WineXpert Any thoughts on the new WE World Vineyard Grape Skin kits??

[USA_WineMaker]

I just saw that WE is offering grape skins in three of their world vineyard kits. Any thoughts on skins in less expensive kits? I can't see why they would offer these when the Selection kits are slightly higher. I mean, why buy the WV kits when for another $25 or so you can get the Selection kits which have more juice.

 

[USA_WineMaker]

I just saw that WE is offering grape skins in three of their world vineyard kits. Any thoughts on skins in less expensive kits? I can't see why they would offer these when the Selection kits are slightly higher. I mean, why buy the WV kits when for another $25 or so you can get the Selection kits which have more juice.

Well Todd:

I think that is a very valid and exceptional question. I took some time to look at the offering and there isn't really too much available right now as I guess it is, as you stated, a new product. I googled "world vineyard grape skins wine kit" and this is what came up - http://lmgtfy.com/?q=world+vineyard+grape+skins+wine+kit

Not really a whole lot of information right now but I looked at the product and it appears to be quite interesting since it is an affordable grape skin kit. I don't know but perhaps others can chime in and shed some light.

I do find myself agreeing with you since you can buy a much better kit for and additional $25. However, to some that $25 is a large step-up in a kit so perhaps after all their marketing research, they discovered that this will perhaps fill a void in lower end kits. I guess we will have to wait and see.

While I haven't been much help I hope that this dialogue has added to the discussion.

 

[Brew and Wine Supply]

Too new, just getting in my first batch today.

Hey Todd, you got a little split personality going on??

 

[SouthernChemist]

The Winexpert site has more information on the 3 new kits that will have skins:

http://www.winexpert.com/read/news?articleid=694

My guess would be that the mid-tier/lower-tier kits tend to have higher sales, and this would further appeal to people who probably would not buy a high end kit in the end. These kits would take less time to develop, too, compared to a higher-tier kit. I suspect a large number of wine kit makers have no real intention of bulk aging their wine for up to 2-3 years. In fact, it would be interesting to know just how much wine never makes it beyond a few months of age.

Also, for what it's worth, these are all varietals or blends that are not available in the SI grape skin kits or the Eclipse line.

 

[roger80465]

The concept isn't new, since the CC Sterling and the RJS Grand Cru International are using similar concepts. I love the idea of the GSM blend and may have to try that one. I have made several of the competing kits and found the flavor and body to be very nice. My complaint was that when paired with food, the wine disappeared. I'm thinking a tannin tweak would be in order with these. Gonna have to try one or two.

 

[CBell]

The price of these kits is much more likely to get me into making WE kits. I don't like that to get a kit with a grape pack I have to spend near 200 dollars. For that price, I may as well buy commercial wine. Good to see this sort of thing offered nearer my price range; means I am likely to try it.

 

[USA_WineMaker]

The price of these kits is much more likely to get me into making WE kits. I don't like that to get a kit with a grape pack I have to spend near 200 dollars. For that price, I may as well buy commercial wine. Good to see this sort of thing offered nearer my price range; means I am likely to try it.

$200! Where are you purchasing from. I buy grape skin kits for $100 to a max of $130 or so. You best check your pricing or homebrew store for more competitive pricing.

 

[Brew and Wine Supply]

Our top of the line Eclipse kits max out at $149.

 

[USA_WineMaker]

$149 is higher but still respectable for that kit. The Florida outfit had them on sale last week for like $110/$120 each. What a deal. Are you handling the WV grape skin kits and if so what is your price? I'm thinking about trying a few.

 

[Brew and Wine Supply]

$149 is higher but still respectable for that kit. The Florida outfit had them on sale last week for like $110/$120 each. What a deal. Are you handling the WV grape skin kits and if so what is your price? I'm thinking about trying a few.

Will be getting them on the next order, they should run around $94.99.
Just got in some of the Selection with skins the other day and those run $129.99.

 

[USA_WineMaker]

Thank you but I buy those for $100

 

[terroirdejeroir]

$149 is higher but still respectable for that kit. The Florida outfit had them on sale last week for like $110/$120 each. What a deal. Are you handling the WV grape skin kits and if so what is your price? I'm thinking about trying a few.

Be sure to check the total price including shipping. I am not sure which florida outfit you are talking about, but the one I know with good prices like that charges close to $40 for shipping, whereas other sites with higher prices offer $10 shipping.

 

[USA_WineMaker]

Be sure to check the total price including shipping. I am not sure which florida outfit you are talking about, but the one I know with good prices like that charges close to $40 for shipping, whereas other sites with higher prices offer $10 shipping.

Of course they charge you $40 because you're in MO and they are in FL. Shipping costs is by weight and distance. The shipping price is meaningless; just look at the bottom-line cost to you. However, it makes me wonder if one place with low pricing can sell it that low then why do the other guys charge high prices? I mean, if I could actually ship a 40 or 50 lb box across the country for $10, I would charge the low price, plus the $10 shipping and put everyone else out-of-business. $10 shipping is bogus IMHO of course.

 

[terroirdejeroir]

Don't need the snark and condescension - I was just trying to be helpful. Of course, it is all about the "bottom-line cost to you" as that was my point.

 

[geek]

Todd,
I saw those prices also for $99.95 but then bought from another vendor which with shipping included ended up cheaper for me, obviously shipping from FL to CT would be higher than from OH to CT.

 

[USA_WineMaker]

Yep, the shipping company does well on these kits. I like the grape skin kits very much. It's great for me when I live in Florida for the winters as I get the best of both worlds, cheap kits and cheap shipping.