A hydrometer and test cylinder are among the most important tools for any winemaker. Used to measure specific gravity to monitor fermentation and sugar levels, these two items are very inexpensive (about $15.00 for the hydrometer and test cylinder) and… Continue reading
I’ve seen a number of advertisements online suggesting that you can make wine for free. There are “experts” who apparently claim they can tell you how to make wine at no cost to yourself. Can you really do this? Well…… Continue reading
Some years ago, I received a phone call from my brother. He was obviously “sloshed.” Between some giggles and slurred words, he asked me, “Ian, how do you start a siphon?”
I didn’t know at the time why he… Continue reading
(Positively Charged Fining Agent)
Many might be surprised to know that a commonly used fining agent in wine comes from the bladder of some fishes, usually sturgeon, cod or cichlids. It often comes packaged in some white wine kits as… Continue reading
If you’ve decided that home winemaking is for you, you’ll want to know how you can save some money and make the process more efficient. One way to save on costs is to reuse your wine bottles. Although a case… Continue reading