I would like to introduce myself to my new family; hopefully, this one will let me hang around longer than theprevious 5.
I have been lurking around since mid Jan learning the art and science of fine wine making from so many great teachers, mentors, experts, and others.
I got a complete(?) kit for a Christmas present, and started the research to see if I even wanted to mess with it. I had a "complete" wine making book that came with the kit, a set of easy to understand instructions from the store, detailed instructions in the wine kit, and several other sources. Darn, was I confused.
During my required internet search for all matters important, I found this web site. I found George's Videos to be inspiring and took much of the confusion away. Unfortunately, as well intentioned as I am sure George is, many things did not seem to work as easy as he protrayed. I know it didn't have anything to do with my insistance on modifying directions for improvements.
What I found when I came to this discussion forum was so many other newbies; that were going through the same learning curve. All of my questions were asked, pretty much in my own confused words. Everything I needed in one easy to understand spot.
I have been especially impressed with the level of knowledge and experience of so many members, and the willingness to share, no matter how often the same questions were ask, or how basic it was.
I have enjoyed listening to so many that take wine making very seriously; but, never seem to take themselves too seriously. The mark of a true family is the ability to joke, poke, enjoy, share, drink,and become even closer.
I hope tocontribute by asking some questions,(REAL men don't ask questions, we read directions), contributing some of my experience, and raising the bar on Smart Alec Attitude.
Drinking-Island Mist Blackberry Cabernet-Exceeds my expectations; especially, considering my expectations after research, study, and listening to the stuffy wine people have grown much faster than my knowledge, experience, and understanding of Toy Store videos.
Bulk Age-VR Shiraz-Figured I was on the right track when I snuck a taste while racking to secondary, and it tasted just like the $6 Bottle from walmart I got sick on the night before. Tasting, now, the stuff I bottled from the bottom of the carboy.Kind oflike off taste kool aid spiked with first run unfiltered vodka.
Primary-Just pitched, Orchard Breezin Kiwi Melon Pinot Girgio-This will be all experiment. Decided to pitch all written directions, and go only by the advice of me new friends. I did buy a $8 bottle at walmart to see if I could learn to drink white wine with out gagging before buying the kit. Jury is still out, on that one. Even if I have to pour it out that will be OK, I will just start another batch, best darn room air freshner I have ever tired.
On Order-WE LE South African Cav.
Well, 1 post down and about 5040 more to go if I want to catch up to Waldo before bed time.
I have been lurking around since mid Jan learning the art and science of fine wine making from so many great teachers, mentors, experts, and others.
I got a complete(?) kit for a Christmas present, and started the research to see if I even wanted to mess with it. I had a "complete" wine making book that came with the kit, a set of easy to understand instructions from the store, detailed instructions in the wine kit, and several other sources. Darn, was I confused.
During my required internet search for all matters important, I found this web site. I found George's Videos to be inspiring and took much of the confusion away. Unfortunately, as well intentioned as I am sure George is, many things did not seem to work as easy as he protrayed. I know it didn't have anything to do with my insistance on modifying directions for improvements.
What I found when I came to this discussion forum was so many other newbies; that were going through the same learning curve. All of my questions were asked, pretty much in my own confused words. Everything I needed in one easy to understand spot.
I have been especially impressed with the level of knowledge and experience of so many members, and the willingness to share, no matter how often the same questions were ask, or how basic it was.
I have enjoyed listening to so many that take wine making very seriously; but, never seem to take themselves too seriously. The mark of a true family is the ability to joke, poke, enjoy, share, drink,and become even closer.
I hope tocontribute by asking some questions,(REAL men don't ask questions, we read directions), contributing some of my experience, and raising the bar on Smart Alec Attitude.
Drinking-Island Mist Blackberry Cabernet-Exceeds my expectations; especially, considering my expectations after research, study, and listening to the stuffy wine people have grown much faster than my knowledge, experience, and understanding of Toy Store videos.
Bulk Age-VR Shiraz-Figured I was on the right track when I snuck a taste while racking to secondary, and it tasted just like the $6 Bottle from walmart I got sick on the night before. Tasting, now, the stuff I bottled from the bottom of the carboy.Kind oflike off taste kool aid spiked with first run unfiltered vodka.
Primary-Just pitched, Orchard Breezin Kiwi Melon Pinot Girgio-This will be all experiment. Decided to pitch all written directions, and go only by the advice of me new friends. I did buy a $8 bottle at walmart to see if I could learn to drink white wine with out gagging before buying the kit. Jury is still out, on that one. Even if I have to pour it out that will be OK, I will just start another batch, best darn room air freshner I have ever tired.
On Order-WE LE South African Cav.
Well, 1 post down and about 5040 more to go if I want to catch up to Waldo before bed time.
