30 Gal secondary fermentation containers

I'm ramping up my wine making this year and have started to plan and buy equipment. I've been making batches of 5-7 gallons of wine to this point. I plan to make around 30 gallons.

I have a large 55gal food-grade plastic barrel for primary and a new

30gal oak barrel for aging. My question is what others are using for secondary/MLF containers.

At 30gal it isn't too unreasonable to have 6 carboys sitting around (and I already have 3). But I've also thought about SS 15gal beer kegs. What do others use for larger-volume secondary containers? What do those who make full 55gal barrels of wine use?

Thanks in advance.

-Greg

Reply to
Greg
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hi greg! we graduated to producing 60+ gallons /yr for the past 4 yrs. because we're frugal (cheap) and a group (indecisive & obstinate) we've been using carboys & 50 liter demi-johns ( glass & plastic) that we aquired over the years. last year we did our 2ndary in all carboys because it was more convenient. the carboys were easier to move around as we reno'd "the winery." also, the carboys were more managable for us during rackings & cleanings. this coming year we'll be at capacity & will have to review our options too, as we look at "captial expeditures." that's our story & we're sticking to it. hope this was helpful, regards, bobdrob

Reply to
bobdrob

Reply to
gene

I make 50-75 gallons per year, using food-grade plastic primarys (5-, 7.5-,

10- and 32-gallon) and glass carboys for secondary fermentation (4-ltr and 3-, 5-, 6- and 6.5-gal). For me the main advantages are the flexibility and ease of handling these sizes -- although I certainly don't try to move a 32-gal primary even half-filled, and a full 6-gal has to be handled with care!

Bart

Reply to
bwesley8

Variable volume stainless steel tanks are the best way to go when you start making larger quantities. They have collapsible air tight lids that adjust to any volume. They work well as fermenters as well as bulk aging. They are also very easy to clean.

300L/80Gal.size is perfect for ~60+ gallons, and they're available from 30L/8Gals. to about as big as you want. You may want to look at a 150L or 200L for your needs. They're easy to move around if you keep them on piano dollies. They can cost a few hundred $ or more, but since the wine in them is more valuable, it's not an issue. And having the right equipment makes all the difference. Hope that helps. -Bob

Reply to
butlercellars

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