My wine making is going great. I have enough equipment to keep 2 (6) gal going at once (for the basic kits) and a few gal sized for the home made stuff. (I have one 6 gal fermentation bucket & 2 (6) gal carboys)
One 5 gallon carboy, 2 (2 1/2 gallon) and a few other plastic food type containers. I have learned that if it contained something you can eat or drink you can use it. And doesn't that save $$$$$$$ Yes I also have the hydrometers, basic "chemicals" and all the other crap. I have a gravity filter system that I like, and I have taken over the one cordless drill for stirring and the heat gun for the shrinks! I am considering going a bit further than kits so my work area will need to get a little bigger. I am running out of room! (I also tried those big soda bottles once)
I have everyone I know save bottles, I buy some when I need to and since we have to recycle here, every week when Ed or I take our recycle to the center, we "pick" up a few bottles from there!
Since starting this hobby in Jan of '08, I have:
-Barolo (enjoyed a young bottle recently, not bad but still very young)
-Merlot
-Chardonnay (have enjoyed a couple bottles)
-Riesling (never was a fan, but this one is incredible)
-table white (powder kit, don't care for it)(have you tried these?)
-table red ("")(although I have a friend that loved it, go figure!)
-California Chardonnay (this one is great)
-Pinot Grigio (bottle 4/24)
-Blackberry Merlot (for my daughters sweet tooth! She took home 2 bottles and this one should be good, but I probably won't drink it as it is too sweet for my taste) (bottled 5/21)
I have an apricot gallon still in the works from a book Pete sent me. This one is taking its time. I almost threw it away as it developed that "smell" but have been able to clear it. It is super sweet and starting to clear now, so I'll let you know. (I made saucy susan out of the remaining apricots, that came out super and one of Ed's favorite bbq sauces!)
So, I had to buy a commercial rack to house some of this in my cellar. I also have another smaller rack so I can house about 200 or so bottles. (which I am either at or near) It's hard to keep up with the quantity as every time my son comes over, he helps himself!
I want to get a few more in the works soon so I can take a break for awhile. I work in my office so it usually smells pretty good in here. I will have to do the stabilizing & clearing in the cellar since it is cooler downstairs during the summer however.
I used your heating pad method this winter to keep the temp right during the primary fermentation and it was a God send! Thanks. (I keep my house cool in the winter)
I also try to keep good notes for "next time" for each one and the different brands of kits. I am hoping to make some gallon types this summer of special kinds for shi#s & giggles. (Pete's book will come in handy there too!)
Personally I could care less what people think of my wino-ism! I am the wine drinker in this house and everyone I know is aware that I love my wine. Their opinion means nothing to me! (especially those that want a sample!) Oh, and I just love the few that expect a bottle when its finished! Expect!!! hahahaha I only share with the good people if you know what I mean.
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Edited by crazyd37 at 05/27/2008 6:11 AM PDT
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Edited by crazyd37 at 05/27/2008 6:13 AM PDT
