Primary fermentation vessel sizes

I think you are just going to have to spend the bucks if you want to ferment all at the same time. Are you sure you want to do this? What is the capacity of your press?

The reason I ask is that for my purposes I can ferment 200 lbs of grapes in a 30 gallon fermentor. My basket press holds 200 pounds. Therefore it is real convenient to do 200 lb lots.

You know, when you are doing quality control at press time ;-) sometimes 200 lbs is all I want to do (or able to do) at one time.

Of course, for me, also, the varieties I work with

- Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon all ripen at different times - about 10 days to two weeks apart so by the time I ferment and press the Merlot I am ready to start to ferment the Cabernet Franc - and finally the Cabernet Sauvignon.

For my larger requirements, I have a Macrobin, which could probably handle about 100 gallons of must (although I never have that much). They come in varying sizes if you need more. You'll need to find a dealer near you - can't buy direct from the manufacturer. many of the larger ag towns in the California Central Valley carry them as they are popular with fruit pickers. MoreWine in Concord also sells them.

snipped-for-privacy@veriz>Does anyone have an opinion regarding the relative size of the