Newbie wine maker

[Jojow]

Heeeelp, ive used a Wilco home wine kit, it’s 2 weeks old now and still bubbling, when can I add the the other sachets and do I leave bottling till it’s ready, I’ve purchased a hydrometer but I didn’t do the reading on day 1 It’s tastes like wine though many thanks jo

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Welcome to the forum Jo.

You need to leave it until its finished before adding anything else it needs to get to .995 - .990 then you can move on to finishing it, it doesn't matter that you didn't take the first reading buy you need to take the second to be sure its finished fermenting.

Once its finished fermenting follow the instructions and if you are unsure about anything else don't hesitate to ask further questions in the thread.

 

[Jojow]

 

[Jojow]

This was yesterday

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Nice one, its got a long way to go give it a week and try again.

Did you spin the hydrometer when you put it in, the idea behind this is it releases any bubbles stuck to it giving a more accurate reading, try it next time asit wont make much difference to the reading you just showed.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

If you want to try making your own wine from supermarket juice that is cheap to make, great tasting and that can be ready to drink in two weeks give this a try -
How to make Supermarket Juice Wine - HERE.

 

[Jojow]

Nice one, its got a long way to go give it a week and try again.
Did you spin the hydrometer when you put it in, the idea behind this is it releases any bubbles stuck to it giving a more accurate reading, try it next time asit wont make much difference to the reading you just showed.

Thankyou for your help, much appreciated love , Do you think I need to keep it warmer, I don’t have a airing cupboard but my house is pretty warm, I’m going to wrap a pillow around her tonight see if it helps

 

[Chippy_Tea]

I have successfully made wine in my kitchen many times when the temperature has dropped to15c at night i used to wrap a folded beach towel round the FV, the only problem with a colder than recommended fermentation is it takes a lot longer so patience is a virtue.

If you are going to make wine regularly in winter consider buying a heat pad like the one below they really do make a difference.





Dearer than the one below but in stock at forum sponsor GetErBrewed - Flexible Heat Pad - Get Er Brewed

This is the cheapest i have found at £12:95 (again forum sponsor) Brew2Bottle (currently out of stock) - Brew2Bottle 25ltr Home Brew Heat Pad

 

[johncrobinson]

Second that advice about the heat mat chippy

 

[Chippy_Tea]

I started a 30 bottle Range store make your own wine kit last night it was showing 26c in my unheated kitchen this morning and it's slowly bubbling thanks to my heat mat.

 

[Barley Rubble]

Chippy. Just a quick query on SJW;
How long will the wine keep in screw top wine bottles? I assume corked wine bottles will keep the wine fresher for longer than screw tops, or is that wrong.

As regards screw top wine bottles, would I be better off using Nova screw tops rather than the original screw caps?
When I purchased my starter kit, I received over 60 green wine bottles that take cork stoppers, so I really want to make use of these.
Thanks.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

How long will the wine keep in screw top wine bottles? I assume corked wine bottles will keep the wine fresher for longer than screw tops, or is that wrong.

I dont se why the wine should keep longer with corks rather than screw caps in fact if corks dry out the wine is ruined.

As regards screw top wine bottles, would I be better off using Nova screw tops rather than the original screw caps?

The original caps will be fine, members have said they wear with time and can become less airtight i just bit the bullet and move straight to Novotwist caps.

When I purchased my starter kit, I received over 60 green wine bottles that take cork stoppers, so I really want to make use of these.
Thanks

Do they have a thread on top if not it looks like its corks for you.

 

[Arcs]

Welcome to the forum Jo.

You need to leave it until its finished before adding anything else it needs to get to .995 - .990 then you can move on to finishing it, it doesn't matter that you didn't take the first reading buy you need to take the second to be sure its finished fermenting.

Once its finished fermenting follow the instructions and if you are unsure about anything else don't hesitate to ask further questions in the thread.

Chippy to the rescue!! #Superwine man xD

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Reply

Chippy to the rescue!! #Superwine man xD

I've been here a long time i guess some info sinks in and stays in.

 

[Barley Rubble]

Chippy;
Thanks for the replies to my questions.
Does SJW improve with age, like home brewed beer does?
Realistically, how long will the SJW keep? Six months?

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Does SJW improve with age, like home brewed beer does?

It does improve but not like a proper from picked fruit wine would so we don't bother as it takes up too much space in our small house.

Realistically, how long will the SJW keep? Six months?

In theory the same as any other 13% wine, as long as the cap is airtight the wine shouldn't spoil.

 

[Jojow]

Do I have wine now, help please, do I need to add the stabiliser and finings now, and when do I bottle please x

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Looking good, I am not sure if Wilko instructions say to rack for clearing so I will assume they don't.

With clean hands cover the neck of the DJ shake it for a couple of seconds and release your hand this gets rid of the Co2, keep doing it a few times until it stops hissing when you take your hand off, add the stabiliser and give it a shake to mix it thoroughly now add finings and shake gently, put the airlock back on and in a couple of days it should be ready to bottle.

 

[Jojow]

Looking good, I am not sure if Wilko instructions say to rack for clearing so I will assume they don't.

With clean hands cover the neck of the DJ shake it for a couple of seconds and release your hand this gets rid of the Co2, keep doing it a few times until it stops hissing when you take your hand off, add the stabiliser and give it a shake to mix it thoroughly now add finings and shake gently, put the airlock back on and in a couple of days it should be ready to bottle.

And how long until it’s ready to drink x

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Once bottled give it a try if it's a bit harsh give it a couple of weeks and try again, there is no exact time for anything home brew.