Does carboy need to be full?

[klutz]

I have a new question: Reading here about topping off you carboyd, is it essential that it is full. I am trying out wine making with grapes from only one vine, which does not fill up the carboy by far. So, must I fill it up with something else? It is now only a quarter full.
And, filling it up with other stuff, doesn't that give another taste?

 

[Kraffty]

The answer is yes. But at only 1/4 full it sounds like you really need to find a smaller container for now. Topping off is about KEEPING the originally full container full.
Mike

 

[dralarms]

Mike is right, get a smaller container.

 

[richmke]

At 1/4 full, you have less than 2 gallons. I would find a gallon glass jug, and a 1/2 gallon glass jug.

 

[francois_du_nord]

Klutz,

Oxygen will spoil your wine over time. That is why an open bottle of wine get's stale. All that airspace is going to cause you trouble. Downsize and you'll get much better results.

Best, Fran