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So I got my kit and set up to start and found a few extra goodies in this kit that I don't know the what when wheres or whys about. The kit came with both oak chips and oak cubes, an infusion bag, dehydrated grapes and a packet of metatartaric acid. The instructions make no mention of the oak...

I just purchased a transfer pump made by the Vintage Shop. Used it for the first time and was suprised at the amount of air it produces on the outlet side. The wine was very airieated and almost foamy. Lots of bubbles coming through the outlet tube along with the wine. I spoke with the guy I...

Finished and ready to bottle looks and smells wonderful but has a bitter aftertaste. Is this normal for this kit? Final SG after adding F-Pack is 1.020. Should this smooth out on its own. If so how long? Don't really want to add a conditioner with such a high SG already. Any suggestions?

I am getting ready to start a CC Showcase Chateau du Pays and am inte3rested in using oak spirals. I am just beginning to learn these oak alternatives and have been happy with the results thus far. I used them for aging merlot and Zinfendal kits. I am requesting opinions or directions on if...

In my continued quest to improve my winemaking skills I have been attempting to educate myself on oak alternatives. I am a kit wine maker and make a veriety of wines from either RHS,CC or US Elite. These kits often come with oak chips or powder. I have read several articles stating that there...

How long should I keep the grape skins in?

While coming of age in the 70's, I remember Lambrusco being the "it" wine of the times. I couldn't resist picking up the "Wine of the Month" MM Vinifera Noble Lambrusco kit. I do remember the wine being fizzy but not really a sparkling wine. Question: Do I just NOT degass to keep the...

I made a batch or red and a batch of white as a wedding gift for my friend(s). I labeled with a cool picture of them in the usual "wedding wine" manner. I found out today that because of his military deployment obligation they have moved the wedding up as well as out of state. Question...

New Label: Dionysus... party animal New label featuring Dionysus the Greek God of wine and fun. (This guy was the original party animal). I chose him because this Strawberry White Zin if a very fun summer wine. I also did a Peach Chardonnay using my new "fun" wine mascot.

A real attention getter.

Brazilian cherry wood cabinet from Goodwill : $29.00 Homemade bottle rack wood from HomeDepot : $32.00 Beautiful wine storage cabinet: Priceless …..ok…..maybe not quit priceless but for fifty bucks ! ! !

Should there be any rest time between filtering and bottling?

Anyone know of a good Grenache Rose kit? (other than the Orchard Breezen orange.) Christian Brothers made a delightful Grenache Rose that I really miss. Any suggestions to something close to this wine?

In my efforts to learn all I can about wine making, It has become apparent there are several schools of thought. 1. Yeast needs oxygen. Some say leave to top open during primary fermentation. Others say snap the lid on and use an airlock. Which is best? 2. Every article I've read or video...

Just picked up a RJ Spagnols Grand Cru Pinot Noir. The shop owner suggested I add 2 cups of sugar in order to up the level past 12%. Also heard by some people that this kit lacks body. Would this be one to add some raisins to for body? If so what about the suggested 2 cups of sugar? Any...

Just picked up a RJ Spagnols Grand Cru Pinot Noir. The shop owner suggested I add 2 cups of sugar in order to up the level past 12%. Also heard by some people that this kit lacks body. Would this be one to add some raisins to for body? If so what about the suggested 2 cups of sugar? Any...

This is my second batch. CC Gewurztraminer-Riesling. This time I rehydrated the yeast in warm water before I pitched and this really sped up the primary. I checked the SG at day 5 and it was at 0.998. I racked to the secondary 3 day ago and things have really slowed down to (almost) no activity...

These are the labels I am working on. Please give me your thoughts and input. [/IMG]