Equipment needed.....

[Veggiemama]

Ok you lovely ladies (and guys)

I have spent ages reading through a load of the posts/threads in this section....and.....





You have all made me want to get yet another new hobby

So, i was wondering if you could help me out.
As i have never done anything like this before can someone tell me what equipment i need.

I have read some of the items you use, but to be honest, i havent got a clue.

Also where would be the best place online to buy them from.

I really want to try the fruit teabag one as it sounds delish!!!!

Also, can you please let me know about the equipment as if you were talking to a small child, just so that i understand it all.

Thanking you in advance

VM

[shirlthegirl43]

To make the fruit teabag wine you need - one demijohn with airlock, brewing yeast and nutrient, box of teabags, sugar. A hydrometer will be very useful as you will be able to check specific gravity for starting sweetness and finishing point for your wine.

Do you have a Wilkinson's store near you? If so, it is worth spending £20 there on one of their 'Young's brew buddy' 6 bottle wine starter kits - it will give you brewing buckets (you can use these instead of a demijohn) hydrometer, siphon hose and 6 bottles of wine (you need to supply sugar and bottles). Making this kit will also give you a very good idea of how the wine-making process works and you are guaranteed a pleasant wine in a week.

[Veggiemama]

Hi Shirlthegirl43,

I dont have a Wilkinsons here......Think they are only in England....shame really.

Is there anywhere online that sells them at a reasonable price?

Thanks
VM

[shirlthegirl43]

ebay is as good a source as any. do you have any homebrew shops nearby? our local homebrew store is also the healthfood shop

[shirlthegirl43]

young's wine items - Get great deals on Home Garden items on eBay UK! hope the link works

[Veggiemama]

I just ordered these

Beaverdale "Equipment only" Starter Kit - 6 Bottles

Hedgerow Winemaking kit - 1 gallon


Just need to get bottles now.

Are these OK????


Saw your Ebay link after i did this. Will have a nosey at it now.

Thanks

VM

[shirlthegirl43]

They look okay. Keep your empty wine bottles, wash out with hot soapy water then sterilise with Milton (for baby bottles)

[Veggiemama]

I was reading about bottles and corks.

For those wine bottles i have that are empty and need new corks.....how easy is it to put these corks into them.....do i need a corkerer thingy..

I have lots of wine bottles here already....((((Insert embarrassed smilie))))))

Glad i hadnt gone to the bottle bank yet.

Honestly, i dont hic drink that hic much gernally hic hic

Thanks for the info on the bottles. A dishwasher wouldnt really work for wine bottles.....would it...no i dont think so.

VM

[shirlthegirl43]

I buy straight corks and use one of these which is simple enough and seals most bottles nicely. HAND CORKER FOR WINE MAKING BOTTLE CORKING on eBay (end time 03-Aug-10 15:46:06 BST) that one is a bit pricey though - I have to go out now but will look later for a cheaper one.

[Veggiemama]

Thank you so much for your help hun. I really appreciate it.

My 2 boys arent giving me much peace today. I am taking a break on here, but they still want my attention.

Just found a PDF book about wine making, so gonna have a read at that later when the boys go to bed.

Think i am gonna like this hobby a lot

Thanks again


VM

[shirlthegirl43]

Here you go, this is more like what I paid for mine. Hand Corker (Red) Homebrew on eBay (end time 02-Aug-10 13:02:18 BST) It's a great hobby, especially the tasting bit

[Two_Sheds]

Before I got my corking machine (£18) I put my wine into sterilised vodka bottles. You could also use sterilised pop bottles

[Hilary B]

If using glass bottles that have screw caps, you need to be VERY sure that fermentation has finished before doing up the lids.
You can make sure it won't ferment by adding campden tablets shortly before bottling. I hate the things, but some folk get on well using them.

[ohbeary]

Hi VM, these guys have all you need, shop4homebrew
but for basics. a 5 ltr bottle of water from the supermarket can get you started, easy or wine #1 is,

1ltr white grape juice-supermarket
1ltr pineapple juice-supermarket
700g sugar -------- "
water to 1 gallon
1 x 5g sachet white wine or champagne yeast#
1 tsp yeast nutrient
chuck it in and wait

ps empty water and use water bottle, save cap, cover top with clingfilm, when clear siphon into new empty water bottle, when really clear again siphon into cleaned original bottle and drink sparingly

[Veggiemama]

Thanks Ohbeary, i'll give that a go.

I have some huge water bottles at home already (i think they are 5 litre, one came with my fridge/freezer)

I am all excited about doing this.

I already ordered some stuff and it should be here soon....hopefully today

Will let you all know how i get on.

VM