[RkyMtnWine]

Thought you might find this interesting... Was looking for good way to drain large carboys and gallon jugs... thought I would just make a spot on the wine bottle drainer.

[Wayne1]

That's a good idea - thanks for sharing the photo

[NorthernWinos]

This is a Riddling Rack that a Member [Hammered] showed on another Forum [ Sorry, I do stray]



I really liked it and put some lumber away in a corner of the garage for Jim to make one for us....I saw him haul off one of my 2X4's the other day...

It would really be a space saver as currently our riddling process takes up too much room in our 'root/wine' cellar.

I think it would make a good bottle tree as well....as long as you could make sure it didn't slip on your floor. I believe he had secured it to his winerack or wall.

I need something like you made for when we bottle...I currently use some wire baskets and line them with clean towels....If I need more bottles I put them in a cardboard wine box with many layers of paper towels on the bottom of the box under the dividers.

So, see some winter projects to keep Jim busy till the lakes freeze over...
Thanks for sharing....

Edited by: Northern Winos

[NorthernWinos]

Here is another rack that I like...It's more free-standing.....



Now just need 'this guy' to have some time to build one of them....

[RkyMtnWine]

coming across with some good ideas for racks.. although at this point mine would only be prior to bottling or sanitizing the carboys.

[RkyMtnWine]

OK, I am stalling.. coming up with all these fun projects and not really getting down to business. Gotta ask you a question. Little hesitant to bottle the strawberry. 9 days ago I stabilized the wine.. only have 2 gallons. Mixed in 2 campden tabs and the sorbate.. Instructions to let sit for 10 days... I plan on backsweetining.. 1/4 cup disolved sugar per gallon.. info I am now finding is that I should let it sit for a while after that... to make sure it will not referment. Also.. my original recipe did not say anything about testing PH or Acidity.. Have the acidity test kit now ... will have to do that.. No PH test kit though... ... Dont want to mess up my first batch.. any input will be greatly appreciated. Also did not degass.. talked with rep from finevine and he said not to worry about it... Its been racked since first of july and it is quite clear. However, I do believe I will filter it after I backsweeten... just for kicks and grins.

[Wade E]

If it tastes good dont worry about it but if you want to play around do the acid test if you feel it needs a little tartness so you know how much to add. If you take a taste and feel that it is a little carbonated then degas before bottling.

[K&GB]

Great idea with the bottle/carboy tree. And those cabinets... man are they beautiful!


Anyway, my latest (2nd) attempt at strawberry wine turned out pretty good. I back-sweetened with a sugar syrup and some red grape concentrate (for color).I used super clear, but didn't filter. I bulk aged for a couple of months before bottling and put in some american oak for a few weeks too. I recently opened the first bottle. It tastes good but a bit tart. Not sure if the oak was a good idea, but it makes it interesting. The bouquet is wonderful though, a real plus for this wine. Good luck with yours!

[RkyMtnWine]

Thanks for your comments on the tree. Just remodeled the kitchen last winter.. decided to go with Natural Hickory. Sterilizing equipment right now.... getting ready to backsweeten.. believe I will start out with 1/4 cup of sugar syrup, let it sit until tomorrow and see how it tasts.

[RkyMtnWine]

strawberry wine appears quite clear.. letting the equipment drip dry a bit and then time to sweeten.