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View Full Version : Help with first batch ever.




mhodnettjr
02-08-2008, 09:16 PM
Hi guys

I just made an order for some equiptment to start making some of my own alcohol. I have several empty wine bottles that I intend to clean and use for my wine.

Let me start off with a little about me before I ask the questions that I have.....I like to make my own stuff, period. I make canoe paddles, handmade trout nets, I have even built my own cedar strip canoe. I make lots of my own trapping supplies, I am even making my first long bow. Making my own wine and brew is something I have toyed with for about a year. I have read the alaskan bootleggers bible cover to cover and think I understand a good deal of it (slingblade reference);). I have on order, caps (to avoid corking) red star yeast, a hydrometer, campden tablets, a sanitizer, some simple airlocks....I dont remember if there is more.

On hand I have two 5 gal buckets with lids (food grade) vinyl tubing, a capper

I am going to start out making some simple recipes from the book. Probably something like fruitjuice or concentrate wines. I think apple or grape for the first.

What type of things do you recomend that a new winemaker try? Some simple starter recepies? I like everything from boonesfarm to the nicest bottle of wine that 20 dollars will buy:rolleyes:. I like both sweet and dry wines and so does my fiance. Any other equiptment that I am lacking? What are some other references that will get me started properly?

I am always looking for my next project and this is it. I think. any help of direction would be appreciated.




jackpine savage
02-09-2008, 01:01 AM
some good reading and recipes here.
http://winemaking.jackkeller.net/index.asp
sounds to me that your already on the right track!

Ginweed
02-11-2008, 10:00 AM
I find the forum at www.northernbrewer.com (http://www.northernbrewer.com) very helpful. They have a wine making forum.

The wife and I did our first batch of wine this past weekend. I usually brew beer but decided to try a wine kit. Super easy. We bought a Pinot Noir kit by Vino del Villa.

mhodnettjr
02-11-2008, 05:07 PM
Thanks for the help guys. Just waiting for my order to get here. The folks at grape stompers were super nice on the phone. I was kinda bummed to hear her say that the order would be sent out in a couple of days:sad:. I am just a wee bit ansy. :D