Primary Fermentation Temperature Concern

[lerxstrulz]

Hi All,

First time winemaker! I'm using the Winexpert Washington Merlot kit with skins.

The instructions say to keep in a place where the temp will be between 72 and 75 deg F.

I have a sticky thermometer on the fermenter (6 gal plastic) and since yesterday it has been hovering around the 77 to 70 deg F range. I woke up yesterday and it was at 81 F. My apt says around 72/73. I pointed some fans at it and since then the temp hovers around 75/76.

Just wondering if this is ok. The fermentation seems to be going nicely...lots of bubbles in the water lock I have been removing the lid and stirring at least once a day and pushing the skins down. I read that the yeast can prob live until 90 deg F, but I know I do not want huge temp swings either.

Any tips or pointers would be appreciated.

Thanks!

- Brent

 

[Julie]

Welcome to winemakingtalk.

Once fermentation starts, it will create it's own heat. You are fine.

 

[sour_grapes]

The instructions say to keep in a place where the temp will be between 72 and 75 deg F.

I have a sticky thermometer on the fermenter (6 gal plastic) and since yesterday it has been hovering around the 77 to 70 deg F range. I woke up yesterday and it was at 81 F. My apt says around 72/73. I pointed some fans at it and since then the temp hovers around 75/76.

Did you mean 77 to 80 F?

I agree with Julie, you should be fine. As she says, fermentation gives off heat, but I don't think you will get to an unhealthy temperature given your conditions. The fan trick sounds like a good step.

 

[lerxstrulz]

Did you mean 77 to 80 F?

Haha yes I did....

Ok thank you both! Whew! I'll leave the fans on them and keep an eye on the temp.