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First batch

Well, I have finally done it... after months of lurking in this newsgroup and researching the process, I have started my first batch of wine. I received a 5 galon starter kit for christmas and am using Sun Cal zinfindel concentrate for my first batch. I put it in the primary fermenter on Tuesday. After trial and error in finding a spot in the house that was warm enough for fermentation, I moved the bucket to a closet in my home office... and it has really taken off.

Any tips for a first timer??

Chris Hertling North Kansas City, MO

Reply to
Chris Hertling
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Chris, Welcome and good-luck. I don't do wine kits, but there are many that do, and I'm sure if you have any questions, just ask. Tip - this hobby can become addicting. ;o) Darlene Wisconsin

Reply to
Dar V

My tip: don't worry to follow the directions to the exact day..you can stretch out the processes (primary, racking to secondary etc.) by days and days and days. Relax and take your time for the wine is very forgiving.

Congrats On Your First Batch!

Karl B. Saint Charles County, MO

Reply to
K. B.

Welcome! My main suggestion would be to follow everything in the instructions except the timing. Use the hydrometer to determine when to do things. If you have any questions about this, ask.

On timing, do not do anything sooner than they say but if you take more time, it will not hurt and may help. (This is true of everything except time in the primary.)

Don't over do the testing. Some kits suggest that you test every day. This is way too much handling. Once it goes in the secondary, if the airlock is bubbling, leave it alone. It is doing fine.

Relax and enjoy. It will come out fine.

Ray

Reply to
Ray Calvert

Er, golly.I guess I did it backwards. I started my first batch a few hours ago, and THEN found this newsgroup. I have no idea what a wine kit is,

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shows my first attempt.

"Primary?" "Secondary?" Gods damned if I know what that means.

Reply to
Susan S

Chris - Check out the on-line winemaking sites listed below. A lot of questions are answered at these sites. All are very good. BTW, you may be able to find Norton grapes at Davenport Orchard and Vineyard in Eudora, Kansas next summer. Get in touch with Greg Shipe...the owner.

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Bill Frazier Olathe, Kansas USA

Reply to
William Frazier

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