somewhat of anniversay

[Fly boy]

Well, it has been a little over a year since I have made my first kit.


During this time, I have bottled 12 kits, there are 10 more to bottle in carboys, and a bunch of kits to get going on.


I agree with many of the recommendations of the year aging process. It does provide a better wine then right out of the carboy.


Great hobby. I think the holiday season at our house is going to be well stocked this year!

 

[grapeman]

Well Happy Anniversary then! What are your favorite kits you have done?
Sounds like you have built up a pretty good stock of carboys to have 10 full and aging! Share your experiences you have gained over the last year with us.

 

[Fly boy]

Picking just one kit would be tough. I really like most of the wines. I think the whole process gives anyone a chance to experiencea real variety of wines.


I have finally mastered the auto siphon from the carboys. For some reason that was a little of a trick to learn. There is nothing like it slipping out of your hands and seeing a plume of lees explode from the bottom.


The part I hate most about this is getting the darn bottles ready for bottling. The rest of the process is fun and nothing like the fruits of your labors.


I have tried a strawberry wine from fresh fruit and it tastes better all the time. The blueberries are in the freezer and I have to juice them once the carboys are free.


Aging does wonders on the kits. I have taken the approach of making more than I can (should) consume, and end up with many bottles after a year. Strategy has worked so far.


Great hobby. I think my wife thinks I have lost it.

 

[grapeman]

I have finally mastered the auto siphon from the carboys. For some reason that was a little of a trick to learn. There is nothing like it slipping out of your hands and seeing a plume of lees explode from the bottom.

In case you haven't seen it yet, Masta has a tutorial on racking with an auto-siphon that prevents such lees mishaps(or at least makes it a lot less likely to happen). Here is a link to it- check it out!
http://www.finevinewines.com//Wiz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2650

 

[Fly boy]

All under control now.