bottle the near finished product to reduce bottle sediment. saracen on "SEDIMENT ISSUES" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/sediment-issues#post-25041 Tue, 27 Dec 2011 11:16:28 +0000 saracen 25041@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi Nuck. The problem with filtering beer is that if you remove all the yeast, the beer won't condition naturally. You would also need to kill all the yeast before filtering. For bottling, you would need to find a way of carbonating it and that involves some serious chilling and pressurising kit, and in barrels you have to use Co2 pressure or you just get flat beer. Have a look at these: <a href="http://www.filterstore.com/beer.asp" rel="nofollow">http://www.filterstore.com/beer.asp</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Home-Brew-Stuff-BF-10C-Filtration/dp/B00420OIT8" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Home-Brew-Stuff-BF-10C-Filtration/dp/B00420OIT8</a> For bottled beer: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2PPBmJZFd0&feature=related" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2PPBmJZFd0&feature=related</a> <a href="http://sedexbrewing.com/purchase.html" rel="nofollow">http://sedexbrewing.com/purchase.html</a> nuck-thompson on "SEDIMENT ISSUES" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/sediment-issues#post-25039 Tue, 27 Dec 2011 10:48:24 +0000 nuck-thompson 25039@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Is there an equivalent gadget for beer? saracen on "when do you rack off wine?" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/when-do-you-rack-off-wine#post-24955 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 19:42:06 +0000 saracen 24955@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi. Depends what you want to do. Are you looking for wine to be made and drunk young, or wine to lay down for a year or 2? I used to make wine, and I always found Cellar 7 to be good and reliable. For wine to keep, it's a different ball game. Barolo is always good for a full bodied red. <a href="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/store/winekits/kenridge-classic-barolo-30-bottle.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.brewuk.co.uk/store/winekits/kenridge-classic-barolo-30-bottle.html</a> or a 6 bottle experiment <a href="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/store/beverdale-6-barolo.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.brewuk.co.uk/store/beverdale-6-barolo.html</a> or <a href="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/store/winekits/beverdale-6-merlot.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.brewuk.co.uk/store/winekits/beverdale-6-merlot.html</a> How about this for an experimental Dry White <a href="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/store/winekits/beverdale-6-muscadet-red.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.brewuk.co.uk/store/winekits/beverdale-6-muscadet-red.html</a> y-no on "when do you rack off wine?" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/when-do-you-rack-off-wine#post-24951 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 19:11:42 +0000 y-no 24951@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ thanks mark....that clears that up for me..these things are starting to make sense to me now......sounds like this cantina stuff isn't great, i maybe should have joined this forum before buying... could you recommend a good dry white and full bodied red for future trials. Mark on "Wine Primary Fermentation" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/wine-primary-fermentation#post-24940 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 18:13:49 +0000 Mark 24940@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ bin it kilconlea on "Wine Primary Fermentation" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/wine-primary-fermentation#post-24936 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 17:40:58 +0000 kilconlea 24936@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ What do you do with the container once cleaned out? Mark on "Wine Primary Fermentation" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/wine-primary-fermentation#post-24933 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 17:25:58 +0000 Mark 24933@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ kcl i have not made a connoisseur kit but they are supposed to be very good. Re the bag, what i was saying is that with the bigger kits the juice comes in a plastic container and not a bag hence easier to wash out and use. kilconlea on "Wine Primary Fermentation" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/wine-primary-fermentation#post-24932 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 17:22:20 +0000 kilconlea 24932@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ It's a Californian Connoisseur Sauvignon Blanc, trying 5 litres first to see if it's any good, hoping to progress. Yep, the bag certainly looked like a screw top but whatever I did, there was no budging it. Thanks for the tip on the woodchip, guess I'll have to filter when racking. Bubbling away nicely now. Mark on "Wine Primary Fermentation" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/wine-primary-fermentation#post-24927 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 16:10:34 +0000 Mark 24927@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ KCL what wine kit are you making? I always make up the 5 gallon kits, with these all the grape juice comes in plastic containers with a screw top lid and very easy to rinse out and works out better value for money. Re the oak chips yes these do sit on the top and you should have put them in a muslim bag as when it comes to racking off they do clog up the syphon. Not ment to dissolve just give a hint of oak taste to the wine in a similar way that hops do for beer. Saracen it is Kryptonite that is Supermans weakness saracen on "Wine Primary Fermentation" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/wine-primary-fermentation#post-24924 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 14:07:11 +0000 saracen 24924@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ You definitely need to talk to a winemaker. Isn't Bentonite the stuff that gives Superman the colly-wobbles? kilconlea on "Wine Primary Fermentation" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/wine-primary-fermentation#post-24921 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:30:04 +0000 kilconlea 24921@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Spent an hour or so trying to open the "lid" before doing exactly as you suggest, the instructions said to rinse the bag with 500ml warm water, yeah right. Then couldn't get the bentonite (whatever that is) to dissolve for ages, was more like putty, had to mash it up with a knife, lost a quarter of it. Added the oak granules and then found out I couldn't stir it in as my long spoon wouldn't fit in the bottle; put another lid on the bottle and rolled it around and shook it up for five minutes but couldn't get the granules to do anything other than remain on the surface (maybe this is what it's supposed to do?). Only got one bubbler so one will have to do. This had better be good! saracen on "Wine Primary Fermentation" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/wine-primary-fermentation#post-24910 Fri, 23 Dec 2011 23:58:00 +0000 saracen 24910@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <blockquote>how the hell are you supposed to open the grape-concentrate bag</blockquote> Do you mean without destroying everything you are wearing? Tricky. Sharp knife and a stabbing motion? How about putting a funnel in the bottle, the bag in the funnel, and then stabbing it? I know! What about one of those milk bag container things? That yeast head thing with a 5.0 lt FV can be a bit daunting. You could split it between 2 bottles, then tip it into 1 when the first reaction dies down. kilconlea on "Wine Primary Fermentation" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/wine-primary-fermentation#post-24900 Fri, 23 Dec 2011 21:20:35 +0000 kilconlea 24900@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ You can all stop worrying now; it's in the FV. For future ref though, how the hell are you supposed to open the grape-concentrate bag? kilconlea on "Wine Primary Fermentation" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/wine-primary-fermentation#post-24893 Fri, 23 Dec 2011 19:35:15 +0000 kilconlea 24893@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Champing at the bit here guys...... will my "homemade" 5-litre FV accommodate a 4.5 litre wine kit. I have no idea how wine yeast behaves and my 33 litre FVs are all busy. Mark on "when do you rack off wine?" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/when-do-you-rack-off-wine#post-24855 Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:55:20 +0000 Mark 24855@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hamish the wine is actually worse than the music lol <img src="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_lol.gif" title=":lol:" class="bb_smilies" /> That music is on my sons lego starwars game, drives you flippin crazy hearing it. Hamish on "when do you rack off wine?" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/when-do-you-rack-off-wine#post-24853 Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:49:59 +0000 Hamish 24853@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Oh no, not CANTINA, what have you done. I'm going to have <a href="http://youtu.be/FWO5Ai_a80M">this</a> in my head for ages now. Mark on "when do you rack off wine?" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/when-do-you-rack-off-wine#post-24852 Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:49:39 +0000 Mark 24852@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ y-no Once fermentation is complete for the wine you will see loads sediment at bottom of vessel, so you rack off this (syphon) into another vessel. Once in the new vessel leave wine to clear a bit more before racking off into bottles or as i do rack off into a vinbrite filtering machine to polish the wine hence no sediment what so ever in the bottles. y-no on "when do you rack off wine?" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/when-do-you-rack-off-wine#post-24849 Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:38:35 +0000 y-no 24849@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ hi all!....i know i sound like a complete dumbo, but i'm hearing a lot about "racking" what the hell is that?...i'm going to try a cantina chardonnay kit and i'm wondering about this "racking" thing is that when you transfer from the fv to the bottles or is there another stage inbetween the fv and the bottle that i don't know about?....have mercy on me for i knoweth i am indeed a twat! y-no on "screw top???" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/screw-top#post-24815 Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:14:10 +0000 y-no 24815@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Thats great, at least i know i'm on the right track now......thanks guys, you're very helpful....CHEERS kilconlea on "Wine Primary Fermentation" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/wine-primary-fermentation#post-24814 Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:04:02 +0000 kilconlea 24814@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Guys Just taken delivery of my first wine kit (4.5 litre). I intended to use a 5 litre mineral water bottle as an FV (seen pics on here), drilled my bung hole and grommited but then had a thought, how mental does the yeast head go and will there be enough room for it? Only done beers before. Hopefully it'll be ok?? Mark on "screw top???" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/screw-top#post-24811 Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:18:41 +0000 Mark 24811@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ y-no all the corks ( not cheap plastic ones ) are bigger than the mouth of the bottle but the corking machine you use will fit them in perfectly. <img src="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_cool.gif" title="8)" class="bb_smilies" /> wildbrew on "screw top???" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/screw-top#post-24793 Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:00:52 +0000 wildbrew 24793@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi y-no the plastic corks i use are the push fit type <img src="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_smile.gif" title=":-)" class="bb_smilies" /> The corks you can get from your HB shop are a bit bigger but they do fit if you use a corking press. the type i use are reusable you dont use a corkscrew to get them out. <img src="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_smile.gif" title=":-)" class="bb_smilies" /> y-no on "screw top???" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/screw-top#post-24792 Thu, 22 Dec 2011 01:28:03 +0000 y-no 24792@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ On a similar note to corking....I'm collecting commercial bottles which use a cork stopper but I've noticed the corks I've bought look much too big to go into them...I've bought the kit to press them but still dont think they'll fit...haven't tried them which would be the obvious thing to do but I'm just curious....does it sound like they'll fit Mark on "screw top???" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/screw-top#post-24436 Sat, 17 Dec 2011 23:29:43 +0000 Mark 24436@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Just a word of warning the corks go in better in bottles ment for corks rather than the screw top bottles, by this i mean they will go in the screw top bottles but quite often will not fully go in the bottle with some of the cork sticking out at the end. Mark on "SEDIMENT ISSUES" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/sediment-issues#post-24431 Sat, 17 Dec 2011 22:50:26 +0000 Mark 24431@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Yes you can buy the vinbrite wine filter, Greg sells them on this site for rounf about £23.00 I use one of these, i always leave wine that bit longer to clear but if you syphon the wine into this filtering gadget it then polishes the wine hence no sediment in the bottom of bottle and when you chuck the filter away you will be amazed by how much it is clogged up. Well worth the investment if you want your wine presented like shop bought wine. reekmaster on "SEDIMENT ISSUES" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/sediment-issues#post-24422 Sat, 17 Dec 2011 19:57:31 +0000 reekmaster 24422@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ JUST DONE MY FIRST WHITE WINE KIT,AFTER BOTTLING AND LEAVING FOR A FEW WEEKS TO CHILL IVE NOTICED THERE IS A LAYER OF SEDIMENT AT THE BOTTOM OF ALL THE BOTTLES , ANYONE ANY IDEAS HOW I CAN STOP THIS HAPPENING AGAIN .OTHER THAN THAT THE WINE IS REALLY CLEAR hop2it on "screw top???" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/screw-top#post-24403 Sat, 17 Dec 2011 01:28:36 +0000 hop2it 24403@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ ah thanks for your help guys... its now bottled, though i think it may need a bit if maturation time so i might get some corks ordered and swap them for the screw tops <img src="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_biggrin.gif" title=":D" class="bb_smilies" /> thanks again Mark on "screw top???" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/screw-top#post-24340 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:39:54 +0000 Mark 24340@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi Andy Yes screw top bottles will be fine, If it is home made wine like wildbrew makes then as he says make sure it has stopped. If a kit wine then as long as instructions all followed then it will have stopped. I cork my wines as some i like to keep for quite a while and find the corks give an airtight seal and are ideal for long term storage. wildbrew on "screw top???" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/screw-top#post-24335 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:08:41 +0000 wildbrew 24335@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi hop2it Make sure the fermenting as stopped if your going to use screw top bottles. <img src="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_smile.gif" title=":-)" class="bb_smilies" /> I use push on plastic corks when i bottle up,they fit all corked wine bottles and they are reusable <img src="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_idea.gif" title=":idea:" class="bb_smilies" /> hop2it on "screw top???" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/screw-top#post-24328 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:42:05 +0000 hop2it 24328@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ im just about to bottle my nicely cleared wine in to blossom hill screw top bottles... is this going to be ok? or will they not seal right? any help greatly appreciated andy Mark on "1st kit finished" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/1st-kit-finished#post-24126 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:54:48 +0000 Mark 24126@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ This question will have to be answered by wildbrew as he is the resident do it yourself winemaker from this site and would be able to give you a very accurate answer and more advice on home made wines as i make the kit wines. cjjones on "1st kit finished" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/1st-kit-finished#post-24124 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:53:57 +0000 cjjones 24124@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Sorry I'm new to this but would I use them the same a normal fruit or just put it in the Demi top up with water and add the yeast etc. Mark on "1st kit finished" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/1st-kit-finished#post-24117 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:08:00 +0000 Mark 24117@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Can't say i've ever bought the rhubarb but have pears and peaches and they come in juice or syrup. Surely the Rhubarb would come in both varieties, if not the syrup would still ferment. cjjones on "1st kit finished" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/1st-kit-finished#post-24114 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:02:14 +0000 cjjones 24114@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ You mean the stuff on supermarket shelves ? I've only seen that in syrup. Mark on "1st kit finished" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/1st-kit-finished#post-24004 Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:40:55 +0000 Mark 24004@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ No as you will probably find the apple is 80 or 90% hence the main flavour apple with a tinge of rhubarb. If you cannot find the rhubarb juice then you may have to buy up loads tins of rhubarb in juice but this will be expensive doing it this way. cjjones on "1st kit finished" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/1st-kit-finished#post-24002 Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:33:41 +0000 cjjones 24002@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Found some juice but not sure if it's ok to use as a base for rhubarb wine, its cawstons apple and rhubarb juice. Mark on "Niagara kits" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/niagara-kits#post-23979 Sun, 11 Dec 2011 21:10:34 +0000 Mark 23979@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ I have not tried a Niagara wine kit yet but from what i know they are very high quality and should be much superior to the Solomon Grundy kits because of the extra grape juice. cjjones on "1st kit finished" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/1st-kit-finished#post-23967 Sun, 11 Dec 2011 19:57:42 +0000 cjjones 23967@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Cheers guys the link looks good too but looks like I'll have to wait for rhubarb till season starts As I can't find juice to use anywhere. cjjones on "Niagara kits" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/niagara-kits#post-23958 Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:04:03 +0000 cjjones 23958@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi guys has anyone tried the Niagara black cherry Pinot noir ? Is it similar to Solomon Grundy cherry wine kit taste wise or more subtle ? Also to sweeten wine with youngs sweetener instead of sugar and how much would I use ? I've used 125g of sugar in a gallon to sweeten a sg cherry kit which is half what it say add and is sweet enough. Mark on "Measuring alcohol levels" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/measuring-alcohol-levels#post-23460 Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:12:01 +0000 Mark 23460@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ I believe you are talking about a winekit as you have this thread under wine kits. If you chose to get a vinometer then when you measure the wine you have to dilute it with 50% water to give you a very accurate reading. If it reads 6% then double it to 12%. hop2it on "Measuring alcohol levels" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/measuring-alcohol-levels#post-23459 Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:10:41 +0000 hop2it 23459@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ appologies, its a youngs strawberry wine kit... i have the og figure but i thought that if i added more water to it half way through fermentation (and therefore diluting it) that the fg reading would be uncomparable to the og as there are different volumes involved? saracen on "Measuring alcohol levels" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/measuring-alcohol-levels#post-23455 Sun, 04 Dec 2011 23:30:49 +0000 saracen 23455@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Is this Beer or Wine? If it's beer, are you sure your figures are right? It suggests the kit is being made with 9 lts of water, then topped up with another 14 lts. The only way I can see is to simulate it in some software such as Beer Engine. If you set it up using malt extract in enough quantity to give your measured SG using the volume you start with, then increase the volume by the amount you are adding, the OG figure should reduce with the extra water and the ABV should be shown as the correct final ABV .......... I think. If it's wine, I don't really see why the above method shouldn't work, except that wine ferments drier than beer so you would need to caslculate it from the OG figure. hop2it on "Measuring alcohol levels" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/measuring-alcohol-levels#post-23424 Sun, 04 Dec 2011 20:06:47 +0000 hop2it 23424@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ im on a thread hi-jack here! How would i go about measuring the abv on my youngs kit that is fermenting at the moment.... i took the sg (1120) but the kit tells you to add more water to the fv after day 3 then complete fermentation, surely the extra water added would make the calculation between sg and fg inaccurate? is there any way around this other than to add all the water at the start of the process or to purchase a vinometer? any help greatly appreciated regards andy Nath on "1st kit finished" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/1st-kit-finished#post-23381 Sun, 04 Dec 2011 10:59:06 +0000 Nath 23381@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hopefully Wildbrew will be along soon with one of his uber recipes but until then have a look at this - <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2011/may/25/how-to-make-rhubarb-wine" rel="nofollow">http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2011/may/25/how-to-make-rhubarb-wine</a> Its the geezer from River Cottage! Mark on "1st kit finished" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/1st-kit-finished#post-23374 Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:19:25 +0000 Mark 23374@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ yes use all the 4 lots of yeast as you have 4 times the volume. regarding the rhubarb wine best wait for wildbrew to answer as he is the resident expert having made 1000's of wines. cjjones on "1st kit finished" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/1st-kit-finished#post-23373 Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:14:35 +0000 cjjones 23373@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Have 2 kits just fin and kept these at 20-22 so should be better this time. If I put 4 kits in one bucket would I still add all 4 packets of yeast and nutrient ? Thought about how exciting it would be to make my own from scratch and was wondering about rhubarb wine and has anyone tried making it ? With being new to this wine making I'm glad I joined this forum, very helpful people Mark on "1st kit finished" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/1st-kit-finished#post-23248 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:31:48 +0000 Mark 23248@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ This i see is one of SG fruit wines and yes they do only make these in 6 bottle kits. So just do as you said and make 4 kits up in one bucket. For a better flavour ferment at low end of temp scale but this will probably take twice as long to ferment. cjjones on "1st kit finished" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/1st-kit-finished#post-23246 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:43:24 +0000 cjjones 23246@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Did not think sg or anyOne did 30 bottle kit in cherry ? Mark on "1st kit finished" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/1st-kit-finished#post-23195 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:17:52 +0000 Mark 23195@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ yes you could but why not just buy a SG 30 bottle kit as this will be alot cheaper doing it this way. cjjones on "1st kit finished" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/1st-kit-finished#post-23194 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:15:02 +0000 cjjones 23194@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ A quick question, if I wanted to do more than 6 bottles with a sg cherry kit could I put 4 kits in a 25ltr bucket or would I have to do them all separate ? cjjones on "1st kit finished" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/1st-kit-finished#post-23117 Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:25:21 +0000 cjjones 23117@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Cheers, yes temps we're on the higher side but have sorted that for future batches. Can't wait to try some different recipes <img src="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_smile.gif" title=":)" class="bb_smilies" /> . Mark on "1st kit finished" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/1st-kit-finished#post-22876 Sun, 27 Nov 2011 20:32:03 +0000 Mark 22876@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ If you are fermenting at the high end of the reccommended temperature it will taste a little acidic and off tastes. This is what i assume you are doing as i've never had a wine kit bubble up through airlock. How high are you fermenting these at? Ideally low 20's to give the best taste. Also these 7 day kits will taste better after a couple of weeks in the bottle or 4 if you can wait that long but basically if you make it in 7 days and drink straight away then it is not going to taste as good as it possibly could. cjjones on "1st kit finished" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/1st-kit-finished#post-22875 Sun, 27 Nov 2011 20:06:14 +0000 cjjones 22875@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Well my first ever wine kit the solomon grundy cherry red 7 day was all done and bottled last night but never made 6 and i only got 5 and half bottles, my amounts are correct and only filled other bottles to just into the neck. Even though its has nice flavour I only added half the sugar before bottleing so it was not too sweet it does taste a little acidic in the mouth after swallowing, why is this ? Started another the same last night after cleaning everything and today that one is bubbling away like crazy as if I was blowing through the tube. its even bubbled up into the bubbler and I had to change it, should it be doing this ? Sorry for all the questions but very new and like to have as much info as possible. O yea 2 bottles gone already hehe hic Steve_K on "It's Stopped bubbling....." http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/its-stopped-bubbling#post-21738 Wed, 09 Nov 2011 01:23:34 +0000 Steve_K 21738@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Helen, The idea of racking into second fermenters is indeed to get rid of sediment. Wine should only undergo primary fermentation unless you are making traditional-method sparkling wine; so you should not see any bubbling at this stage. I think there is confusion between second fermenter and secondary fermentation, it's just another vessel to hold liquid. helenharris on "It's Stopped bubbling....." http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/its-stopped-bubbling#post-21734 Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:45:25 +0000 helenharris 21734@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi all, Sorry Im stuck on the very basics here, complete novice, i have a 6 bottle rose and a 6 bottle merlot on the go - first ones ever Both stopped bubbling by about day 4 instructions said to leave it for 7 days so i just did as it said and have now transfered to second FV. Both are still not bubbling again though? Is it supposed too?? The temperatures are within the brackets suggested in the instructions, albeit at the higher end of the bracket. Have i done something wrong? As for hydrometer readings... I just dont get what im supposed to be looking at, but they are both within the red band at the top if thats any help? I think thats good right??? Maybe i should take the time to try and understand the thing in the next few days. Anyway, off topic there, so now its supposed to sit in this other FV for 12 days.... So whats it doing? Im not finding the instructions particularly informative. Im guessing the idea is to get it away from the sediment at the bottom? I have tasted both, they vaguely resemble wine... so i cant have gone too wrong could i? Am i obsessing over the bubbles? lol Hope i dont sound like too much of an idiot! Thanks Oh they are both California Connoisseur kits if that helps at all? saracen on "Measuring alcohol levels" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/measuring-alcohol-levels#post-21011 Tue, 18 Oct 2011 17:50:32 +0000 saracen 21011@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hello Keren You need either a Hydrometer or a Vinometer to measure alcohol. Using the Hydrometer, you measure the Starting Gravity and the Final Gravity when the fermentation has finished and you can work it out from there. A Vinometer is supposed to show the alcohol level in a finished wine, but I don't think it's highly accurate. keren on "Measuring alcohol levels" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/measuring-alcohol-levels#post-20994 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 21:02:41 +0000 keren 20994@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ hello, ok, i have the thermometer ...but how do i use it to measure the alchol level? I've been using winebuddys brands and they say they are 11%, but i swear its more! (not bad thing, just want to know)thanks :> bobleeuk on "is it possible to age wine from a kit" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/is-it-possible-to-age-wine-from-a-kit#post-20779 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:22:20 +0000 bobleeuk 20779@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ thank you very much for your help guys saracen on "is it possible to age wine from a kit" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/is-it-possible-to-age-wine-from-a-kit#post-20739 Sun, 09 Oct 2011 23:23:16 +0000 saracen 20739@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi there It's going to depend on a few things. Red wine normally has tanin in it from the stems, seeds and skins. This gradually turns to alcohols and esters over time, and the more tanin in the wine, the longer it keeps and, more importantly, the longer it takes to age to a drinkable state. Some red wines, like Valpollicella, have the tanin removed and because od this they are designed to be drunk young. Also, they don't keep. Beaujolais Nouveau is similar, although why anyone would want to drink the filth, aged or not, I can't imagine. The best way is to bottle it all, try one after 6 months, then again after 9 months and so on. Play it by ear, because without knowing what was in the juice in the first place, there's no way of knowing. As far as artificial ageing is concerned, I don't know. Given the above, you wouldn't know anyway. I believe you can add Oak chips to simulate being kept in Oak vats. How successful it is, I don't know. I would think, as it is a kit, and the suppliers would want their customers buying more, it's very low in Tanin and designed to be consumed soon after making. If you trawl round the Internet looking for Alexis Lichine, you should find out more. Nath on "is it possible to age wine from a kit" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/is-it-possible-to-age-wine-from-a-kit#post-20728 Sun, 09 Oct 2011 20:09:39 +0000 Nath 20728@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Ive yet to make a wine, but I would assume that it would be fine over the 6 month mark and, like a red does, should get better over time. bobleeuk on "is it possible to age wine from a kit" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/is-it-possible-to-age-wine-from-a-kit#post-20719 Sun, 09 Oct 2011 17:44:51 +0000 bobleeuk 20719@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi all, I am currently doing a wine kit that says it will only age up to 6 months in the bottle, but the bloke at my local brew shop says this kit will age easy up to 2 years, so i am very confused to say the least. The kit is a, merlot selection, they arent cheap kits so i was expecting to be able to leave them a lot longer than that, anyway my question is, does anyone know of anything i can do to age the wine successfuly, or has anybody just left there wine to age with success without doing anything, cheers all, Lee Johnny on "New to wine making" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/new-to-wine-making#post-20604 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 19:43:44 +0000 Johnny 20604@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Good evening i'm from essex...well i'm not really,but thats the start to a great Ian Dury song <img src="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_smile.gif" title=":-)" class="bb_smilies" /> Just joined,so hello all,i'm very new to winemaking,(the starter kit hasn't arrived as yet)and was wondering about temperature control etc,i was planning on making my concoctions in my garage,but it gets quite chilly in there come winter,does wine need a warm environment to brew,like beer? thanks in advance to any replies thurgie on "How to make sparkling wine" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/how-to-make-sparkling-wine#post-20141 Tue, 20 Sep 2011 10:32:30 +0000 thurgie 20141@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ I was in my local homebrew shop and they were selling off 30 bottle white wine kits half price as the date on them was August 2011. Now as we don't drink much white we were thinking of trying to turn it in to sparkling wine for Christmas, but i have been given two different ways and was after a bit of clarification. Firstly, on the internet i found this: Produce your 6-gallon (23-L) wine kit (white or rosé) in the normal way up to the stabilizing and clearing day. Do not add the sulfite or sorbate (the stabilizers). This is very important because these packages contain enough sulfite and potassium sorbate to prevent the wine from carbonating properly. On the stabilizing and clearing day, dissolve 1/4 teaspoon of metabisulfite powder in 1/2 cup (125 mL) of cool water and add to the wine. This amount will prevent the wine from oxidising, but will not hamper yeast during bottle carbonation. Add the fining agents, following the kit instructions. Remember: Do not add the stabilizers! Wait 10 days. Observe your wine. When clear (you may need to wait an extra few days or a week), it is ready to be made into sparkling wine. Don’t bother filtering it as it will go cloudy again in the bottle during the refermentation process. Bottling Rack the wine from the carboy into a sanitized primary fermenter. Avoid disturbing the sediment. Make your tirage by dissolving 1-3/4 cups (325 mL) white table sugar in 2 cups (500 mL) boiling water. Stir thoroughly and gently into wine. Carefully rehydrate one package of champagne yeast (Lalvin EC-1118 is an excellent choice, but there are others), following these instructions exactly: Stir the yeast into 1/5 cup (50 mL) of water at 100 °F (40 °C). Leave it to stand for 10 minutes, then stir yeast thoroughly but gently into wine. Siphon your wine into the champagne bottles, leaving one inch (2.5 cm) of space at the top of the neck. If your champagne bottles accept crown caps, cap them now. Otherwise, insert plastic stoppers and wire them down using wire cages and a wire-twisting tool. Store bottles on their sides at 65–75 °F (19–23 °C) for two months to carbonate. (While traditional champagne secondary fermentations are conducted cooler than this, field results with kit wine show that this can produce inconsistent results.) My local homebrew shop, however, said not to add the metabisulfite or any additional yeast, just the sugar and there existing yeast should create the fizz. Any help would be much appreciated. saracen on "Sodium Metabisulphite as a cleaning agent" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/sodium-metabisulphite-as-a-cleaning-agent#post-19959 Mon, 12 Sep 2011 22:10:38 +0000 saracen 19959@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Sodium Metabisulphite reacts with acid forming Sulphur Dioxide, which acts as an anti-oxidizing and sanitizing agent. If you add Citric Acid to the Sodium Metabisulphite you will release huge amounts of Sulphur Dioxide and the sterilising process becomes far more efficient. The gas will kill anything, so don't go breathing it in. Citric Acid can be bought as a powder from any homebrew shop. I normally pour a couple of hundred cc's into the FV and the Barrel for 10 minutes before I use them. Rinse thoroughly. zoealderney on "Sodium Metabisulphite as a cleaning agent" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/sodium-metabisulphite-as-a-cleaning-agent#post-19955 Mon, 12 Sep 2011 21:11:18 +0000 zoealderney 19955@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi Greg Thanks, that's great. Greg on "Sodium Metabisulphite as a cleaning agent" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/sodium-metabisulphite-as-a-cleaning-agent#post-19949 Mon, 12 Sep 2011 20:29:33 +0000 Greg 19949@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi Zoe, 1 tsp/pint for cleaning/sterilising. Probably a few mins contact should be fine. Rinse definitely. I don't use it personally as I prefer VWP and Antiformin. Just personal choice and what I have always used. zoealderney on "Sodium Metabisulphite as a cleaning agent" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/sodium-metabisulphite-as-a-cleaning-agent#post-19947 Mon, 12 Sep 2011 20:21:27 +0000 zoealderney 19947@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi I've bought Young's Sodium Metabisulphite as an alternative cleaning agent. Does anyone know how many teaspoons per gallon of water I use? Do I have to rinse afterwards or leave to dry? and finally.... how long do I leave the equipment in the solution? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Zoe saracen on "White flecks after adding finings" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/white-flecks-after-adding-finings#post-19732 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 11:51:03 +0000 saracen 19732@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi Rosebush. Nice to meet you. Not my field, I'm afraid, but there are others who can advise. Usually, if you get bacteria in the brew, you'll know from the taste. Try a drop when you bottle it. rosebush on "White flecks after adding finings" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/white-flecks-after-adding-finings#post-19729 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 11:20:00 +0000 rosebush 19729@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi I have a quick Q - I am making a CC Pinot Grigio kit and am at the final stage where I degassed over a couple of days and added the fining's - that was two days ago but I have noticed that there are tiny weeny white flecks on the surface, and in the must. Is this normal or does it mean my brew has been got at by nasties? I know it still needs 5/6 days to properly clear but I'm not sure if I need to be adding anything extra to it. Been ages since I have done a 5 gallon kit but I don't remember this ever happening! Any advice much appreciated! zoealderney on "Wine hasn't cleares" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/wine-hasnt-cleares#post-19412 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:31:00 +0000 zoealderney 19412@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ It's been conditioning for 6 days, and yes, first kit turned out clear. Nath on "Wine hasn't cleares" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/wine-hasnt-cleares#post-19411 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:07:31 +0000 Nath 19411@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Did the first kit turn out clear? If so was there any steps you may have missed. How long has it been conditioning for? zoealderney on "Wine hasn't cleares" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/wine-hasnt-cleares#post-19407 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 21:17:45 +0000 zoealderney 19407@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Heading should have said "Wine hasn't cleared"!!! zoealderney on "Wine hasn't cleares" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/wine-hasnt-cleares#post-19406 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 21:16:12 +0000 zoealderney 19406@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi. My California Connoisseur Sauvignon Blanc hasn't cleared and is still quite dark in colour and cloudy. Any suggestions? I stirred it loads to get rid of the Co2, and followed all the instructions (this is the second time I've made this wine). Should I try clearing it again, buying more Finings? It tastes nice so is it ok to leave it as it is? Any help would be appreciated. Many Thanks Zoe rosebush on "Steriliser Chaos!" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/steriliser-chaos#post-19237 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:19:39 +0000 rosebush 19237@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Thats really useful - thanks Nath! I'm always paranoid that my each side and every surface of my fermenters need to be in contact with the sterilising solution for at least 5 minutes when I use VWP - so if I use say a quarter bucket of solution and keep turning it (hoping the lid wont leak or fall off) and leaving it for 5 mins - it is taking forever to sterilise! If using the sponge method though, how do I know each surface is in contact for long enough to kill any germs? Thanks for giving me some tips! Nath on "Steriliser Chaos!" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/steriliser-chaos#post-19203 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:53:39 +0000 Nath 19203@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ You could get a soft sponge from a shop and leave it in the sterilizer for 10 mins then use it around the fv, remembering to rinse throughrly. Saying that my lids never leak that much. If your not going to use the fermenter for a while then just re sterilize and make sure you empty the sterilizer through the tap (or sterilize the tap separately if your paranoid). You could always use another sterilizer that is more economical. Antiformin s is used all around the brewing trade, can be used with cold water and does the job in minimal time - but you must rinse well. Starsan will last you years and years and years and is a no rinse sanitiser - but remember to use it with ro or good mineral water or it wont work well. rosebush on "Steriliser Chaos!" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/steriliser-chaos#post-19195 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 10:36:31 +0000 rosebush 19195@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ HI all - I was just after a few sterilising tips...... Last night while racking off 5 gallons of wine I managed to pop the lid of my fermenter off while swirling the steriliser around, which resulted in kitchen carnage! The lid leaks anyway with the weight of the liquid if it is not upright, so my other tactic of putting it on its side and rolling it around over the sink doesn't work either. I am reluctant to make a full 5 gallon quantity of steriliser up for the fermenter as this seems a waste of VWP and water - but does anyone have any tips on how I can sterilise thoroughly without throwing gallons of steriliser around my kitchen?! Also on a separate note, I sterilised the tap for the fermenter before fitting it, ran the steriliser through it when I emptied the fermenter - but does the tap stay sterile now until use? I don't want to run the wine through it if there is a chance it could contaminate it. Sorry if these seem daft q's! Thanks Rosebush Jo on "Chardonnay Help!" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/chardonnay-help#post-19063 Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:25:18 +0000 Jo 19063@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Thanks Greg - will do Jo Greg on "Chardonnay Help!" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/chardonnay-help#post-19004 Wed, 17 Aug 2011 20:52:02 +0000 Greg 19004@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi Jo, I would say it's fine. If it smells and tastes good then just carry on. Hope this helps Greg Jo on "Chardonnay Help!" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/chardonnay-help#post-18992 Wed, 17 Aug 2011 10:18:35 +0000 Jo 18992@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Ok I have committed a sin- I forgot about a fermenting bin of chardonnay, and have returned to it a whole SIX weeks later than the kit says to! It smells fine - just like a good wine. But has about fifty to a hundred small white dots on the surface (mould?). Is it still safe to stabilise and then bottle or will the mould (if that is what it is) be dangerous?. The bin was left at room temperature sealed with an airlock. Your help will be appreciated. Mark on "Filtering large Quantities" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/filtering-large-quantities-1#post-18988 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 22:36:03 +0000 Mark 18988@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Yes my solution was simple and works great, i think i have picked up alot of information off this site in last 6-8 weeks that i put me thinking cap on and thought outside the box like the regulars on here and devised this. lol <img src="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_lol.gif" title=":lol:" class="bb_smilies" /> Mark on "Filtering large Quantities" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/filtering-large-quantities-1#post-18987 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 22:32:55 +0000 Mark 18987@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Sorry Rosebush my last reply should have been directed to you and not Jimbo, just seen it was you who asked original question. What Nath says does work but my funnel is quite big so had to buy bigger tubing. B&Q sell clear tubing, best take your funnel in there and see what fits onto it best, if what you have does not fit on. Jim on "Filtering large Quantities" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/filtering-large-quantities-1#post-18977 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 21:02:30 +0000 Jim 18977@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Simple solution but brilliant! I knew someone would be able to give you a better answer! <img src="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_smile.gif" title=":-)" class="bb_smilies" /> Nath on "Filtering large Quantities" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/filtering-large-quantities-1#post-18975 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 20:26:39 +0000 Nath 18975@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ If you have a piece that may be too small you could always heat up the end by letting it sit in boiling water for a while then try to squeeze it on. Worked for me! rosebush on "Filtering large Quantities" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/filtering-large-quantities-1#post-18964 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 18:42:03 +0000 rosebush 18964@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Oh - one other brief and mildly daft question - do I need a really wide syphon tube to attach to a large funnel? thanx again rosebush on "Filtering large Quantities" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/filtering-large-quantities-1#post-18962 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 18:32:48 +0000 rosebush 18962@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi Mark - thanks so much for this - a genius suggestion! I was thinking I would have to filter it individually into a 1 gallon demijohn and pour them very carefully into the large fermenter - but your suggestion would save all that ballache! I can stick the funnel with the syphon tubing in the hole in my perspex sheet and pop the filter in the top! Brilliant! (and hopefully the wine will be too!) Mark on "Filtering large Quantities" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/filtering-large-quantities-1#post-18958 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 17:49:39 +0000 Mark 18958@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hello Jimbo I use the same filtering system and filter into the youngs wideneck 25litre wine fermenter as sold on this site. I put a large funnel into neck of fermenter and place the harris filter into the funnel, finally push a long piece of syphon tube onto the end of funnel so it reaches bottom of bin. This way no splashing. Jim on "Filtering large Quantities" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/filtering-large-quantities-1#post-18952 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:30:22 +0000 Jim 18952@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ I've just googled harris filters and looking at the packet it clearly shows someone pouring the wine through the filter and letting it drop to the bottom of the demijohn.. I've always been under the impression that when racking beer or wine from one vessel to another you always want to get as little air in as possible and that usually means keeping your outlet tube under the surface of the liquid you are racking into. However, I've never used filters before so I'm not the best person on here to give you advice.. check back later and I'm sure one of the guys on here will be able to answer your question better than I have! rosebush on "Filtering large Quantities" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/filtering-large-quantities-1#post-18950 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:04:05 +0000 rosebush 18950@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ H Jimbo - thanks for the response. I'm just worried that I have been doing it wrong all along! The kits I have used before have been Solomon Grundy and the like, which are 7 day kits and seem a lot less complicated. The CC kit tells you to rack it off an extra time obviously to improve quality, and made the comment about the oxygen which I hadn't noticed with other kits. I would hate to think I could have improved the taste and quality of my other wines. Mind you - if you are supposed to filter directly into another DemiJohn with a neck for the filter, then it would splash around anyway wouldn't it? A 23l fermenter cant be that much higher than a standard Demijohn anyway? Jim on "Filtering large Quantities" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/filtering-large-quantities-1#post-18949 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 13:36:10 +0000 Jim 18949@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ I think dropping the wine as you described will definitely be oxidising it.. however, it sounds as though you've had a lot more experience making wine than me and if you've had no problems in the past then why would it change with a different kit? rosebush on "Filtering large Quantities" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/filtering-large-quantities-1#post-18948 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:02:48 +0000 rosebush 18948@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi there! I am a big fan of filtering my wines, and have always filtered a 5 gallon fermenter of wine into another 5 gallon fermenter, by balancing the filter on a home made perspex board with a hole cut in it for the filter outlet(Harris filter). I have just started making a batch of california Connoisseur Pinot Grigio, but noticed in the instructions that it says to avoid splashing the wine when racking off, to minimise the incorporation of oxygen. Does anyone know if effectively "dropping the wine from a height" through my filtering method will be oxidising the wine too much? Will it make much difference in the long term? Hope the description of my set up is clear enough! (oooh pun) Thanks to anyone who can offer me some advice Rosebush Mark on "Alternative to bottling wine?" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/alternative-to-bottling-wine#post-18932 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 22:01:25 +0000 Mark 18932@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Me personally when it's finished clearing it gets bottled and corked and left to condition further in the bottle airtight. James-Dylan on "Alternative to bottling wine?" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/alternative-to-bottling-wine#post-18931 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 21:56:56 +0000 James-Dylan 18931@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ My local homebrew shop stores their wine in 5 gallon pressure barrels.. Saying that though my local homebrew shop is VERY ODD! Curious though to know if this would work? Mark on "Alternative to bottling wine?" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/alternative-to-bottling-wine#post-18930 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 21:53:32 +0000 Mark 18930@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ If thats the case then you might just as well rack off into a 5 gallon FV with a tap and attach a little bottler when you want to bottle the wine, rather than have 5 demijohns laying about. Steve_K on "California Pinot Noir - oxidation?" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/california-pinot-noir-oxidation#post-18928 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 21:48:59 +0000 Steve_K 18928@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ A vinegary smell is not from oxidation as such, but from acetobacter converting the ethanol into acetic acid (vinegar). If it's all bottled then you have nothing to lose by waiting to see, but unfortunately my money is on a spoiled batch <img src="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_cry.gif" title=":cry:" class="bb_smilies" /> Mark on "California Pinot Noir - oxidation?" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/california-pinot-noir-oxidation#post-18927 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 21:44:24 +0000 Mark 18927@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Yes definately further conditioning is required of at least 2 weeks but probably 4 will be best. If you have sampled all the crap thats at bottom of vessel then it will have off flavours. If it is still naff after 2-4 weeks then next time ferment a 6 bottle kit in demijohn and rack off into a demijohn or 5 litre plastic one.Hopefully all will be ok. wildgeeza on "California Pinot Noir - oxidation?" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/california-pinot-noir-oxidation#post-18916 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:31:58 +0000 wildgeeza 18916@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ I've just finished up bottling a 6 bottle kit of the California Conn. Pinot Noir, and had a little sampler of some left overs. I just wanted to check as to if my efforts have been dashed at all, since the sampler glass had a very sharp-almost-vinegar taste to it. Knowing a vinegar-y taste would mean the wine is off and oxidized, I'm hoping that someone might say that further conditioning in bottles is required and would smooth the taste, and what I sampled could be more due to some left over sediments - as the glass was the remnants after syphoning? My worry is with trying to be clever/resourceful/(cheap) and use my original beer brew kit (50-odd litre fermenter) as the primary fermenter, and a recovered demijohn as the swap bin, I've over oxidized the wine during swap overs and conditioning because of the amount of extra air available in the oversized fermenter bin? I'll give the wine a week or two in the bottles, then sample again and let you all know, but any otehr thoughts and pointers appreciated. wildgeeza on "Alternative to bottling wine?" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/alternative-to-bottling-wine#post-18915 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:22:35 +0000 wildgeeza 18915@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ I had a very interesting conversation with a brew shop chap about this just this weekend, funnily enough. At the moment I've just bottled a 6 bottle kit (see other thread for my current problem), but I think one of my errors has been using too-big a fermentor bucket for a small quantity and 'oxidising' the brew, (hopefully this is just a conditioning thing though), and hence my next wine attempt may be a full 30 bottle kit. Anyway,.. stumbling off topic there sorry... Said brew-shop-chap had the clever idea of using 5 demijons, and 6 bottles. His suggestion was, since a demijohn can hold 6 bottles, you can simply use the demijohns as a secondary holder while you bottle up 6 at a time. The rest of the wine can continue conditioning in air-free sealed demijohns until you've drank the 1st batch and ready to bottle another demijohn. Nath on "Out of date kit" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/out-of-date-kit#post-18556 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 19:43:41 +0000 Nath 18556@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Schweeeeeeet! Mark on "Out of date kit" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/out-of-date-kit#post-18553 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 19:23:34 +0000 Mark 18553@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Well this Favourite out of date wine kit has been bottled today. It was a right pain in the arse to make because you had to add all this dried fruit and herbs. Every timne you racked off all this crap got syphoned off, i think in total i racked this wine 5 times, the fermentation should have been 2-3 weeks but was a month but the good thing was that it cleared quick and was 90% clear and today i polished it through a vinbrite filter. Came out crystal clear and got 26 full bottles and a couple of tester bottles in grolsh flip tops. While bottling i stuck a large glass of it in fridge and once finished quaffed it and was really surprised how good it was, i was half expecting it to be a bit vinegary but it did taste like a nice german wine. Give it another 2 weeks before i try the testers but it should be excellent. Really weird as this was such a pig to make and seemed to take forever and endless racking and was really expecting an average at best taste but has already exceeded my expectations on 1st sample glass. Think the patience and meticulous constant sterilizing deffo paid off. rog_harris@yahoo.com on "Alternative to bottling wine?" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/alternative-to-bottling-wine#post-18024 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 17:54:35 +0000 rog_harris@yahoo.com 18024@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ After successful beer-making from kits, I decided to try making wine, after all I had almost all the kit necessary! With my 'wine head' on I researched wine bottles, corks and corking machines. I was just about to lash out on this quite expensive kit when the penny dropped. 1) I have been making and bottling beer for a year without a single failure. 2) Most commercial wines are sold in screw-top bottles. 3) The screw tops are very little different in form from the crown caps I use for beer, so .... I bought a 30 bottle wine kit and bottled it in 500 ml beer bottles with crown caps. The results have been astounding. An additional benefit is that the smaller 500 ml bottle is more user friendly than a standard 750 ml bottle. There is no waste, but if you are really thirsty, you can always open another. LORDWALNEY on "Out of date kit" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/out-of-date-kit#post-17425 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 10:46:30 +0000 LORDWALNEY 17425@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi all, Just reading this reminded me of a few years ago when I used a Beer kit I had found at the back of the cupboard which I had forgotten about. It had gone two years out of date, but not being one to waste anything I thought 'what the hell' and carried on. If anything I would say it was one of my best results and i'm still not sure whether or not the aging process improves the wort before brewing as well as after. Great site everyone by the way. This is tinternet at it's best!!! Nath on "Out of date kit" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/out-of-date-kit#post-17421 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 09:37:33 +0000 Nath 17421@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Nice one dude <img src="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_cool.gif" title="8)" class="bb_smilies" /> Mark on "Out of date kit" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/out-of-date-kit#post-17419 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 09:27:39 +0000 Mark 17419@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Well i got this piesporter wine kit on yesterday, also bought a new yeast in case i needed it. Made up the out of date yeast in cup of warm water 32 degrees and after 10 mins looked fine so as it was the one that was ment for the wine i decided to use it. The instuctions say the airlock will start working within a day. I am happy to say the airlock started working within 2-3 hours. The temp reccommendations were 20-25, my temp was a little under at 17.4 but is now reading 20.4 within guidelines. The airlock is bubbling very slow about every 40 seconds but when it goes it sounds like someone breaking wind in the bath. Think it will bubble more with the temp going up a little today. Instructions say give the FV a good ahake after a day. Will update accordingly. Takes 30 days till bottling. wildgeeza on "Bottling colours for pinot noir?" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/bottling-colours-for-pinot-noir#post-17377 Sat, 02 Jul 2011 09:28:55 +0000 wildgeeza 17377@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Awsome, thanks Greg. That's what I was thinking too. They'll probably 'live' in the cupboard under the stairs as it's the most temperate area of the house. I'm sure 6 bottles won't last that long either... <img src="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_wink.gif" title=";-)" class="bb_smilies" /> Thanks again. Greg on "Bottling colours for pinot noir?" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/bottling-colours-for-pinot-noir#post-17358 Fri, 01 Jul 2011 22:22:14 +0000 Greg 17358@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Clear will be okay so long as you keep the wine out of direct sunlight. wildgeeza on "Bottling colours for pinot noir?" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/bottling-colours-for-pinot-noir#post-17354 Fri, 01 Jul 2011 21:44:33 +0000 wildgeeza 17354@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hey, This weekend will see the beginning of my 2nd brew beer kit, a St. Peters Golden after a Peter's Ruby, but after which I'm going to try out a wine kit too. It'll be my first red/pinot noir wine kit and wanted to check people's views/thoughts and experience on the bottle colours. I've read mixed reports that the green bottles are used because they restrict the amount of sunlight rays and stop it 'fuzzing' and the taste changes and potentially spoiling. Is this really so? I'm only starting with a 6 bottle kit, but I still wanted to make sure that I come out with something half decent. Thought I'd ask asap, in case I need to go find some more bottles, since I have enough clear bottles, but not enough green. Thanks for any help in advance! Stu Solo on "Alternative to bottling wine?" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/alternative-to-bottling-wine#post-16599 Tue, 21 Jun 2011 06:16:24 +0000 Solo 16599@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Rather than going through the hassle of bottling a five gallon wine kit, I normally transfer my cleared wine into a twenty litre vino container (bag in a box). It ages well and when required I fill bottles and place then in the refrigerator to chill before drinking. I have been doing this for a number of years without any problems at all. You save on the cost and time of sterilising, corks and shrink tops and labelling etc. Bulk ageing of wine is not an issue, all commercial vineyards adopt this practice. The vino containers impart no taste on the wine and cost under twelve pounds from the Thrifty Shopper website. Just make sure that you get all the air out, which is a simple process of screwing the tap on and squeezing the plastic bag. If you adopt this practice you will really see how simple home winemaking can be. Good Luck Mark on "Out of date kit" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/out-of-date-kit#post-16470 Sun, 19 Jun 2011 22:06:31 +0000 Mark 16470@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ you are most of the time. lol Nath on "Out of date kit" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/out-of-date-kit#post-16437 Sun, 19 Jun 2011 10:24:26 +0000 Nath 16437@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hahahahaha. Did I ever tell you I was helpful! Whoops! <img src="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_redface.gif" title=":oops:" class="bb_smilies" /> Mark on "Out of date kit" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/out-of-date-kit#post-16430 Sun, 19 Jun 2011 10:06:17 +0000 Mark 16430@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Nath it was actually a wine yeast that i will need to add. Nath on "Out of date kit" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/out-of-date-kit#post-16426 Sun, 19 Jun 2011 09:53:04 +0000 Nath 16426@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ If you want to change the yeast a little you could always go for trusted s-04 for a clean neutral beer or some nottingham yeast for a slightly drier beer with more hop notes. Greg on "Out of date kit" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/out-of-date-kit#post-16410 Sat, 18 Jun 2011 22:21:25 +0000 Greg 16410@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ I think it will be fine but second getting a new yeast. Mark on "Out of date kit" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/out-of-date-kit#post-16400 Sat, 18 Jun 2011 21:52:35 +0000 Mark 16400@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Yes madlen I am going to get a new yeast by the youngs whom made the kit and i am of the same opinion as you. thanks madlen_lieb on "Out of date kit" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/out-of-date-kit#post-16380 Sat, 18 Jun 2011 19:07:04 +0000 madlen_lieb 16380@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ hi mark, the kid says best before and that means you get a guarantee till that date, that it has the "balanced flavor", color, thickness and so on. your yeast is maybe half death now, but its easy to get a good, new one. sugar (in this case malt) is a conversing treatment. as long it was without any bacteria or dirt, when packed, it stays good for ages. it maybe has a little metal flavor or the hops is weaker. they opened tins of minced beef from wwII, 50 years after the best before date and it was fine. maybe buy a new one, brew it and than give the old one a go (if it looks, smells ... the same) lg madlen wildbrew on "Out of date kit" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/out-of-date-kit#post-16360 Sat, 18 Jun 2011 14:15:15 +0000 wildbrew 16360@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ your H/B shop will have the best yeast to go with your kit. <img src="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_question.gif" title=":?:" class="bb_smilies" /> Mark on "Out of date kit" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/out-of-date-kit#post-16352 Sat, 18 Jun 2011 09:02:41 +0000 Mark 16352@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ any suggestions on a particular yeast? wildbrew on "Out of date kit" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/out-of-date-kit#post-16351 Sat, 18 Jun 2011 08:56:34 +0000 wildbrew 16351@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi mark I have use out of date kits and they have been ok,you might have to use a new pack of yeast. <img src="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_smile.gif" title=":-)" class="bb_smilies" /> Mark on "Out of date kit" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/out-of-date-kit#post-16345 Fri, 17 Jun 2011 23:36:28 +0000 Mark 16345@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi there in the next few weeks i will be getting back into brewing after an 8 year absence. I was a novice before and still am. To ease my way back i wanted a reasonable kit and online came accross a Youngs Favourite Piesporter 30 bottle kit which was half price at £9.99 as it was out of date end May 2011. So i bought this and am now asking do you think it will make any difference being a month out date nearly? My reasoning start cheap to re - familiarize myself with the method of making rather than buy good quality kit and make a mistake through being out of touch Miles on "new to wine making for the wife" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/new-to-wine-making-for-the-wife-1#post-16183 Mon, 13 Jun 2011 18:44:33 +0000 Miles 16183@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi Gareth, The information that Nath gave you is basically a quote directly from the instructions which come with the California Connoisseur kits. These are completely accurate, however they don't give you much of an idea of how much work there is to do, and when. I have made the California Connoisseur Sauvignon Blanc 30-bottle kit. This is essentially the same as the 6-bottle kit, just larger. All of the stages take a little time because of the sterilising process. However, none of the stages takes very much more than that. With one exception. The bottling stage is a bit time-consuming as all of the bottles need to be sterilised and rinsed a few times in cold water. As a 6-bottle kit, which includes the bottles this won't take too long. The plus side is that with the bottling it means that the wine is ready to drink. As you are considering rose, this won't mature very much in the bottle, similar to white wine. The Sauvignon Blanc I tried was very good straight away. I haven't made the extra effort in taking hydrometer readings. If I was in doubt whether the fermenting had finished or not, I just left it for another day or two. My theory being that if you rush things it may be done too soon, before the wine is ready. However, nothing major can go wrong if you leave it for a couple of extra days. My advice - go for it. Miles. Nath on "new to wine making for the wife" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/new-to-wine-making-for-the-wife-1#post-15866 Sat, 04 Jun 2011 08:23:50 +0000 Nath 15866@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Pftt - pretty good <img src="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_sad.gif" title=":(" class="bb_smilies" /> LOL Greg on "new to wine making for the wife" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/new-to-wine-making-for-the-wife-1#post-15864 Sat, 04 Jun 2011 08:21:31 +0000 Greg 15864@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <blockquote>I'd love to help more</blockquote> I think that is a pretty good effort Nath <img src="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_smile.gif" title=":-)" class="bb_smilies" /> Nath on "new to wine making for the wife" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/new-to-wine-making-for-the-wife-1#post-15857 Sat, 04 Jun 2011 08:03:18 +0000 Nath 15857@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ I did a quick search for the instructions on the net and came up with this! STAGE #1 - PRIMARY FERMENTATION Day 1: Remember to sterilize your container and equipment before proceeding. - Carefully pour contents of bag into your primary fermenter. - Rinse bag to fermenter using 8 to 10 cups of warm water. - To 2 cups of hot water in a clean bottle or blender, add the contents of Packet No. 2 (Bentonite). Shake bottle or blend for 2-3 minutes to dissolve. Add to primary fermenter. - If your kit contains on of the following: Oak granulars, elderberries or elderflowers, add to the mix now. - Add sufficient water to bring contents of primary fermenter to the 6 U.S. gallon mark and stir well. The resultant temperature should be 70-77 F. If the temperature is not in this range, cover container and allow to stand in suitable environment until it is achieved. - Add Wine Yeast (sprinkle on top), cover with lid or plastic sheet and tie down. - Place container in a warm spot (70-77 F.) and leave to ferment for 7 days or until the specific gravity on the hydrometer drops to less than 1.010. Should the temperature be lower than recommended, allow an extra two or three days. STAGE #2 - SECONDARY FERMENTATION Day 8: Most of the fermentation will be complete at this point. The specific gravity should be less than 1.010 but if not, wait a few more days before proceeding to the next step. - Siphon wine into carboy leaving sediment behind. We strongly recommend not topping up ensuring properly balanced wine. - Attach half-filled fermentation lock, and leave carboy to complete fermentation (approximately 12 days). Check specific gravity every other day, and when the reading is less than 0.995, and you get two consistent readings in a row, it is time to go to the next step. STAGE #3 - DEGASSING Day 20: All fermentation should now be complete. Do not execute the next steps until fermentation is completed (the specific gravity should be less than 0.995 and no yeast activity is seen). Allow extra time if required. - Siphon the wine into a plastic or glass carboy fitted with a fermentation lock. - To 1/2 cup of cool water add the contents of Packet No. 3 (Potassium Metabisulphite). Stir to dissolve. Add to wine and mix thoroughly. - Stir the wine in the carboy to remove the unwanted carbon dioxide gas. - Repeat the procedure several times (at least 6 to <img src="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_cool.gif" title="8)" class="bb_smilies" /> over the next 2 days. (Remember to replace the fermentation lock after stirring.) STAGE #4 - STABILIZING & CLARIFICATION Day 22: At this stage the wine must be completely degassed or the fining agent will not work. - To 1/2 cup of warm water add the contents of Packet No. 4 (Potassium Sorbate). Stir to dissolve. Add to wine and mix thoroughly. - Position the carboy on a table so that no further movement is required prior to bottling. - If you are planning to add sweetener or conditioner, do so at this stage. - Add the contents of Package No. 5 (Fining Agent) into the wine and mix thoroughly. - Refit fermentation lock or rubber bung and leave the wine undisturbed to clear for up to 6 days. STAGE #5 - BOTTLING Day 28: Your product should now be ready to filter and bottle. If the wine has not cleared yet, leave for a few more days. It is recommended that you filter the product prior to bottling. If aging your wine for longer than 6 months, add 1/4 teaspoon of Potassium Metabisulfite dissolved in wine prior to bottling. - Siphon wine into a clean sterilized carboy leaving any remaining sediment behind. - Filter the product using a medium pore size filter that has been properly prepared. Follow your filter's instructions. - Siphon the clear wine to sterilized bottles allowing 1 - 1-1/2 inches head space between cork and wine. - Insert sterilized wine corks using a hand corker. Corks may be sterilized by soaking 15 minutes in sterilizing solution. - Wait 24-48 hours before inverting the bottles once corked. This will allow expansion time for the corks, and will decrease the chances of leakers. Although the wine is very acceptable at bottling time, it will continue to improve if allowed to further mature in a consistently cool, dark place, oriented on their sides. I'd love to help more but I'm a beer man myself and I've yet to make wine - tho its still on my "todo" list! Im sure someone will be along with some tips for ya! gareth brew 69 on "new to wine making for the wife" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/new-to-wine-making-for-the-wife-1#post-15835 Fri, 03 Jun 2011 19:38:47 +0000 gareth brew 69 15835@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ hi all, the wife likes a rose wine, CaZinfandel Blush Rose Wine, the starter kit ive seen <a href="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/store/brewuk-s-winemakers-equipment-starter-kit-6-bottle-1.html">wine kit click here</a> has the wine she likes but can some one explain what the instructions are before i buy and whats the maturing time for wine is it the same as beer ie 6 - 8 weeks??? for good flavour thanks Miles on "Mixing juices to get a blend" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/mixing-juices-to-get-a-blend#post-15475 Tue, 24 May 2011 23:41:11 +0000 Miles 15475@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Thanks Steve_K, I will ferment them as individual varieties, blend them and then let them mature in bottles/demijons. I will probably keep some as pure merlot and some as pure pinot noir as well as having the blend. I need to start collecting wine bottles now. Miles. Steve_K on "Mixing juices to get a blend" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/mixing-juices-to-get-a-blend#post-15474 Tue, 24 May 2011 23:29:22 +0000 Steve_K 15474@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hmm. Interesting. Well even at that, I would suggest you blend after fermentation since it is near-impossible to say with any certainly how it will turn out. At least with post-fermentation blending you can do small samples of the mixes and decide on a ratio that suits your taste. Miles on "Mixing juices to get a blend" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/mixing-juices-to-get-a-blend#post-15472 Tue, 24 May 2011 22:38:21 +0000 Miles 15472@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Steve_K, Just to let you know: in the case of Pinot Noir and Merlot, the yeast is the same for California Connoisseur. This may differ for other grape varieties. As I find out, I'll let you know. Miles. Miles on "Basic questions (sorry) from a complete beginner (home fermenting, not drinking)" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/basic-questions-sorry-from-a-complete-beginner-home-fermenting-not-drinking#post-15457 Tue, 24 May 2011 18:52:38 +0000 Miles 15457@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Thanks Nath, I'm getting a bit ambitious for a newbie. I'm going to go over to red wines and do both a Merlot and a Pinot Noir (both California Connoisseur). Then I'm going to have a go at blending my own wine with a combination of the two. I'll also keep some of the Merlot and Pinot Noir as they are. I'll have to be patient then to let it mature for a while in the bottles. I may buy a few demijons to let it mature in. If I leave it in the shed I won't keep walking past it and be tempted to try it! Miles. Nath on "Basic questions (sorry) from a complete beginner (home fermenting, not drinking)" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/basic-questions-sorry-from-a-complete-beginner-home-fermenting-not-drinking#post-15438 Mon, 23 May 2011 20:20:27 +0000 Nath 15438@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Glad to hear it worked out well, so whats next on the card then? Miles on "Basic questions (sorry) from a complete beginner (home fermenting, not drinking)" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/basic-questions-sorry-from-a-complete-beginner-home-fermenting-not-drinking#post-15427 Sun, 22 May 2011 21:30:57 +0000 Miles 15427@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Thank you, I have just tasted my first glass of homemade Claifornia Connoisseur Sauvignon Blanc... and it was delicious! So, to those of you who have answered my basic questions - thanks for your replies. They really were great and encouraging. I'm going to start two lots of red wine next, so I can blend them together (although it'll take a few months for them to mature). Then, probably another Sauvignon Blanc. After that - maybe a bitter. Anyway - to those out there wondering whether it's worth the hassle, it is. Although sterilising bottles is quite tedious and racking the wine several times is time-consuming and not very interesting. But the end result (in my case, at least) was well worth it. It was also quite good fun designing a label for the bottles. Miles. Nath on "Kit required and Gas question" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/kit-required-and-gas-question#post-15373 Sat, 21 May 2011 09:13:20 +0000 Nath 15373@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ half a tsp in 500ml bottles will condition it and give it enough carbonation. Too much sugar can be a bad thing as it can over "gas" the bottles and can cause bottle bombs. Keenan.md on "Kit required and Gas question" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/kit-required-and-gas-question#post-15365 Fri, 20 May 2011 21:02:54 +0000 Keenan.md 15365@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Oh thanks, I left my wine just a few days, tastes fab now! Amazing. The beer is still fermenting, second attempt though, apparently a tea spoon of sugar in the bottles and bottling straight away solves the gas prob, what's your opinion?ta dawn Hamish on "Cantina 5 day" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cantina-5-day#post-15279 Mon, 16 May 2011 20:56:30 +0000 Hamish 15279@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ I like this version better... <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytqeOcsQKGM" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytqeOcsQKGM</a> Miles on "Mixing juices to get a blend" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/mixing-juices-to-get-a-blend#post-15271 Mon, 16 May 2011 19:00:20 +0000 Miles 15271@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Thanks Monk and Steve_K, I'm impressed by the speed of replies on this forum, and the brilliant answers. This opens up an incredibly wide scope of possibilities. I must get another fermenter (or two). Miles. saracen on "Cantina 5 day" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cantina-5-day#post-15269 Mon, 16 May 2011 18:40:04 +0000 saracen 15269@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Or... if it was BEER on the go..... "May the Froth be with you!" Oh Dear.... Can you get my coat as well please, Hamish? Nath on "Cantina 5 day" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cantina-5-day#post-15264 Mon, 16 May 2011 17:44:44 +0000 Nath 15264@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ May the forth be with you! Steve_K on "Mixing juices to get a blend" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/mixing-juices-to-get-a-blend#post-15257 Mon, 16 May 2011 17:19:06 +0000 Steve_K 15257@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ I would expect/hope that the kits contain different yeasts so I would ferment them separately and then blend to taste at the end. With VERY few exceptions, wine is always made into it's constituent parts and then assembled after fermentation. Monk on "Mixing juices to get a blend" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/mixing-juices-to-get-a-blend#post-15250 Sun, 15 May 2011 19:21:44 +0000 Monk 15250@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ It's fine to blend initially if your fermention vessel is big enough for this double batch. But if you have two smaller vessels, it would be closer to the pro' way and more interesting to blend to taste afterwards. So you could keep some as straight Merlot, some Pinot noir, and your blend. The world is your lobster. Miles on "Mixing juices to get a blend" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/mixing-juices-to-get-a-blend#post-15248 Sun, 15 May 2011 19:01:36 +0000 Miles 15248@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Just a quick question: I have nearly completed my first batch of Sauvignon Blanc California Connoisseur wine. So, naturally I was thing of what to do next. One of my favourite wines is a blend of Merlot and Pinot Noir. So, if I buy both of the kits (Pinot Noir and Merlot) and make two batches alongside each other, can I mix the two together? If so, do I mix them when setting up primary fermentation, or do I mix them once both have finished? Or even at some other stage? I don't know if anyone has tried this so any help much appreciated. Miles. Hamish on "Cantina 5 day" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cantina-5-day#post-15240 Sun, 15 May 2011 14:49:09 +0000 Hamish 15240@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Every time I see the title of this thread I can't help thinking about this... <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BR0TvNGrxpI" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BR0TvNGrxpI</a> I'll get me coat. saracen on "Cantina 5 day" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cantina-5-day#post-15234 Sun, 15 May 2011 10:42:00 +0000 saracen 15234@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi Zoe. I had a spate of making all sorts of wines some years ago and read some really good books about it. Dunno about this one, but one thing I learned was that white wine from a kit, especially one of the "fast" kits, doesn't keep very long. It's intended to be drunk young, rather like the Portuguese Vinho Verde. Still, I suppose having to down all that lovely, fresh wine is no real hardship, is it? Nath on "Cantina 5 day" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cantina-5-day#post-15213 Sat, 14 May 2011 21:43:49 +0000 Nath 15213@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Like it! zoealderney on "Cantina 5 day" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cantina-5-day#post-15207 Sat, 14 May 2011 21:13:52 +0000 zoealderney 15207@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi Nath Many Thanks. I've ordered it, and to be honest, for the price, if its awful, it's still cheaper than cooking wine!!! Best Wishes Zoe Nath on "Kit required and Gas question" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/kit-required-and-gas-question#post-15149 Sat, 14 May 2011 11:24:19 +0000 Nath 15149@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ I dont know what the sg would be is the honest answer, if you tell us the kit I may be able to find out for you. Dont worry about the getting it right part, you will be fine, as long as you followed instructions then the sg should be what it was supposed to be and the taste would be right and your fg is fine so all in all seems to be a sucsessful brew!. The flatness of the beer would have been due to lack of carbonation what stage is it at? In the FV in a ket in the bottle??? Nath on "Cantina 5 day" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cantina-5-day#post-15145 Sat, 14 May 2011 11:15:49 +0000 Nath 15145@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi Zoe, I havnt done any wines yeat, its something I really need to get into. Looking round "da net" it seems to have mostly favourable reviews, a few people had a little trouble clearing to begin with but all in all a good wine kit to do! Hope that helps a bit, and fingers crossed someone will be round soon to help ya more. zoealderney on "Cantina 5 day" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cantina-5-day#post-15130 Fri, 13 May 2011 21:49:49 +0000 zoealderney 15130@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hi. Has anyone tried the Cantina 5 day White wine kit? What's it like? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Many Thanks Zoe Keenan.md on "Kit required and Gas question" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/kit-required-and-gas-question#post-15105 Thu, 12 May 2011 22:46:10 +0000 Keenan.md 15105@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ ok, what should the starting gravity be? thanks by the way, just need to know what i'm supposed to be doing, I'd like to get it right! flavour is quite important. Also my husband did his first beer kit, it was perfect bar the flatness of it, would you recommend bottling it straight away? Nath on "Kit required and Gas question" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/kit-required-and-gas-question#post-15090 Thu, 12 May 2011 20:35:16 +0000 Nath 15090@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <blockquote>I just put the measure thingy in the fermantation thingy not in a test tube, is that ok?</blockquote> Ummmm <img src="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_confused.gif" title=":?" class="bb_smilies" /> Dont really know what ya mean there. But as long as we assume you have a decent starting gravity then I think your best off letting it condition for a few weeks to see how the taste develops. Next time check the starting gravity so you can work out what percentage the wine will be. Keenan.md on "Kit required and Gas question" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/kit-required-and-gas-question#post-15089 Thu, 12 May 2011 19:18:55 +0000 Keenan.md 15089@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ not sure of the gravity it started, should I have cheaked? also I just put the measure thingy in the fermantation thingy not in a test tube, is that ok? it measured around 0990.00 when I bottled it Nath on "Kit required and Gas question" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/kit-required-and-gas-question#post-15072 Thu, 12 May 2011 09:11:30 +0000 Nath 15072@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ What gravity did it start and finish at? And also remember that it's only just gone into the bottle so it will need time to condition. Keenan.md on "Kit required and Gas question" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/kit-required-and-gas-question#post-15071 Wed, 11 May 2011 22:08:35 +0000 Keenan.md 15071@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Bung all sorted yes it was wine, lol. got another issue though, a pretty major one, I have completed the 7 day kit, bottled it all, but it soooo sweet, it's like a very bad red Lambrusco! not nice, any suggestions? Miles on "Fermenter with a hole in..?" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/fermenter-with-a-hole-in#post-14817 Sun, 01 May 2011 18:44:18 +0000 Miles 14817@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Thanks Jo, Again, an excellent answer, and only 17 minutes after I posted the question. Great stuff. I'll probably be back... Miles. Jo on "Fermenter with a hole in..?" http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/fermenter-with-a-hole-in#post-14815 Sun, 01 May 2011 18:25:15 +0000 Jo 14815@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Hiya! I bought one of these a few weeks ago - yes it is meant to have a hole in it - if you look through the whole kit you should find the tap that fits into it (with the little bottler kit). Once in place it is water tight and easy to sterilise too. Just run a little of the sterilising fluid through the tap by turning it on and the same when rinsing. It is really useful to have this tap especially when bottling. <img src="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_biggrin.gif" title=":D" class="bb_smilies" />