Originally Posted by unionrdr View Post
Idk...I thought making wine was easier compared to brewing beer,having done both. I just didn't like the waiting at least a year to taste the fruits of my labors.
There is actually much more to wine making than fermenting it, if you are making a "Paint by number" kits then you are 100% correct, however, if you are making a red wine from grapes you must start by deciding that you want to make, Then:
Choose the vineyard,
Source the grapes,
Crush and destem,
Stabilize to stop the wild yeasts,
Add the pectinase and enzymes,
At this point you test the PH, SO2 and TA, and adjust pre-ferment,
Cold soak (optional) for 5-7 days while trying to maintain temps in the 45° range,
Select the yeast to bring out the characteristics that you desire in the wine,
As with home brewing, you must control the fermentation temps to get the healthiest fermentation possible, low fermentation temps can result in loss of color in reds, Feed the yeast nutrients, punch down the cap several times a day.
When fermentation is complete:
Remove and press the grapes, after 24 hrs rack off the gross lees, if you are making a red,
Start Malolactic Fermentation (select the best MLB for your wine) to convert the harsh malic acids into smoother lactic acids.
When MLF is complete, this could take months, rack and stabilize the wine
Bulk age - during this time, you should test the sulfite levels and adjust as needed.
After several months of dropping sediment, I rack to an oak barrel where it will age for 6 months min, during this time it is very important to test the so2 levels.
While the wine is aging, I go crazy and start to brew at record pace!
I know that I've probably forgot a step or two, but it is early...lol
The waiting is the hardest, but building up the inventory and being able to brew makes it a lot easier.
The skills that you've learned brewing beer will make wine making easier, but is it easier than brewing? I wouldn't say it is easier, you have the entire time that you are bulk aging, 1-2 or more years that so many different problems can happen, you have to be very proactive.