First Steps in Home Wine Making

Recently, I bottled up some Merlot that I made using a wine kit. Although I have previously made cider and beer this was my first attempt at making wine. And it has to be said, it does taste OK. 

So, my wife and I have decided to put together this blogpost on first steps in home wine making.

Introduction

Wine making is a fascinating and rewarding hobby that allows you to create unique flavours tailored to your taste. Whether you prefer a robust red, a crisp white, or a refreshing rosé, the process of making wine at home is an enjoyable journey from grape to glass. Here’s a guide to help you take your first steps in home wine making using British measurements and spelling.

Essential Equipment

Before diving into the wine making process, ensure you have the following equipment:

Fermentation Vessel: A 5-gallon (approximately 23 litres) glass or plastic container.

Airlock and Bung: To allow gases to escape during fermentation while keeping contaminants out.

Hydrometer: For measuring the sugar content and potential alcohol level.

Siphon and Tubing: For transferring wine between containers.

Sterilising Solution: To clean and sanitise all equipment.

Wine Bottles and Corks: For storing the finished product.

Large Pot: For boiling water and preparing ingredients.

Ingredients

The basic ingredients for a simple homemade wine are:

Fruit: Typically grapes, but you can experiment with other fruits.

Sugar: To increase the alcohol content.

Water: Filtered or bottled water is best.

Yeast: Specifically wine yeast for fermentation.

Campden Tablets: To kill any wild yeast and bacteria.

Step-by-Step Guide

Preparation

Clean and Sanitise: Thoroughly clean and sanitise all equipment using a sterilising solution.

Prepare the Fruit: If using grapes, destem and crush them. For other fruits, wash, peel, and chop them into small pieces.

Making the Must

Mix Ingredients: In your fermentation vessel, combine the fruit, sugar (1.5 kg per 5 gallons), and water (to make up the 5 gallons). Stir well to dissolve the sugar.

Add Campden Tablet: Crush one Campden tablet per gallon and add it to the must to sanitise it. Cover and let it sit for 24 hours.

Fermentation

Add Yeast: After 24 hours, add the wine yeast to the must. Stir gently to mix.

Install Airlock: Fit the airlock and bung to the fermentation vessel. Place the vessel in a cool, dark place (15-20°C) for fermentation.

Monitor: Check the must daily and stir gently. The fermentation process will take about 1-2 weeks. Use the hydrometer to monitor the sugar levels.

Racking

First Racking: Once fermentation slows down, siphon the wine into a clean secondary vessel, leaving the sediment (lees) behind. Install the airlock and let it continue fermenting for another month.

Subsequent Racking: Repeat the racking process every month or until the wine clears and there is no more sediment.

Bottling

Final Racking: When the wine is clear and fermentation is complete, siphon it into clean bottles. Leave a small gap at the top of each bottle.

Corking: Secure the corks firmly. Store the bottles upright for the first few days, then lay them on their sides.

Ageing

Storage: Store the bottles in a cool, dark place. Red wines benefit from ageing for at least 6 months to a year, while white wines can be enjoyed sooner.

Enjoy: Patience is key. The longer the wine ages, the better it will taste.

Tips for Success

Cleanliness: Always ensure your equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitised to avoid contamination.

Patience: Good wine takes time. Rushing the process can lead to poor results.

Experimentation: Don’t be afraid to try different fruits, sugar levels, and yeasts to create your perfect wine.

Conclusion

Home wine making is a delightful hobby that offers both challenges and rewards. By following these steps and allowing time for the wine to mature, you'll soon be savouring your own homemade creations. Cheers to your wine making journey!

Resources

Local home brewing shops for supplies and advice.

Online forums and communities for tips and support.

Books on home wine making for detailed recipes and techniques.