First batch nerves

[Dwerth]

Good day WMT folks!
I had been originally planning on starting in on my first ever batch of wine about six months ago. However, life can get in the way, as we all know. However, life has finally settled down, and I am about to start down this winemaking road. Nothing fancy, just starting with a kit wine (WE California Chardonnay). For this first foray, I will just follow the instructions. I have been reading this forum heavily for the past few months, and am looking forward to my new hobby.

Dwerth
1.086 SG

 

[Ohio Bob]

Good luck! Ask any question anytime. Lots of people around to help out.

 

[BigDaveK]

Yes, good luck!
Following the instructions the first time is probably a good idea. That little bit of hand's on experience will do wonders.

 

[Dwerth]

Thank you guys. I followed the instructions for the kit and began the process. I can already see a bunch of places where I can make simple workflow improvements, or where if I have X piece of hardware it would make things much easier.
I may also need to go look at getting another gallon jug...or two...

 

[ChuckD]

I can already see a bunch of places where I can make simple workflow improvements, or where if I have X piece of hardware it would make things much easier.
I may also need to go look at getting another gallon jug...or two...

This is how it always starts…

 

[sour_grapes]

You will do great!

 

[distancerunner]

You'll do just fine.

And that's the problem. Then you start buying all the stuff to improve work flow. And fruit. And chemicals that you didn't know you needed. And lab equipment. And glass ware. And stainless. And then things that have motors on them.

Welcome to the rabbit hole!

 

[cmason1957]

Whatever you do, don't get your carboys wet. They multiply after that happens!!! I started with one and now I have 35.

 

[Rice_Guy]

Good luck on this venture. , , , , Well when you get down to it there are lots of ways to make acceptable wine. , , , , , And great wine depends on what style you like.

 

[Dwerth]

You'll do just fine.

And that's the problem. Then you start buying all the stuff to improve work flow. And fruit. And chemicals that you didn't know you needed. And lab equipment. And glass ware. And stainless. And then things that have motors on them.

Welcome to the rabbit hole!

If I start building buildings and buying land for it, then I know I have a problem...

 

[hounddawg]

gallon jugs, oh you mean for topping off with, yep, several 6 gallon carboys, but as @cmason1957 said DON'T LET EM GET WET,,,,
welcome to WMT
Dawg

 

[Dwerth]

gallon jugs, oh you mean for topping off with, yep, several 6 gallon carboys, but as @cmason1957 said DON'T LET EM GET WET,,,,
welcome to WMT
Dawg

But isn't not getting them wet kind of counterproductive?

 

[ChuckD]

If I start building buildings and buying land for it, then I know I have a problem...

 

[BigDaveK]

If I start building buildings and buying land for it, then I know I have a problem...

You say that now, but...
It's easy to raise the bar to define what a "problem" is.
I do it all the time!

 

[hounddawg]

You say that now, but...
It's easy to raise the bar to define what a "problem" is.
I do it all the time!

AMEN BROTHER
Dawg

 

[hounddawg]

NO YOU WOULDN'T
Dawg

 

[JustJoe]

Whatever you do, don't get your carboys wet. They multiply after that happens!!! I started with one and now I have 35.

35 carboys??? That's almost a piecemeal variety of commercial production. I thought I was bad - started with one, now have 9 carboys, a couple of gallon jugs and a 10 gallon fermenter.
BTW congratulations! I have a new goal now

 

[ChuckD]

NO YOU WOULDN'T
Dawg

This is the first hobby in which my wife actually participates, so no, not a problem at all.

I actually didn’t buy land to support my wine making but I did plant a small vineyard and have/will be building “supporting facilities”

 

[amorgan]

gallon jugs, oh you mean for topping off with, yep, several 6 gallon carboys, but as @cmason1957 said DON'T LET EM GET WET,,,,
welcome to WMT
Dawg

How do you all manage 6 gallon carboys? I have enough trouble moving and cleaning 3 gallon carboys.

 

[Khristyjeff]

How do you all manage 6 gallon carboys? I have enough trouble moving and cleaning 3 gallon carboys.