Recent content by bpowell88

Hey everyone, Selling an all in one wine pump. Missing a few hoses but still has all the original attachments for bottling. Only used a few times. I'll ship in the U.S. $100, includes shipping. Let me know! Thanks, Billy

Just started the Eclipse Lodi Old Vines Zinfandel today... looking forward to it!

Thanks Mike, youve been most helpful in my barrel woes! At least the wine coming out of it taste better than the barrel looks now hah

OK guys Im sure you may remember some of the hassle I went through with my barrel, I've had wine in it for 4 weeks now and every time i top it off, it leaks a bit through one stave. It never actually forms drops just gets damp. It was good for a couple weeks but now seems to have an issue...

I dont know if I have the Italian carboys.. Either way... at least I had enough for a fill up the first time!

Well loaded the barrel up yesterday and no leaks! Thanks all for the help and pointers... I was a little surprised though, my 6 gallon carboy fully filled the barrel, was a perfect fit. I had read that most barrels were slightly under 6 gallons so I was expecting to have a little extra.

Hah I hope that's all mine leaks!

That sounds like a pretty good idea... Did yours leak any wine once you filled it?

Im going to let it sit overnight and fill it up in the morning if all is well, for now... all is well.. Thanks for the help guys!

Update! After the soaking, bath, and now waxing the one leaky spot I think (hope) its sealed up! After having water in for about a week do you guys think I should extend my first wine? I was thinking 4 weeks?

What a process! I've submerged it into a bucket of water now, will let it sit about a day and see what happens!

I think I've narrowed it down to it only happens if It's full to the max, I put the stopper in and some comes out the top so I know there is a lot of pressure inside. Once the wood soaks up some to relieve some pressure it no longer leaks...

Ok guys, the barrel seems to be doing much better now. In the morning I put new hot water in the barrel and am still getting just a little seep from the end, it stops shortly after filling the barrel and then no leaks for the rest of the day. Should I try the bathtub technique?

Interestingly enough California Chardonnay makers used so much oak for so long that many people confuse the oak flavor as actually being a flavor of Chardonnay. It seems that as of recently however, oak is regaining is secondary role and letting the grape shine.

Patience ... A great word that Im learning in this winemaking venture! Patience it is then