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Has anyone used a Buon Vino Super Jet Filter for Degassing? I am just wondering if it is safe for the pump to be used without fluid flowing through it and if it is safe for the carboy so not to implode. I popped it on with a universal orange bung and it works real well pulling the gas out. Just...

Does anyone have an inexpensive yet accurate method of testing the acids and Ph of must to balance the wine? What methods do you use? Brix is easy but what about these two?

Can anyone share their creative methods for raising the temperature of wine must? I will be using Maurivin B yeast this year as it has an alcohol tolerance of 14-15% and reduces up to 56% of the malic acid during primary fermentation. The optimum temperature range for Maurivin B is 25–30ºC...

I am preparing my plans for building a large cellar for all my homemade wine and debating what wood to use for the racks (small budget). I cannot afford Mahogany or Redwood. I see people using pine but my research tells me it will mold over time at proper humidity levels. I am considering oak...

Does anyone have a source for discount corks? I need about 1000 to start bottling and prepare for grape season. I need a quality sufficient for up to 5 years aging. You can reply directly @ [email protected]

I made 30 gals of Merlot in October. It has been aging in glass to date. I am beginning to think about oak aging. Does anyone have any recommendations for an oak cube or stave they have used with great success? How long would you recommend leaving the wine on oak?

I have been offered three 55 Gal blue barrels for $15 each. They once had red wine vinegar in them and have a slight smell. The price is great. Is there any way to remove the remaining smell before this falls production? Given the grapes only ferment in the barrels for 7-10 days if some smell...

I just bought a Buon Vino Super Jet Wine Filter mainly to move wine from one vessel to the next with a course filter. I have a Enolmatic Inline Filter that I will use as a secondary to clarify (currently used when bottling). Does anyone know if the two can be combined and ran at the same time...

I have acquired 4 SS beer kegs I was hoping to age red wines in them. A client of mine in California told me they did not recommend aging red wince this way. Has anyone done this before and do you foresee any problems? I see SS tanks on the market for commercial use. Am I missing something in my...

Has anyone modified a full size keg or corny keg for storage of wine? I want to get away from glass and plastic and it was suggested by a tank supplier in CA to use a full size keg. It would need a valve for draining and filtering. Hopefully someone has done this and can show me what works and...

Is one-step acceptable for sanitizing corks before bottling? If so how long should they stay in the solution?

I have four 5 gal carboys full of freshly pressed Merlot juice that has been fermenting for a week on Montrachet red yeast for a week. I pressed it on Monday and all but the very first 5 gals have stopped fermenting. I was thinking of pitching 1 packet of yeast with some yeast nutrient and...

I found a free software program for tracking brew recipes while searching for a program for wine making/tracking. I am trying to manipulate this for wine use. http://download.cnet.com/StrangeBrew-Java/3000-2126_4-10068277.html?tag=dropDownForm;productListing If anyone knows of a...

Dose anyone know of additional places to purchase grapes this season in Michigan other than California Wine Grape Company? I am in Commerce and do not what to travel to far. I am looking for Cabernet, Merlot or Pinot noir. CWGC has their Cab for $38 a case and Merlot for $36 an case.

On March 19th I added 1/4 teaspoon of potassium metabisulfite into the bottom of a sanitized carboy and racked my three 5-6 gal carboys onto it to fend off a mold. On April 18th I racked and added 3/8 tsp myself per 6 gallons as the mold persisted. I just used a CHEMetrics Titrets kit to...

Does anyone have a brew log software or other type of digital journal made for documenting recipes, nutrients, additives, observations, notes, racking, ect they are willing to share? I have a "Brewlog" file but Adobe Reader does not allow me to save the info into a file. I do not have the...

This fall (9/26/10) I crushed 6 cases of Cabernet Sovereign grapes, fermented, pressed and the result was 23 gals. of wine. It has been bulk aging ever since in 2 - 5 gal and 2 - 6 gal carboys. Nothing has been added and so far it tastes great. Should I degass the wine with a power drill now...

I just received a flier from our local grape provider here in MI for fresh juice from Chile for $80 per 6 gal. pail. Can anyone offer up an opinion on juice purchased in buckets vs. buying the grapes themselves, crushing and pressing? I would like to start a Merlot or Pinot Noir and if...

Being new to this forum I am searching for the best recipes that have gone through all the tweaking and become a regular favorite of yours. I, and I am sure others, greatly appreciate any fine offering you wish to share. I have plenty of mead recipes for those interested.

Welcome everyone. I am new to this forum. One week ago I bought 7 cases of Cabernet grapes, had them crushed/destemed and are now fermenting naturally in two 15 gal. mini brew fermentors. I push the cap down three times daily but am not sure if I should be activley mixing to degass on a daily...