Record methods

[seaguy]

I am interested in record keeping methods. Would like to hear what some of you do to keep up with what you are doing. Notebooks? Software? I'm thinking a small notebook for each wine I've started but would like to hear what others do.
I cannot rely on memory....

 

[Runningwolf]

I hang tags on all of my carboys I get at Staples to record each step i do and a date. Just recently I started using a spread sheet from More Wines. There is a very good software program out there that others are using. The tags are good for while you make the wine but when it's finished i toss them out. This leaves no notes on the wines for the future, shame on me. This is why I've gone to a simple spread sheet in addition to the tags

 

[seaguy]

After a little searching I found that this topic is nicely covered.

 

[roblloyd]

I am using BrewTrax. It works very well and has lots of great features built in. I think it was worth the money.
I looked at the spreadsheet idea and that will also work but this will give you nice reports, has recipes in it, etc. Plus they are a sponsor here.

 

[tonyt]

Great question. First I make notes ahead of time from folks on this forum suggestions and looking back at notes of previous batches. I use tags on carboys while wine is making and keep a printed record as I go. I very often refer back to the printed record to plan new batches. I'll try to attach the files later today.

 

[ibglowin]

Notebook, notebook, notebook. Can't say it enough, write down what you did and when, any observations that are different or unusual, taste test, temps, SG's. I end up with usually 2 pages in my notebook of observations, test results, additions, top up wine info for each kit.

Of course nobody but me can decipher it all, but then thats by design!

 

[winemaker_3352]

I also use a notebook to write day readings, testing, day to day activities, etc.

 

[Dugger]

I also use notebooks. I have a small spiral notebook ( Doug's Wine Book!) about 4"x6" that I started years ago - it has one page devoted to each wine and includes a basic summary of info. This is easy to check back chronologically for any wine and also allows me to add tasting notes as time passes. Then I have a spiral scribbler that I use for day to day notations, planning, etc. I also fill in info on the kit instructions ( I make mostly kits) and keep them for awhile. Finally I stick masking tape with notes on each bucket/carboy for critical info. Probably overkill, but it doesn't take much time and becomes part of your routine.

 

[CoachPieps]

I have paper in a sheet protector hanging off the carboy. Making notes all along the way. When the wine is bottled I file it in a three ring binder for future reference. As everyone says take notes, notes and more notes that you will use in the future.

 

[tonyt]

Here are pdf files of my wimemaking log and a sample of a plan I type up for each batch. For the plan I ask suggestions on the forums, search posts about the specific wine I am making and bring together a plan of attack for the process. I seldom (never) follow the plan exactly and modify the plan as I go and then print it out at the end along with the log. I have these records for all 15 kits I have done.

View attachment Wine Makers Log.pdf

View attachment Valpolicella Ripassa.pdf

 

[ibglowin]

Very nice Tony!

 

[Rocky]

Seaguy,
I use a three ring binder and section it off for each wine that I make. I have a tabbed separator, a clear sheet holder with the directions that came with the kit and several sheets of lined paper for notes in each section. On the carboy or the fermentor I use a strip of duct tape with only the name of the wine. I work mostly in my cellar so I can take the binder to my den (upstairs) and plan the work that I have to do with each wine. I had an old compter (desktop) that I replaced with a new one and have set it up in the basement, but I have not used it as yet. I like the portablilty of the binder.

 

[Tom]

http://www.winemakingtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8365


Wine Calc

http://www.xs4all.nl/~mpesgens/thwp/winecalc.html

 

[deboard]

I use google calendar and google docs for all of my record keeping. I create a new document for each wine with the recipe and initial stuff. I then create calendar entries as I go, sometimes I create the next one ahead of time to remind me. I add any modifications I make to these entries, and then grab it all at the end and add it back to the original google doc. Nice because it's out in the cloud and I can access it from pretty much anywhere.

If I get more serious in the future I would probably try out brewtrax, it looks pretty nice, but since I'm running a 3 batch at a time operation I don't have too many problems keeping up.

 

[ibglowin]

Great idea, plus its free!

 

[jtstar]

I use the Yahoo notebook that way if your computor crashes you don't loose any of your information

 

[dangerdave]

Thanks a lot, Tony. I stole a copy of your Wine Maker's Log pdf. I think it will come in very handy. I've been usuing a notebook for everything. I needed something to hang near my carboys. I think your log will do nicely. You saved me some work, here.

Thanks again!

Dave

 

[sly22guy]

I use a 3 ring binder in which i section each recipe and then the next page is a wine log very similar to tony's. I use masking tape & a Sharpe for my carboys and primaries and record dates & sg readings on them and any other important info. you can peal them off and transfer when you rack too.

 

[tonyt]

Thanks a lot, Tony. I stole a copy of your Wine Maker's Log pdf.
Dave

I actually stole it from Tom last year and have changed it up a bit. If you want I can email it to you so you can edit it to suit yourself. It as a word file and won't upload for me.

 

[Tom]

I actually stole it from Tom last year and have changed it up a bit. If you want I can email it to you so you can edit it to suit yourself. It as a word file and won't upload for me.

I like the word "copy"