Using grapes in kits?

Question

My family is starting a small vineyard in the hopes of having a running winery down the road.

I'm interested in doing homebrew wine. I've got a buddy that does homebrew beer, and I've worked with him doing it, so when I found that there's homebew wine kids, I was excited.

My main question is this:

Will I be able to take grapes from the vineyard (once they're producing) and use them to create the main ingredient to do the homebrew? Ideally, I'd like to spend the next few years getting the technique down, then once we've got some grapes that are useable, make a batch to see how it might turn out for us.

I'll have to revisit this down the line, I'm sure, but are there any suggestions about good books to read on home wine making, with special emphasis on using your own grapes?

Lum Eisenman · Accepted Answer

Chris,There are several good books on home winemaking, but here is one Ilike.........  Good luck with your winemaking,LumDel Mar, California, USA

Bryan M. Everitt · Answer

Check out From Vines to Wines by Jeff Cox.  It is a really informative book about the whole process, from growing to making.  It is certainly more focused on the growing aspect, so you'll need to learn the fine art of making from other sources.  Just a note, making wine from a kit is really, really easy.  Making wine from grapes you grow yourself is a while different ballgame!  Good luck, I would love to have my own vineyard someday when I settle in one area.Bryan

Steve · Answer

Chris:Wine Kits are great.  Some people (not many as a percentage) addgrapes to their kits.  Many others just make wine at home from grapes(crushers, etc).Books are a good thing, but you might also wish to visit thediscussion forums at  Steve

Joe Sallustio · Answer

As to winemaking, Lum's book is great, start there.

Here is the UC Davis book too, it's also free:

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You can use grapes in kits, certainly. Keep in mind the first few years the vines produce grapes they will be a little spotty as to quantity and quality. You may be able to purchase fresh wine grapes or fresh pressed juice in your area also when it's in season.

I don't know where you are so won't recommend any grape growing books, different areas require different techniques. Your county agricultural agent should be helpful there or mention the rough area you are in and we can go from there.

Joe

Using grapes in kits?

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