Tips of the Trade

1 - INADEQUATE EQUIPMENT
Winemaking equipment, such as pails, carboys and spoons often seems similar to items that may be around the home, however they are specifically made for winemaking and will aid you in producing successful batches of wine time and again.

2 - CLEANING & SANITATION
90% of all winemaking failures can be traced to a lapse in cleaning or sanitation.

3 - FAILURE TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS
Wine kit instructions may seem to be long and complicated butthey are worth following in order to get successful results

4 - BAD WATER
Water quality is important, always try to get the best quality of water that you can when starting a new batch of wine.

5 - POOR YEAST HANDLING
If you look at the instructions in your wine kit, they will likely instruct you to sprinkle your packet of yeast directly on to the must do not stir at this point. Let nature do what it does best. Always check the expiry date on the package of yeast. If it has expired purchase a new one. Using an expired package will be a cause for failure.

6 - POOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
Kit instructions tell you to ferment your wine within a specific temperature range. The ideal temperature is 70 to 77 degrees.

7 - ADDING SULPHITE & SORBATE AT THE WRONG TIME
Sulphite and Sorbate, the stabilisers in the kit work to inhibit yeast activity. By following the instructions carefully you will add each of these addititives in the correct order and help ensure that your batch of wine ferments correctly.

8 - LEAVING OUT THE SULPHITE
Some people believe that they are allergic to sulphites, and want to leave them out of their kits - this is a bad idea. Your wine will spoil very quickly.

9 - NOT STIRRING
On day one, the kit needs to be stirred very vigorously, and at other times during the fermentation process it also needs to be stirred vigorously in order to de-gas the wine. This is a must if you want to produce a enjoyable wine.

10 - NOT WAITING
Wine kits are ready to bottle in 28 or 45 days; they’re not ready to drink - give them time to age and you will be happy with the result!

Fellini Fine Wines