wolfman said:
How did you like the results of the spirals?
I will also be interested in hearing about the results from the barrel aging.
I haven't jumped into the home wine making process yet, just doing some
research before I do and came across your post. Since noone else
replied I figure I give it a shout. Especially since I just left
George's site before visiting the forums.
How would you compare home brewed wine to say a $15 bottle of store
bought? My taste buds have been conditioned to the
California wines and in particular the big Cabs.
Honestly I'm not able to tell you about the spirals... yet. I put one in about two weeks ago. I did, however, find a product called oak-boy. It was basically a long square, rectangular oak stick. It worked ok. I think I pulled it out too early. I wasn't patient enough. That is one reason I went for the oak spiral. I have high hopes for the spiral. Though, since I just filled up my 5 gal barrel for the first time tonight, I don't think I'll be buying an oak spiral too soon.
Also, welcome to the forum. I think you will fit in well here. You already show that you are willing to try and help and that is why I have stayed with this forum. So welcome and thank you.
As for comparing your home-brew to a $15 dollar bottle... hmmmm?
Which $15 dollar bottle. See, I've drank anywhere from about $50-$5 bottles. I, too, drink from about a $20 bottle range (and below usually, sometimes up a few bucks too). I would say that it really depends. Sometimes when you make your own wine you actually appreciate it more because you were able to control aspects of it. Say for instance, you love oak (as I've seen many home winemakers do). Well then for about a year you will waaaay overoak. (and love it by the way) then you will find you like something dryer and make a dryer wine. So there really is no comparison.
okay okay, you want direct numbers. I can see you won't be happy until I do answer. I think you will find that depending on the type of kit you choose to buy and make will ultimately make the difference (and how long you are willing to age it). If you bought a good WineExpert kit (about $75) I would dare say you would be in the neighborhood of a $15 bottle. If you went up and buy a kit with grape skins (i.e. Crushendo) you can be anywhere from 15 to 35 depending on how you value the flavor. I made a white (which I don't really enjoy many whites) and it was just as good as any gwurstraminer that I have ever bought... no check that, in fact better. Though, I only buy about two bottles of it a year.
Ultimately, you will not save money buying kit wines. Maybe if you get into making fruit wines with free (or close to) fruit. Now you won't save money (not because you can't, but because you will choose not too). The reason for this is simple TOYS! I would dare say if I did the math my bottles are coming up around $10-15 each for home wine. It would be less, but I had to buy a filter, bottler, barrel, on and on. But if you are diligent you will save money. Even if you don't save money you will love what you make, and you will love making it.
So if you are thinking of getting into this hobby, do. Worst case you can sell your supplies on ebay. (but I don't think you will want to).
Hope that helps,
-Ryan
Oh and I do have to say. I have not felt as much satisfaction as I did filling up a barrel with my own home made wine tonight. (even if barrels are not at all cost effective
)
