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5/2/2012 -- I am new to this brewing my own beer soda & wine. Your kits only have the brewing tools & not the mixing ingredients right?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Welcome to our hobby/obsession!
Yes, we sell the brewing equipment kits (tools) separately from the ingredients for making beer/wine/sodas. The Equipment Kits are a one time purchase, and you can choose the type of beer you like from our Ingredient Kits. We put together about 15 different recipe kits that get you started in the right way. . . .
7/27/2010 -- I want to buy a kit that would enable me to do both beer and wine. A friend argues I should go with the wine kit and add the beer brewing stuff. Please let me know exactly what I need to purchase.
Also, I intend to use ceramic top beer bottles for my beer. What's the best way to clean them? Do you sell the rubber piece (gaskets) they . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: In general, I would say your friend is on the right track, assuming you have a lot of flip-top bottles around. Those bottles are pretty handy.
If you are thinking of making wine from your own juice, fresh fruit etc, then the 5 gallon wine making kit is a good choice. If you want to make wine from our varietal wine kits (an excellent way . . .
7/17/2010 -- I have the Deluxe Brewing Equipment Kit.I want to start making wine as well. What would I need to buy to start making wine? Do I have most of the equipment already because I have the Deluxe Brewing Equipment kit? Thx and your DBBW is great!
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Very little really, if you go with our varietal (ingredient) kits. You may want to cork your bottle instead of capping them however, so some bottles a corker and some corks are probably in oder.
The varietal kits are are actually 6 gallons instead of 5 with the beer kits so an additional 6 gallon carboy comes in real handy too. You'll find . . .
5/17/2010 -- what is your phone number?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: We can be reached at (425) 355-8865
Our toll free order is (800) 850-2739
8/3/2008 -- I brought a Wine making kit from you & was wondering where I can find Labels to put on my wine bottles? Do you carry any? Please let me know, Thanks!
Sincerly Yours; Margie
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Sure do. They are in our Bottle Labeling Supplies category. Software, too, for making your own. Here is a link to that category:
http://store.homebrewheaven.com/Category34
2/2/2008 -- When fermenting wine, when do you transfer from primary(plastic) fermenter to a glass carboy? Could you ferment in one or the other, could you explain why this transfer is necessary? Thank You
Response From Homebrew Heaven: You typically transfer your wine after the vigorous part of the fermentation (primary fermentation) has ended, and the wine is starting to clear. It is a good way to do it.
The purpose of transferring your wine into another fermenter (like a glass carboy) is to aid in clarifying it.
A fair amount of sediment is produced in the fermentation . . .
1/26/2008 -- I live about an hour (if traffic is good) from the address on your website. Do you have an actual store or is everything here based solely online?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, we have an actual brick-and-mortar store in Everett, WA. People actually walk in and buy stuff!
Our address is:
Homebrew Heaven
9109 Evergreen Way
Everett, WA 98204
Here is a video of our shop:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1a5fKvv8XI
Heck, you can actually call us on the phone, too! It's 425-355-8865. A person will . . .
12/8/2007 -- My husband and I would like to start brewing our own beer. We already have the complete wine kit so what extra things will I need to purchase to make the beer? Thanks!
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Not much, aside from the beer ingredients. Starting with one of our Homebrew Heaven ingredient kis is a good way to go. The instructions in the recipe kit will get you going.
There are two important differences between making wine and making beer. 1) You will need to boil your beer. This will require a pot to cook your beer in. 2) You'll . . .
8/11/2007 -- is the item that i picked out all that my son will need to try and make wine?, also does it come with all of the information that he will need to make wine? thanks nancy
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Generally, yes... This kit is complete, in that it has all the necessary equipment to make wine (except for wine bottles) from our varietal wine kits (the ingredients). That is what we recommend, at least for the first batch or two.
8/5/2007 -- I have the Cab. Sauv. kit and the 6 gallon wine making kit. Since I have the Cabernet kit, I assume I will not need the nylon straining bag. Correct?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Correct. There are a few things that we put in there that you won't need when using the varietal wine kits, like you have. A straining bag is useful when making wine from berries etc., for instance.
Simply follow the instructions inside the Cab Sauv Kit, and enjoy!
7/31/2007 -- I have bought the deluxe beer making kit and now want to try to make your wine. What will I need to buy, I already have the 6 gal glass carboy?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Not much, actually. I would recommend starting out by making wine using our varietal wine kits for the ingredients. A good way to make great wine easily. You can always make wine from berries, tree fruit and fresh grapes later on when you have a little experience.
As far as equipment, all you will really need is some wine bottles (easy . . .
4/5/2007 -- The book that comes with the equipment kit recommends soaking the corks in SO2 solution prior to bottling. The instructions with the juice kit don't mention this and the kit doesn't provide "extra" SO2 for this step. Is this necessary? What do you recommend?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Actually, the kit does come with SO2. Campden tablets are potassium bisulfite, which when mixed with water is SO2 solution.
These days, most winemakers don't bother to soak their corks, and in fact I find it unnecessary. Modern corks are very clean, and not a problem as far as contamination goes. You are just fine with inserting them "dry". . . .
1/30/2007 -- I bought your intermediate beer-brewing kit last year, and I noticed it is very similar to your winemaking kit. Could I simply buy the items from the winemaking kit that are not included in the beermaking kit, and then use it to make wine? Can the same equipment be used to make both wine and beer? Or do you have to have seperate equipment . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, you can do that. No problem.
Wine does typically take longer to make than beer, so often brewers get another carboy so that they can have both going at the same time. It wouldn't do to run out!
1/6/2007 -- The temperature in my basement in the winter months is around 62 to 65 degrees and i know you are supposed to keep it between 65 and 75 for the wine kits,so i bought a brew belt and wrapped it around my 6 gal primary fermentor about a third of the way down from the top, when i put my floating thermometer in was about 72 degrees but when i . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: We don't comment on products that we don't sell, like "brew belts". With comments like yours, we don't need to.
We do feel that our brew pad is a much better product, however. It is a gentle heat, applied from the bottom.
Will your methods/equipment affect the wine? Perhaps...generally white wines are better at low temperatures, and . . .
1/5/2007 -- I have your 6 gallon kit with Vino del Vida Cabernet, but I have no yeast; what should I get?
Also the supplied book suggests I get a Titret test kit. Should I add this as well?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: The yeast for the Vino del Vida is inside the box (with the juice). No need to get any more.
No need for a titret kit, either. That is for measuring the amount of SO2 in your wine. The SO2 in the kits is controlled by the manufacturer, and is supplied in pre-measured packets
(again, inside the Vino del Vida box). Complete instructions . . .
10/15/2006 -- Great site
I would like to purchase the wine making kit and try this new hobby. I have tried my own brew but had a problem getting air out of the glass bottle when trying to get the cork top in. It kept on pushing back out. Does your kit have a tool to eliminate this problem?
How long will it take to get the kit to Cape Town in South . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, we have a very good corker that is included in the kit. Also a bottle filler, for filling to the correct level.
Shipping to Cape Town should take 4-10 days by USPS Air Parcel Post, but that is expensive. We can also use USPS Surface Mail, but that take 4-6 weeks. The cost is much less for this option.
9/5/2006 -- I am thinking of geting in to the wine game and using one of your peach wine bases. What is the alc. content and is there a way to make it higher. if I were to buy a kit such as Strawberry Reisling Mist witch isnt very strong what would I do to incress that also
Response From Homebrew Heaven: The peach wine base recipe will make a wine of about 11% alcohol by volume.
To make (most) any wine higher in alcohol, it is simply a matter of adding more sugar at the beginning of fermentation. You can overdo this, of course. Figure 1 lb of sugar will turn into about 1% alcohol in a 5 gallon batch.
8/2/2006 -- I have read that if the the Primary Fermenter is plastic the lid must have a gasket type seal to avoid contamination. One, is this true and two does your lids have a gasket type seal?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: A good seal is a good idea...this is not to say your beer or wine will automatically be contaminated if you don't have one, but it is desired.
Yes, our plastic 3, 6 and 7.75 gallon Primary Fermenters all have gasket seals.
6/8/2006 -- I have your delux beer kit plus i added an additional 6 gal carboy and i have the ozygenation system.
i want to make some wine for the wife. I do not drink wine, never found any i like. not sofisticated enough i guess so i know very little about wine. she likes a semi sweet blush white wine, with some fruity flavor to it. which of your . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: So many questions! It would be better to ask them individually, that way the answer can appear in the various categories, and others can benefit from them. Here goes, however...
I'm sure she would like our Cellar Classic White Zinfandel Kit. Here is a link to that product:
http://www.nexternal.com/hombre/Product264
No, we don't have . . .
6/7/2006 -- Can the fermenters and carboys be used for either beer making or wine making? If I want to do both, which kit should I be looking at?
Trying to figure out the biggest bang for my buck!
Thanks
Shawn
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Understood. It seems like we get less and less bang every day (for the buck). In this case, it helps that you can use much of the same equipment for both (fermenter, carboy, airlocks, siphon, hydrometer & test jar etc etc.).
For MY buck, I would get the Wine Making Equipment Kit and supplement it with a capper and some caps for the beer. . . .
5/3/2006 -- I have been brewing beer for a while and am ready to try making wine. I plan on starting with a red wine concentrate/juice kit but I don't know how the quality among kits varies. Although I assume all your kits would be excellent choices do some come with a lower concentrate level(more juice) than others? Are there other factors that seperate . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, you have the idea. Some varietal wine kits contain less (or zero) concentrate than others, and more juice. More juice means a more delicate, aromatic wine as well as better quality in general. As you might expect, they cost more, and because of the added weight, they are more expensive to ship.
In terms of quality, the best brands . . .
4/16/2006 -- I have never made wine before, nor do I have any idea about what I need to do or anything (COMPLETE beginner). I am just wondering if you could instruct me as to what supplies/how to books? I will need and what it will cost me. I am looking to make fruit wines (strawberry, raspberry, peach, etc...) I would like a large fermentation container . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: This Kit (Complete Wine Making Equipment Kit) is a great way to get going. It has all the hardware (including a 7.5 gallon fermenter and a good instruction/recipe book) you should need to make the fruit wines you describe.
Assuming you will be using your own fresh fruit, the only other items you will need are a few things like our Wine . . .
3/9/2006 -- do I nead new airlocks every time i make wine, and what are campden tablets?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: No, the airlocks can be used for years.
Campden tablets are potassium bifulfite, compressed into a convenient tablet. You typically use one per gallon of wine.
2/24/2006 -- Would like to purchase equipment and juice to begin this interesting "hobby". I'm not sure of which or how much of each chemical or additive to purchase. I am considering the 6 gallon kit.
Can you help me?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: If you purchase the equipment kit, as well as the varietal wine kit, like Vino del Vida Shiraz (the juice, but it's more than that) you will have all the additives included. That kit, and other varietal wine kits are selectable options for the 6 gallon wine kit. Just pick the type of wine you like to drink!
1/13/2006 -- I would like to purchase a kit but do not need the corker. Could I omit it? Also could I choose the Strawberry Riesling Kit as well?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, just make note in the "Customer Comments" section when you go to check out. We'll take care of the details.
1/11/2006 -- I am going to purchase the deluxe beer making kit. In the future I will probably also want to make wine. Would it be best to buy the whole wine kit or just the accessories like the corker and acid testing equipment? Is it okay to make the wine in the same equipment the beer is made in? And, is the price better to just buy the two kits seperate . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: The equipment can be used for both. Yes, you can just add the wine accessories, like a corker, corks and acid test equipment.
12/1/2005 -- I made my first batch of wine using Concord grapes (with the help of relative). It's in secondary fermention stage now. I have it in plastic bottles, i.e whatever I can find from my kitchen. From reading your Q&A section, I assume that I should transfer it to glass carboy ASAP? Liquid from the white grapes is in light tan greenish color. . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: It sounds like you have a lot of general questions. Without a doubt, there will be more as your wine progresses. It would have been best to read up before starting your wine, but that ship has already sailed...
We can recommend these books (links to them are below):
The Backyard Vintner
http://www.nexternal.com/hombre/Product1455
Home . . .
11/24/2005 -- what is the diffrence between the beer brewing and wine making kits?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: The wine equipment kits have a corker and corks, rather than a copper and caps for one thing. The wine kits also have acid testing equipment, a different book, a different book and campden tablets.
9/4/2005 -- It's been quite awhile since I made wine, but I still have some equipment such as a 2 lever corker, bottle filler and a few other things. Can you offer me one of your equipment kits minus a couple items that I don't need?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, we can do that. Just order the kit, and when you go to the "checkout", there is a "Customer Comments" section. Just make note of the items you don't need, and we will adjust your kit (and price) accordingly.
8/27/2005 -- what is the normal size stoppers that come in your mead kit?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: In this WINE equipment kit, we include a #2 stoppper for the primary fermenter, and a #6.5 for the glass carboy. This kit is suitable for making mead also.
7/14/2005 -- I am getting the winemaking kit for my brother. I know he will want to make wines from scratch eventually, but I wanted to get him something to start with. They like sweet wines, which would suggest for a nice real sweet wine, either red or white. Also any other suggestions for stuff for the first time wine maker?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: The Complete Wine Making Equipment Kit (6 Gallon) has all the hardware necessary to make some great wine...fermenters, corker, corks, siphon gear, test equipment etc. As far as sweet wine kits, I can recommend the ones shown below:
These are the very top end of the kits. We also have some in the "mid" range, in the Vino del Vida line as . . .
5/28/2005 -- I need two 7.5 fermenters,how much,and how can I order?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: If you mean the plastic "bucket" type fermenters, here is a link to that item. Pricing is shown, and you can order directly from there (our website).
http://www.nexternal.com/hombre/?Product=1300
5/9/2005 -- I broke my glass tube that has one end at a angle. Can I buy another and how much? And what is it called.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: I am assuming that you are referring to the racking cane...this is what you use for siphoning from the fermenter and for bottling. Here is a link to that product:
http://www.nexternal.com/hombre/?Product=638
5/9/2005 -- We are just starting to make a rhubarb wine that includes campden tablets and
pectozyme.We have the other ingredients but we have no wine kit. What do you
suggest?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: I would recommend the Complete 5 Gallon Wine Equipment Kit. Here is a link:
http://www.nexternal.com/hombre/?Product=289
It has all the hardware, plus campden tablets. The 6 gallon kit is just fine too, if you want the added capacity.
You can find pectic enzyme in our wine additives category for about 2-3 bucks.
4/11/2005 -- I am looking at purchasing your wine kit.
If I am making (white or fruit wine)in a garage in Texas, should I just skip the hot summer months?
Can I use 1.5L bottles?
Great website by the way. I really like the question and answer section.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Probably so. If you are making it from fresh fruit, try freezing it until it is cooler. A cooler fermentation will enhance the "fruitiness" of the wine.
Yes, 1.5L bottles are just fine.
3/27/2005 -- Why is the Complete Wine Making 5 gallon equipment kit designed for the "serious winemaker"? Can I still use the Varietal Wine Kit with the 5 gallon kit? Thanks for your help.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Except for size, the 5 and the 6 gallon wine kits are the same. They are both designed for serious wine makers. We do recommend the 6 gallon model for use with the varietal wine kits, however. The 5 gallon madel CAN be used with the varietal kits, but your wine will end up somewhat stronger in alcohol if they are reduced to 5 gallons.
3/26/2005 -- How many quarts of raspberries are needed for each batch of wine? Can I use my own fruit to supplement our wine kits? Do you have Raspberry reciert you would share? We usually drink a white zin or similay wine and would like to brew something similar.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: We offer a Raspberry White Zin KIT that you might enjoy. You could use your own fruit to supplement it as well. Here is a link:
http://www.nexternal.com/hombre/?Product=644
For fruit wines, you typically use 3-10 pounds of fruit per gallon of wine. This is just a "ballpark" number of course. You can use more or less for more/less fruit . . .
1/14/2005 -- I am planning on making wine. I was told it's best if I keep the wine at about 56 deg...same as my wine cooler, while it's fermenting or ? If that's the case, could you please tell me the height and diameter of the bucket/carboy....whichever would be used to store the wine under temp.
Also, is the Vino Chardonnay a chardonnay concentrate...I . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: As far as the temperature...not necessarily so! Red wine is typically fermented at warmer temperatures (70-85 deg F) or so, and whites are (typically) fermented at about room temperature. If you are after particularly fruity characteristics, you may want to go lower than room temperature, however. STORAGE and AGING of wines is another matter. . . .
12/25/2004 -- Is the kit comprised of the better/best quality components or is it priced with the lower cost components to be competative? Sorry to put you on the spot but a candid answer would be appreciated.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: No problem. We feel it is made up of the best quality components availablle. There are a few things that you COULD spend more $$ on, but they are not things that will make better wine, just "convenience" sort of items. For example, a floor corker is certainly nice to use, but either the double lever type or the floor corker install the corks . . .
12/17/2004 -- Two questions:
1 - can I receive the wine equipment kit in Long Beach Ca. by thursday the 23rd?
2- Can you make your own wine using real fruit with this kit and do you have whole fruit recipe book?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: 1) Using regular UPS Ground, it would leave on Monday afternoon, the 20th (our next pickup). It MAY make it by the 23rd, but if it's important, you should select 2nd Day or 3rd Day shipping at the time you checkout.
2) Yes; absolutely. The book that comes with it has some fruit recipes and many other are available on the web.
12/14/2004 -- Can Splenda be used to make wine ?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: It is not fermentable, if that's what you mean. Since it is not fermentable, it will not produce alcohol.
It CAN be used as a sweetener for fermented wine, however.
9/27/2004 -- i am at Beijing China, how can i get it?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: We can ship to China by UPS Worldwide Expedited. Shipping is very expensive, however. The cost is $339.12 for this kit.
9/23/2004 -- We just destemmed, crushed, fermented, and pressed 35 gallons of Zinfandel, Carignane, Muscat mix (Italian blend in this area). We have the wine in secondary fermenters and we tasted a little bit of it and it had a slight stemmy green taste. Being the first batch ever made for us with fresh grapes, is this a normal taste?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Well, yes, to a degree. Without tasting, it's hard to say. I'm betting that with a little aging, it will dissipate.
9/22/2004 -- My neighbor and I have decided we are going to attempt to make our own homemade wine. We both enjoy red wine. Will you please recommend which wine we should try to make first and which wine making kit we should purchase to begin.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: All of the varietal wine kits are made in the same way, so if you like to drink Merlot, for instance, make Merlot! Using these varietal kits is a great way to get started. All of them are easy, so just pick one in your price range.
We recommend using the 6 gallon Complete Winemaking Kit with the varietal wine kits.
9/21/2004 -- What is the difference between the two wine equipment kits? Is it just the size of the carboy and bins? Or, another way of asking is; do both kits contain the same accoutrements?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: The are exactly the same kits, just different sizes. The 6 gallon is usually used with our Varietal Wine kit, which are designed to make 6 U.S. gallons.
9/19/2004 -- Corks are traditional, but I've read that twist off caps will better seal my wine and protect it many problems. Do you sell twist-off bottles and caps? Can I use ceramic beer bottles (like Grolsche)or old, heavy duty plastic coke bottles? Should I?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: You are correct, there is no "harm" in using twist-off bottles and caps, but I'm sorry, we do not stock any (yet).
Yes, ceramic (swing-top) "Grolsch" style bottles will work just fine.
I would avoid plastic soda bottles, unless it is for VERY short term storage.
9/18/2004 -- What wine kit that you distribute to you have that would be comparable to a Kendal Jackson Chardonnay?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: I would go with the Vino del Vida Chardonnay Kit. Here is a link to it:
http://www.nexternal.com/hombre/?Target=products.asp&ProductID=750
9/15/2004 -- I have the Wine Making Equipment Kit and so far everything was pretty simple, but one thing got me a bit stumped: I can't figure out how the mechanics on the bottle filler are working and it's the only piece that does not seem to come with a description. Where can I find some how-to-guide or something so I don't hook it up backwards and screw . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: The bottle filler gets attached to the end of your siphon hose. It just slips into the hose. The spring-load end goes into the bottle. When you start a siphon, the flow of the wine starts when you push it down onto the bottom of the bottle, and the flow stops when you lift it up. You can go from one bottle to the next quickly and easily this . . .
8/24/2004 -- I have 2 big pear trees. can I make pear wine with this kit? Do you know a recipe?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, this equpment kit is a good choice. A recipe is shown below:
Pear Wine
Adapted from 'Winemaking' by Stanley F. and Dorothy Anderson
------------------------------------------------------------
Ingredients for 23 litres (6 U.S. Gallons)
1 level tsp sulphite crystals dissolved in 1 litre of water--to be sprinkled over the pears . . .
8/23/2004 -- I am interested in starting out with the "ballon" type wine then graduating to the kit of yours. Can you tell me how to make this type?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: There is a recipe that dates back to (at least) 1967, but I don't encourage people to make wine in that way. At that ime, home wine making supplies were unheard of, and you had to "make do" with what you had in the kitchen.
It's so easy to make GOOD wine now, that there is no need to do it in that way. Using a ballon as an airlock, and . . .
8/22/2004 -- I have some muskadine vines. Can I make muskadine wine with your kit? What kind of yeast do I need?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, you can make muscadine wine with this kit, it just takes some old fashioned squeezing thru the nylon straining bag. I would recommend Montrachet wine yeast.
8/20/2004 -- What is the diameter of the siphoning hose?
Love your web-site.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: It is 5/16" inside diameter.
Thanks!
8/6/2004 -- I do not see yeast in your "complete wine making kit"? Do you buy this separately or am I misreading something?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Correct. Yeast is not included.
This Kit is intended to be an "equipment kit" or in other words, all the hardware necessary to make wine.
Many people do not need yeast, for example, they are buying a Varietal Wine Kit (which includes yeast). For those who are not, many people like to select the individual ingredients like the type of . . .
8/6/2004 -- I have a quick question. I made used 5 gallons of water for the wine kit mixture. I'm wonder will this mess up my wine or have any negative affect to it? My charboy is actually a 6 gallon so would I be better off to add an additional gallon to the wine now (since it's only be about a day now) or should I just keep it as is and have the . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: It's not clear from your question what you actually have fermenting, and I couldn't find your name in our database to determine what it is. IF it is one of our Varietal Wine Kits, then yes, it would be better to add sufficient water to make 6 gallons total. If it is something else, well, it depends on the recipe. IF its for 5 gallons total . . .
7/11/2004 -- Is there any particular way you would recommend storing wine to maintain the temperature in hot seasons? If the temperature is not maintained how and to what degree will it affect the wine if the proper temperature is not maintained?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Good questions, and answer depends (primarily) on the type of wine and wine yeast you use. I will assume that by "storing wine", you are referring to fermenting wine. Storing finished, bottled wine is a different matter.
Generally, we recommend maintaining "about" room temperature for making wine. That said, heavier red wine will benefit . . .
7/4/2004 -- I have several grape vines as well as apple and peach trees that the fruits of which are seldom put to any use. i have always enjoyed homemade wine and would like to start making it. There ar so many kits available from so many different suppliers and it is all so confusing to me. Can you please tell me EVERYTHING I will need to begin making . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Lots of books have been written on wine making, and it would be impossible to write EVERYTHING about the subject here. The Univ of California (Davis) offers a B.S. in Vinticulture and Enology (winemaking) and it could be argued that obtaining that degree is just a starting point!
So...if you are looking for a summary of how to go about . . .
6/29/2004 -- I want to know the shipping & handling cost if you send the kits to bali, indonesia. how long it takes and please let me know the total price.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: The cost for the complete wine making equipment kit is $112.95.
Shipping to Indonesia is $55.77 for USPS Surface Mail, which takes 4-6 weeks. If you need it sooner, we can use USPS Air Parcel Post for $128.28 for 4-10 day delviery.
6/21/2004 -- I am getting married in December and my fiance' and i thought homemade wine would make great favors. I have never made wine before but would like to crush my own grapes if at all possible. Is it advisable for a first time wine maker to use fresh juice instead of concentrate and if so is 6 months enough time to brew 12 gallons of wine?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Congratulations! I've heard of homemade wine used in this way, and it worked out well.
Using your own grapes takes more equipment and more time to make, so for this batch I would recommend making it from a varietal kit. It assures that you have a great wine, and gets you started in the right way. Later on, if you like, you can step up . . .
6/10/2004 -- HBH,
I am wanting to make wine from plums in our orchard. We have a couple of hundred pounds of plums.
My questions are
(1) Are your kits suitable for this, if so which kit do you suggest. Why?
(2) Is there special information (websites)I can find on how to process this fresh fruit into wine.
(3) Where can I find recipes for fresh . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, our Complete Wine Equipment Kits are ideal for that kind of wine making. You can't do all of them at once, of course, so if you can freeze some of the plums, you can make wine at your convenience. It would get the 6 gallon kit, and maybe an extra carboy (or 2) to keep up.
Here is an excellent recipe for plum wine:
Plum Wine
Adapted . . .
6/8/2004 -- I have an almost unlimited supply of wild mustang grapes that will be ready in about 3 weeks. Can I get started making wine with just your kit? Is there a receipe? I only want to make a few bottles this first time.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, this kit is vary capable of doing the job!
Here is a link to an excellent resource, with recipes for mustang grapes:
http://winemaking.jackkeller.net/mustang.asp
6/4/2004 -- I would like to start making meade. If I purchased the starter kit does that include everything I would need? Also, is there directions in the book?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: This is a good equipment kit for making mead. It has everything you need as far as hardware (except bottles). You would also need the ingredients, of course. Our Nectar of the Gods mead kit is a good way to go for that.
5/22/2004 -- I'm a beginner. I'd like to make red zin. What is the total package I need to start?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: You will need some equipment, of course, and some ingredients. To make it easy, we have a kit for each.
Here is a link to the hardware (Wine Equipment Kit) that you will use to make this (and following) batches:
http://www.nexternal.com/hombre/?Target=products.asp&ProductID=290
Here is a link to the varietal juice, or ingredients . . .
5/17/2004 -- I'm debating between the 6 gal and 5 gal equipment kits. Is the only difference the size of the container. I'd rather use the 5 gal so that there is a greater alcohol content in the wine I make. Is there any other difference in the items that are included.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: No, that is the only difference...the size of the fermenters. If you like a higher alcohol content (with our varietal wine kits), it's a good way to go.
3/31/2004 -- I am already brewing beer and have a complete setup, which includes a 5 gallon carboy and 6 1/2 gallon primary fermenter. Aside from a 6 gallon carboy and corker, what else would I need to start making wine. I assume the hydrometer, racking and filling tubes, hoses, etc are all the same?
Also, how long does it take from start to finish . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Correct. They are all the same. You should probably get some corks, as well.
Using the varietal wine kits, some are ready in as little as 30 days (white wines, mostly). The high end kits take more like 60 days. Red wines are drinkable at that point, but will benefit from some aging beyond that. They will continue to improve for some time . . .
3/27/2004 -- I like to know what the price of the plastic champage stopper and wire tie for the stopper., and how to order it.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: The champagne stoppers are $10.00 per 100. The champagne wire hoods are also $10.00 per 100. The best way to buy are from our website.
Here are links to them:
http://www.nexternal.com/hombre/Target=products.asp&ProductID=266
and
http://www.nexternal.com/hombre/Target=products.asp&ProductID=267
3/27/2004 -- can I use champage bottles to bottle the wine and what size cork do I need?
also I have a apple cider/wine press with a grinder can I used it to grind and press grapes and put the the left over in a nylon bag for fermentation?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, champagne bottles can be used, but you will need to buy plastic champagne stoppers for them. If you are making a carbonated cider, you will need to wire the stoppers down with special wires (we have them).
Without seeing your equipment, I'd say yes, it could be used to press the grapes. You will need to remove the stems first, however. . . .
3/21/2004 -- do i need to buy a whole new kit every time i want to make wine?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Not the equipment, no. That is a one-time purchase.
You will only need the ingredients.
If you like red wines, go here:
http://www.nexternal.com/hombre/?Target=products.asp&CategoryID=65
If you like whites, go here:
http://www.nexternal.com/hombre/?Target=products.asp&CategoryID=64
If you like fruit wines, go here:
http://www.nexternal.com . . .
3/4/2004 -- OK, now what? If I buy the complete kit what else do I need to start making great wine? I don't want to wait to get the kit and have to read the book and then find I have to order other things and then have to wait. Tell me all the things I should order now so when it all comes I can pick up your book and read and make.
. . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: The Complete Wine Equipment Kit (6 Gallon) is really quite complete...just select a type of wine (ingredients) that you like to go with it (from Varietal Wine Kits, either red or white as you prefer). Yes, there is a book included, but many people just charge ahead using the instruction sheet supplied with the ingredients. They are really . . .
1/21/2004 -- To HBH... I don't have a question for you for I am writing to say thank you for all your support, prompt service, education, enlightening humor, quality products and excellent web page. I have purchased my entire home brewery including extras, and a complete wine making system from HBH and could not be more satisfied! Shipping is prompt . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Wow, Aaron. We're blushing! I will be sure to post your kind words for the staff to see.
It's true, we enjoy what we do, and we enjoy hearing back from customers. Quite often we don't, and it's good to hear that we are doing something right.
Enjoy your new setup, and happy brewing to you!
Ralph
1/18/2004 -- What actualy comes in the fruit wine kits? It says shipping is 19 lb, is it a full winemaking kit with carboy and all the tools needed? The description of the products just say what type of wine they make and how it will taste, but not exactly what is included in the package. Im particularly interested in the Green Apple wine kit.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: It contains the juice (concentrate), sweetening and flavoring pack, yeast, clarifiers and stabilizers, and complete instructions to make that particular fruit wine, in other words, the ingredients. It does not include the hardware to do make it, like carboys etc.
We recommend the Complete Wine Equipment Kit (6 gallon) for these wines. Here . . .
1/8/2004 -- Hello,I have a few questions. First,the Oak chips I added them in my primary fermentation. The problem is that they did not all settle to the bottom of the container.Some were floating. What do I do here? Second question is my wine is now in the glass carboy shortly I will be stabilizing the wine with the neccessary additives. Following this . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Just try to avoid picking up any oak floating oak chips when you siphon. Using a racking cane, if should be easy enough.
Normally, the wine is started in the primary fermentation bucket, and then transferred to the carboy toward the end of the process. You can go ahead and transfer to the bucket, and then back to the (cleaned out) carboy . . .
12/19/2003 -- I am having trouble keeping the temp in the room I am making wine between 70 and 75 degrees as specified in the wine kit I have. I live in Colorado and often the temp at night dips way down, and in the day it can get quite warm. I am not around at all times to adjust the thermastat. Could I solve this problem by wrapping the carboy with . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Sure. We have a Brew Heat Pad that works very nicely. It's basically a hard plastic heating pad for carboys. If it's too warm during the day, just get a cheap lamp timer, and have it turn on only at night.
Here is a link:
http://www.nexternal.com/hombre/?Target=products.asp&ProductID=1129
12/19/2003 -- A friend of mine who used to homebrew wine and beer in the 1970s told me the the B.A.T.F. (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) limits you to brewing something like 5 gallons per year for personal use. (It may have been more than that, it was a long time ago when he told me this and I forgot the fine details) He also said if you brew . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Either your friend's memory ain't so good, or the story has evolved over the years.
Since the Carter administration, you are allowed to make 100 gallons of beer and another 100 gallons of wine per year, per adult without violating any sort of federal law (in the U.S). That's a LOT. If you can consume that much, you're doing better than . . .
12/13/2003 -- Can you put the wine into beer bottles?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, that is perfectly acceptable...it just doesn't LOOK as nice.
11/27/2003 -- i have access to lots of kiwi and would like to know the proper process to make wine from them. which of you products would be best to use. the cost of your product to produce a sweet wine. i have 8 acres of kiwi. i would like to experiment on diffent ways to make it. when i find which i like best to make it in large amounts.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: This equipment kit (or the Complete Wine Making Equipment Kit - 6 Gallon) would be ideal for refining your process. To make multiple batches, just as as many 6 gallon glass carboys as necessary. When you go commercial, we can help with that as well.
Kiwi wine is something I would love to try! Maybe you can send us a bottle! See below for . . .
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