Newbie Just Starting

[bthompson]

Hi all, and thanks for taking time to read this.

I want to jump right in and start making wines. The first question I suppose is about equipment. I'll be making from kits, and least to start. Any recommendations on equipment kits? I've done some research, so I should mention I will be doing 30 bottles at a time, no immediate plans to have several batches going at once. I would like to grow out of the kits and experiament at a later time, if that's a factor. Thanks in advance!

 

[Tom]

Well bthompson WELCOME to the group!
If you do not have a local source here is a place we reccomend. He also has starter kita available.
http://www.finevinewines.com/
George has the biggest selection. I would suggest something you like. Aslo, depending on your budget try the higher end kits. In winemaking "you get what you pay for"
If you have a good wine pallet the higher end for sure.
Depending on what part of the world you are from California juice is in this month. Something to consider now or later.

 

[bthompson]

Thanks, Tom. I live about 20 miles from his shop, so that's perfect. What do you see as the benefits of upgrades from the Basic, Beginner, and Deluxe? I don't mind spending the money, but my guess is I will be doing a batch or 2 per year.

 

[St Allie]

hello bthompson

welcome to the forum

Allie

 

[bthompson]

Thanks, Allie.

 

[Wade E]

Welcome. I second that fine vine wines site and am actually a mod on that forum also. Check out his site and register as you get a 10% discount for the first purchase and a gift certificate every year for your birthday if you join the birthday club. After all that once you spend a certain amount youll start getting a growers discount on every purchase for helping his business grow. Hell help you choose exactly what you need as far as wines and equipment.

 

[Tom]

Thanks, Tom. I live about 20 miles from his shop, so that's perfect. What do you see as the benefits of upgrades from the Basic, Beginner, and Deluxe? I don't mind spending the money, but my guess is I will be doing a batch or 2 per year.

Spend the extra $ on the deluxe. It is well worth it and you will need all of it and them some when you become OBSESSED

 

[Tom]

BTW.
Once you start making wine you will make MORE that 2 batch's a year.

 

[bthompson]

I see

BTW.
Once you start making wine you will make MORE that 2 batch's a year.

Lovely, another obsession.

 

[Tom]

Lovely, another obsession.

You have "OTHERS"?
What are they?

 

[bthompson]

You have "OTHERS"?
What are they?

Fly fishing, sailing, golf....jeesh, I have a problem.

 

[St Allie]

Fly fishing, sailing, golf....jeesh, I have a problem.

not a problem lol

.. after all

you have a drink at the clubhouse after golf
beer and fishing are always in vogue
champagne is the perfect tipple when sailing..

you're just co-ordinating your obsessions.


Allie

 

[bthompson]

not a problem lol

.. after all

you have a drink at the clubhouse after golf
beer and fishing are always in vogue
champagne is the perfect tipple when sailing..

you're just co-ordinating your obsessions.


Allie

Absolute genius!

 

[cbw]

bthompson>> a batch or two a year

Yeah, I thought that too ... even though I'm new at this, I have three different kits aging in carboys, with two other kits waiting in the wings .... for a total of five ... and I find myself longingly looking at websites for my next kit.

I'm in the US and I think the kits are cheaper in Canada ... so I'm thinking "road trip" and wondering how many kits I would have to buy to pay for the trip ... and wonder what US CUSTOMS would think if I bring 10 or 12 kits across.

>>a batch or two a year

I'll bet you'll be drinking that statement in a couple of months.

 

[Tom]

Do I hear OBSESSION????

 

[cpfan]

cbw:

Where do you live that a road trip to Canada is reasonable? If you're going into BC or Ontario, a lot of retailers are small size FoPs that don't carry much stock and some don't seem to like home wine makers.

Steve

 

[lovethepirk]

bt,

hey there! I am a newbie as well and have about 2.5 weeks until I can drink my first bottle!

Actually our first drinks are not going to be bottled...my girl and I discussed it already. We are either going to just dump a bunch of wine in a bucket and get sideways or put two rubber tubes into the carboy and suck on them for 2 hours.

We haven't decided which route yet....we are just excited it won't be vinegar we are drinking



heheheh

---oh and if this batch turns out nicely, I can't imagine the wine rack I am going to have to build to handle the wine that this newbie is gonna pump out....

Thanks all for all the help and good luck bt!

 

[bthompson]

http://www.finevinewines.com/
George has the biggest selection.

Went by and visited with George today. Seems like a great guy, and he appreciated the endorsement by all here. Thanks again to everyone.