First Timer: Equipment and Kit Guidance?

Hello, everyone.

I've been reading through this ng as well as other websites (links to many of which I got from here) and now I'm anxious to plunge into the world of wine making and to go ahead and buy the equipment and a kit to start off.

I can't find any home brewing shops nearby so I will probably be making my purchases online and think I will decide from among these starter equipment kits:

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From what I can tell, they all look about the same and to have the

necessary basics. But what do I know :-) so I wanted some expert advice.

I did notice that all of the equipment kits I could find online were at about this price range, which is significantly greater than prices I have seen mentioned on this ng. Given that they were older posts, are these prices ($80~$100 US) about what I should be paying nowadays?

I am kind of leaning towards the kit with the 5 gal carboy because of the posts I've read about the benefit of being able to rack off the excess into a smaller jug when making kits and using that later when topping off. Any comments?

Also, should I also be looking into getting other supplies/equipment that might not be included in wine kits or that I might need for cleaning my equipment or at other stages of the process (bottling for example)?

And finally, last but not least, I know it's been asked so much, but any recommendations for a kit to start off with? I was thinking a white or a Merlot, but I'm sure any would be an interesting first experience/experiment.

Wow. That got a little longer than I anticipated. But thanks to all for your insight!

-- Sun

Reply to
Under the Sun
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Sun:

Unfortunately, I live in Canada where there are home brewing shops in nearly every neighbourhood, so I can be picky. Personally, I didn't like those packages. Here are my reasons...

1) wineartindy

a) 5gallon carboy. decent wine kits are 6 US gallon. I know that many people play games with excess in a jug,etc. IMHO not for the beginner. b) smaller primary without a lid - lid isn't essential, but it's nice. This primary might be too small when making those 6 gallon kits c) plastic corker - waste of money, even though it's only a couple of bucks

2) Harrington & William James - both the same package a) no thief included - minor b) hand corker (William James even capitalized it) - IMHO you're better off with a floor corker c) 6 gallon glass carboy - from picture it looks like the larger Italian carboy (6.5 US gallon?) - try to get a Mexican carboy, it's a truer 6 gallon size.

Steve

Reply to
Steve

Sun -

It's generally true that you get what you pay for. I've made many red wines from kits, but never a white wine kit. I generally stick with Winexpert Selection Limited Edition Series if I'm making a kit wine, and the cost runs $110 from my supplier. I know many home winemakers really enjoy the white wine kits as well, so it really boils down to your tastes.

You didn't mention where you live, but make every effort to find your nearest supplier if you can. Check the yellow pages of your nearest metro area, then make a point to visit with them. They always seem to be very willing to help a newbie (it's a 2-way street, you'll both benefit).

Also, continue to pick at the archives on this ng, plug in certain search words and you'll get a wealth of knowledge, experience and advice.

Regarding the equip kits, I can't answer the cost comparison issue. But know that carboys don't generally depreciate in value as long as you keep them clean, and recycling centers are thrilled to have you take their one-gallon jugs. A floor corker may run you in excess of $150, but you'll pat yourself on the back every time you bottle a batch and 10 years later you can still get your $150 back.

Best of luck...

Paul

Under the Sun wrote:

Reply to
pdndr

I was in Indianapolis and visited the store. Very helpful. I bought my first kit there. (Previously "made my wine" at a You brew type of store). THey had a Heron Bay wine kits. I had a question about the kit and the Heron Bay company had an 800 number and called me back with the answer.

There is a local store - However their prices are quite expensive probably a few dollars more than mail order Including shipping! But they are local (so in a pinch).

I did buy a beer making kit from the local store - Unlike the wine making kit which had everything there were a few "extra's" you need to finish your beer making ... The outside of the pack didn't indicate that ... so caveat emptor. You might want to check with who ever you buy your kits with if there is anything else you need!

I have found that most wine making stores/suppliers are extremely customer service orientated.

Reply to
John LaBella

Thanks for all of your responses. I got swamped for a few days so I didn't get to check back until now.

I really like the idea of being able to go into a store and talk to some people took, Paul. I just don't know when I'll have the free time to drive out and make the trip, and I guess I kind of want to get started right away! (This sort of impatience will probably drive me crazy once I actually get started.)

So, I think I'll keep looking around online some more, snooping through the newsgroup, too. I'll keep your comments in mind, Paul... Large enough primary. And as for the secondary, is there some way someone new to this, like myself, can tell if it's the larger 6.5 gal or the Mexican carboy? I guess I can always shoot them an email or give them a call and ask. Like John said, it really does seem that everyone in this hobby finds.. well, everyone else involved in this hobby to be very helpful (store owners, fellow hobbyists, this ng.. etc. etc!)

Anyway. Thanks again, I'll keep looking and hopefully I will be able to get started on my first batch soon!

Any more suggestions and comments are welcome and appreciated, too, of course.

--- Sun

Reply to
Under the Sun

The Italian carboy is slightly bigger than the Mexican but it's not 6.5 gals, it's under 6.25 gals. In any case, wine kits are designed to be done with the Italian carboy because that's the type that's widely available, so I wouldn't worry about it.

The main visual difference between the 2 types is the Italian has ridges, the Mexican is smooth. The carboy should have the capacity stamped on the bottom or on the cardboard package it comes in. Also, the description on the site where you're getting it will always tell you the volume.

Pp

Reply to
pp

Most of the wine kits I've seen require the 7.9 gallon buckets for the primary ferment, and a smaller 6 gallon for the secondary.

Dave

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Under the Sun wrote:

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