What's in a diy wine kit?

[niknak]

Apart from the yeast that is? I wondered if it's cheaper to get the ingredients yourself,but if so,from where??

Hugs to all

[buddylab]

Hi niknak

 

Normally just a tin of concentrate and instructions. I used to make a lot of wine this way, and they weren't too bad!

 

Bottoms up

 

buddylab

[mystress]

niknak,

IF you can get fresh ingredients(from Garden or Hedgerow) then you WILL get a better tasting wine,but of course a lot of people don't have the time!

If you make either Elderflower,Elderberry or Rhubarb,watch out they can be lethal! LOL

[nfn]

For a first time home brewer grapefruit wine is probably the quickest and easiest. You need 4lb of fruit, 4lb of sugar, 0.5oz yeast (any) and 8 pints of boiling water.

Thinly slice the grapefruit and put into a large bucket with a lid. Add the boiling water and stir. Replace the lid. Every day for 2 weeks stir the mixture (always use non metalic spoon). After 2 weeks drain (through a clean pillow case (might want to use an old one), add the sugar and yeast. Stir mixture daily until fermenting (fizzing) stops. To be sure it has stopped put a little into a glass and watch for bubbles. When it was stopped completely (4ish weeks) decant into thoroughly clean bottles (through a strainer). Seal bottles and store. Drink within 6 months. Any citrus fruit can be used. Orange wine is particularly refreshing in hot weather. Chin Chin!

[nfn]

Bakeries will usually let you have old buckets with lids for free (they get frostings and cream fillings in them).

[niknak]

Hiya and many thankyou's for the replies,Buddylab,Mystress and Nfn - I'll be harvesting the Elderflowers and am curious enough to try grapefruit.

One last question if I could ? - which apple species (and apricot?) is generally used in diy kits?

Hugs as always

[mystress]

niknak,

Thats a difficult one.My gut feeling says Bramleys,best for flavour etc.I cannot imagine they would use eating apples,but it's possible.As for Apricots,I don't know any varities of these(sorry).

[nfn]

Brand of apricot doesn't really matter you just need to balance over ripe and just ripe. Over ripe for sweetness, just ripe for flavour. About half and half should do the trick.

I sound like an alci don't I?