Hello from Ontario (east of GTA)

[drgronk]

Well I've taken the plunge and purchased some carboy's, a primary fermenter, racking, floor corker, a mini-jet, etc from kijiji at a decent price. I've also picked up a paklab double pack of red (a Cab sav and a Barolo) from Costco I'm threatening to get started even though I hear they may be mediocre at best (lack body). At 40$(10$ off) for 2 23l batches, what can you expect right? At least some wine for topping up, and opening once the good stuff has been flowing a while.

I've been reading a lot but struggling with some topics which should seem straightforward though there are many differences in opinion out there.

For example, what is the best/cost effective cleaning/sanitization route?

B-Brite and StarSan? Potassium metabisulphite?

I may look at a batch of beer in the near future as well if that makes any difference.

I also have some hardier grapevines out back (Frontenac, Sabrevois, Geneva Red #7) and produce some decent fruit. The vineyard has been tastefully dubbed Make BeLeaf Gardens (the same as my backyard rink in the winter). Once I get going and make a few batches I'm curious on augmenting with some of these as grape packs (if I can keep the bees and ants away this year).

In any case, thanks to all the contributors, there is a wealth of information here and I'm glad I found these forums.

 

[cpfan]

For example, what is the best/cost effective cleaning/sanitization route? B-Brite and StarSan? Potassium metabisulphite?

I may look at a batch of beer in the near future as well if that makes any difference.

AFAIK, B-Brite and StarSan are still very difficult to find in Canada. K-meta (aka Potassium metabisulphite) is a sanitizer (but not cleaner) for wine but not beer. Iodophor is a sanitizer for beer & wine, but may be difficult to find (look for a store that carries RJ Spagnols products).

Steve

 

[Dugger]

Welcome to a great forum, drgronk.
I now use EcoLox as a cleaner and Oxysan as a sanitizer - they are more environmentally friendly than some and since I am on a septic tank/disposal field, that is important to me. No toxic fumes either. I also use them for making beer.
Unfortunately, the Oxysan is only good for about 12 hours after mixed, so I do use some Sodium Meta in my spray bottle and to keep in unused carboys.

 

[vernsgal]

Welcome! You'll find some things posted that we just can't get here in Canada but you can have things shipped(expensive though.) If you can find a Spagnol's supplier near to you I would suggest Sanibrew for wine and Beer for cleaning and for sanitizing, K-meta for wine and Iodophor for beer. Also I would suggest using separate fermenting pails.(the beer can make your wine taste off)

 

[jimmyjames23]

Greetings from Stoney Creek Ontario.

 

[Arne]

Welcome to the forum. Arne.

 

[drgronk]

Thanks for the advice and the warm welcome. I'll do a search but a thread for Canadian supplies or supplier recommendations would be a great resource.

Regarding beer vs wine in the primary fermenter. As I bought the equipment used would it make sense to get a brand new fermenter or should a thorough cleaning do the trick (I assume the previous owner only made wine, however who really knows)?

 

[Dugger]

There appear to be some local home brew shops near you; have you tried them yet? They can be a great source for supplies and advice.

 

[Tino_C]

Hello from Ajax, Ontario

Hello - My name is Tino and I too am new to the group, from Ajax, Ontario.

From a supplies perspective, I found Danny's Wine and Beer. They seem to be a great resource and reasonable pricing, but they deliver (out of London Ontario). Here is the link below and enjoy!

http://shop.dannyswineandbeer.com/wine-making-equipment.html

PS - I love the "Make BeLeaf Gardens" - Making your own grapes, sounds like a neat hobby as well!

 

[winemaker_3352]

Welcome aboard!!!

 

[jimmyjames23]

Hello - My name is Tino and I too am new to the group, from Ajax, Ontario.

From a supplies perspective, I found Danny's Wine and Beer. They seem to be a great resource and reasonable pricing, but they deliver (out of London Ontario). Here is the link below and enjoy!

http://shop.dannyswineandbeer.com/wine-making-equipment.html

PS - I love the "Make BeLeaf Gardens" - Making your own grapes, sounds like a neat hobby as well!

There's a Vin Bon in Whitby. Much cheaper than online and they have juice buckets.

 

[willjayc]

Hello and welcome from Orillia, ON