#fermenting wine

[imakeallthethings]

The process of making a batch of elderberry wine.

I've never made elderberry wine as I prefer to use the flowers, but we went blackberry picking yesterday and there were so many elderberry trees just laden with fruit that I had to try making wine from them.

I de-stemed the berries, the weight was just over 4kgs, found several recipes online, read all the advice that came with the recipes, decided to make up my own recipe, wrote it down in case the wine turns out good, mashed the berries with the potato masher for about an hour, put the scraps aside for the hens, added sugar, water and other stuff and left to sit until tomorrow when I will add whatever wine yeast I happen to have in the fridge.

I probably shouldn't be making more wine, I love making wine, it's like a science experiment and you never quite know what's going to happen. But I don't really like drinking it, I'll have a glass of cider on a hot summers day and make myself mulled wine on occasion in the winter, but the garage is filled with boxes of alcohol that I made, drank one bottle of then forgot about. I made over 30 bottles of cider last year I I have drank 3 of them. I should probably give it away, but I'm not sure on the etiquette of giving people homemade wine "yes I made it, no I don't know the alcohol content" especially when a lot of people I know don't drink at all.

On an interesting note, yesterday I pulled out bottles of the two first batches of wine I made, one apple and one grape. When I put them in the garage (2 years ago) they tasted very bland and uninteresting. Now the apple wine has changed to taste reminiscent of vegemite, I am honestly considering throwing it all out it tastes so weird. But the grape wine, which was half grape juice half sugar water has changed from tasting like nothing to tasting actually nice, it's a light flavour but not watery anymore. It is also carbonated which was very unexpected but definitely improved it.

I am thinking about trying to carbonate some of the other wines I have made as I think they would be improved by it (especially the meads) but I am a bit worried about the possibility of getting the measurements wrong and having exploding bottles to clean up.....

This post was much longer than I expected, if anyone has advice on how to safely make carbonated wine/mead I would love to hear it :)

[imakeallthethings]

Elderflowers, my favourite thing about spring (that rhymes!).

Last year I tried to make elderflower wine, but it didn't ferment it just sat there for 5 months doing nothing.

So this year I am making 3 different batches, one with wine yeast, one with mead yeast and one with wine yeast and white grape consentrate instead of sugar.

Surely one of them will work.....

[mintprint12]

WSET Level Course: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you a wine enthusiast or a hospitality professional who wishes to enhance your knowledge of wine? The Wine & Spirit Education Trust WSET Level course is a globally recognized program that offers comprehensive education and training in wine and spirits. we'll explore the WSET Level course, its significance, and what you can expect from it.

 Introduction

Wine is a fascinating and complex topic, and the WSET Level course is an excellent way to deepen your knowledge and expertise. This program is designed for both beginners and professionals, offering a structured and comprehensive approach to learning about wine and spirits. By completing the WSET Level course, you will gain a deeper understanding of wine and spirits and increase your confidence in your knowledge and tasting abilities.

 What is WSET?

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is a London-based organization that provides education and training in wine and spirits. Founded in 1969, WSET is now a globally recognized organization that offers a range of wine and spirits courses for enthusiasts and professionals.

 WSET Levels

WSET offers four levels of courses, each with its own focus and depth of knowledge. Let's take a closer look at each level:

 Level 1: Foundation

The WSET  Level 1 course is an introduction to wine and spirits, covering the basics of tasting and the major grape varieties and regions. This course is suitable for beginners and those with no previous knowledge of wine.

[onlinewine54]

The Benefits of Enrolling in a Wine Making Course

Are you a wine enthusiast with a fascination for the art of winemaking? Have you ever considered taking a wine making course to develop your skills and knowledge? Here we will explore the numerous benefits of enrolling in a wine making course, including the learning process, social aspects.

Learn from the Experts

One of the primary benefits of taking a wine making course is the opportunity to learn from experts in the field. These courses typically cover the entire wine making process, from selecting the right grapes to bottling the finished product. You will be taught by experienced winemakers who will share their knowledge and insights, enabling you to create high-quality wine that you can be proud of.

Develop Your Skills

Enrolling in a wine making course is an excellent way to develop your skills as a winemaker. You will learn about the different types of wine and the unique characteristics of each one. You will also learn about the different techniques used to produce wine, such as fermentation and aging. With the right skills and knowledge, you can create unique and delicious wines that reflect your personal style and preferences.

Socialize with Other Wine Enthusiasts

Taking a wine making course is not just about learning; it's also an opportunity to socialize with other wine enthusiasts who share your passion. You will meet people from different backgrounds and experiences, and you will learn from each other. The wine industry is all about networking and building relationships, and a wine making course is an excellent way to do just that.

[purple-purple-pink-purple]

Guys I'm counting on y'all

I have eight (8!) watermelons growing in my yard and I want to turn them into watermelon wine. I have never fermented something before.

What do I need and what should I do?