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Finally got around to making my Cornucopia Raspberry Merlot kit last night, and decided to break out the funny bucket opening tool I've had for years and stopped using: Bucket opening tool It's very clear this was also intended for opening juice bags. If you look at the picture on the...

So like sangria, meaning acidic, or overly fruity? Was this a problem? -Rich

Well, this is unexpected! I had no idea this tool even existed. :slp Now to find one. I guess I should start with my LHBS. I know they're at northernbrewer.com, but I'm hoping to pay less than that. I do have one of those bucket opener tools--maybe I can figure out how to use it on the...

I've made a few wine kits now (RJ Spagnols and Paklab), and I've always wondered how we're supposed to get the caps off the juice bags. Obviously you can take a knife to the bag itself, or to the cap, but that has always seemed like the Caveman option. I've searched the forums for answers...

Anyone? -Rich

I've made the Green Apple Riesling kit before with great success, and I've got the Raspberry Merlot at home waiting for water and fermenter right now. I guess my question is: since the base wine is a red, and reds take so long to mature when dry, would it be a good idea to give the Merlot...

Shall do! I'm visiting the new vineyard this weekend (I did some pruning a few weeks ago) and will post pics of what's happening sometime next week. -Rich

Made the Green Apple Riesling kit and it's quickly become a favorite among my wife and her friends, and between me and my brew buddies. I may bump up the gravity on my next batch, but then again I may not. A surprisingly well balanced wine for a sweet fruit kit. Be sure to degas well! -Rich

Posted the story and pix from the planting and setup here: http://www.winemakingtalk.com/forum/f25/vineyard-pine-hill-farms-beginning-33171/ -Rich

The Vineyard at Pine Hill Farms Hey all! Wanted to post the follow-up to the big Muscadine question thread I posted here. All 12 vines wound up getting planted, and Alabama weather obliged my father-in-law, my buddy Mark and me by giving us heavy rainfall just as we finished planting (but a...

I will be planting tomorrow morning. I'll take photos and post 'em! Thanks to everyone for their help! -Rich

tatud4life, thanks. I have no idea what the pest situation will be where I'm planting, so I hope it's simple like your situation. -Rich

toddrod, thanks, that's exactly what I was wondering. -Rich

garymc, good setup, and good to know! The Ison's book says 36 gals a week per vine, is that what you do? tatud4life, I was wondering exactly that: I know the canes/spurs/cordons can grow enormously in a single year, so I guess if I decide to go for a 4-cordon setup I'll have to keep the lower...

Interesting point re: four total cordons. I know about putting two cordons in either direction, but figured since the 'trellis' will be a four-foot fence the lower one would only be two and a half feet off the ground. Is that enough clearance? Also, yet another question: I won't be able to...

The plan is 10 feet in each direction, or 20' per vine. -Rich

Another question, for those still following! Since this is a sort of experiment so far as my father-in-law is concerned, we're not building proper 5-foot Geneva double-curtain trellises. These 10 vines will be using a four-foot split rail fence as their trellis. What sort of issues should...

Thanks for the recommendation! My wife and I have been to Ozan, and loved their Norton wines. I'll be trying to get some vines or juice from them come crush. I will indeed look into black Spanish and blanc du Bois. I hadn't heard much about them, but will do some research now! -Rich

Another question! The 2-year potted vines I ordered will be 4 to 5 feet tall when I get them. Is it still worth putting the blue grow-tubes on them (which are also 4 or 5 feet long)? -Rich

Ison's is shipping their potted vines now. I placed my order with them this afternoon and according to the lady I spoke with they should be shipping on Monday or Tuesday. It's bareroot that won't be available until dormancy. [Edit] Oh, and I'm outside Birmingham, AL. Zone 7b. [Edit] From the...