Getting started

RJR_38 · « **on:** July 30, 2013, 12:05 »

I like the idea of making the more unusual fruit wines in the future (strawberry, blackberry etc). What is the basic kit I would need? I remember my parent making wine when I was a child with demijohns and rubber bungs etc in the airing cupboard so I am guessing I would need at least one of those. Is there a good site I could read more about it?

Daamoot · « **Reply #1 on:** July 30, 2013, 12:59 »

Basic kit you'll need would be a demijohn (2 so you have a spare to rack into), bungs and air locks, siphon hose, hydrometer and testing vessel and steriliser. You have your ingredients which will vary depending on what you brew like yeast, vitamins, pectolase, camden tablets, finings and sugar. Then you have bottling to think of, you can save wine/beer bottles and buy a cheap corker or capper and a supply of fresh corks/caps. I've never re-used screw tops so can't say if they would seal the bottle sufficiently. I've surely missed out some vital equipment but I'm sure others will add to the list

There are loads of brew dedicated forums on the net that are very useful and some of their members are on this forum too.

BobE · « **Reply #2 on:** July 30, 2013, 13:09 »

If your starting out glass demijohns can be expensive. You could try two of these.

5 Litre PET Demi-John, cap and grommit �2.69
Lots of people stock them.

If you enjoy doing it then you can get some glass ones later.
A friend said she bought 5L water bottles and used them.

A trawl online will get lots of advice and instructions. Just find a recipie and start. Gather what you need as you go. After the first time you will gain equipment and knowledge. Like most things just go for it.

RJR_38 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 30, 2013, 13:16 »

Ok, thanks. I will have a look for some of the home brewing forums as well. It all seems interesting...

Daamoot · « **Reply #4 on:** July 30, 2013, 14:40 »

It's worth keeping an eye on freegle for brewing equipment and also check your local charity shops. I've never bought a new demijohn and no matter how dirty they look, they've always cleaned up. It shouldn't cost too much to get started, I first bought a 1gal wine kit that came with all the essentials then gradually moved to glass but I can't remember spending as much as 40bucks on it...

Keep us posted with your progress.

Getting started Started by The Golden Heap on Homebrew	17 Replies 6155 Views	February 12, 2014, 08:37 by The Golden Heap
Just started Started by jimroden on Homebrew	1 Replies 1883 Views	November 11, 2008, 20:20 by garddwr
bumping up % after fermentation has started Started by wolverine on Homebrew	6 Replies 2898 Views	June 08, 2011, 14:55 by timtheenchanteruk
Apple wine now started. Started by Capt Zero on Homebrew	38 Replies 13975 Views	November 15, 2013, 21:13 by maggiemay

Getting started

RJR_38

Getting started

Daamoot

Re: Getting started

BobE

Re: Getting started

RJR_38

Re: Getting started

Daamoot

Re: Getting started

Similar Topics

Getting started

Just started

bumping up % after fermentation has started

Apple wine now started.