Making your own wine: it’s easier than you think

Winemaking is an increasingly popular hobby and getting started is as easy as purchasing a pre-assembled kit. Most winemaking packages will include a grape concentrate as well the needed yeast and additives. Ingredients are typically pre-measured and a recipe is included to make producing your first batch super easy.

Necessary equipment
Some winemaking kits also include the tools you’ll need to start making your wine. Alternatively, you can buy these items separately. Here’s what’s required:

• A large container with a lid
• An air lock for the container
• A long spoon
• A large glass bottle called a carboy
• A rubber stopper for the carboy
• A siphon
• A hydrometer to test the alcohol content
• A food-safe sanitizer
• Bottles and corks
• A wine corker

If you don’t want to do it alone
A number of specialized shops allow you to make your wine on their premises. Simply choose the wine you’d like to make, prepare it under the guidance of an expert and leave the rest to them. Once the fermentation process is complete, simply go back to the store, bottle your wine and bring it home to age or drink right away.