How to make wine from grape is a simple process that you can easily do at home. You can start the process right after harvesting the grapes. However, you need to do some preparation first. The grapes need to be properly cleaned to ensure that they are free of pesticides and bacteria.
To prepare the grapes for fermentation, you need to wash them. Be sure to rinse them at least two times to remove any dust and dirt that may have accumulated. Once the grapes are thoroughly cleaned, place them in a food-grade plastic container or a barrel. This will keep them from contaminating your wine.
After your grapes are properly cleaned and sorted, you need to separate the juice from the pulp. If you are making a red wine, leave the skins in the must for about 8 days. When you are making a white wine, you need to drain the juice and pulp from the must.
You will also need to add sugar to the must. A ratio of about 10% to 30% is recommended depending on the strength and sweetness of the grapes. Adding sugar will increase the alcohol content of the wine.
You will need to use a “three scale” hydrometer to measure the sugar content of your grapes. This will help you to determine the brix value of your wine. Also, be careful to check the pH level of the must. Make sure that the pH is between 5 and 7. Otherwise, the yeasts that are responsible for producing the alcohol will not work well.
Next, you will need to add the fruit and spices you prefer to the mixture. Cinnamon sticks are one of the most popular herbs for wine. These spices will give a fruity taste to the wine. They are optional, though. Some winemakers also mix in citrus fruits for a more fruity taste.
You will also need a fermenting jar. You should choose one that is large enough to hold at least 70 percent of the must. Store your fermentation jar in a dark and cool place. Your jar should be stirred at least once every 24 hours. Use a sterilised paddle or paddle to stir the mixture. It is important that the jar is not filled to the top to avoid leaking.
Finally, you will need to bottle your wine. Do not seal the glass bottle tightly. That could cause the wine to explode. Instead, loosely cover the top. This will prevent harmful bacteria from getting into the wine.
For a more traditional grape wine, you can allow the juice to sit for another 7 days. This will boost the fermentation process. If you want a more dry wine, you will need to reduce the sugar. Alternatively, you can freeze the grapes to make crushing easier.
There are many online guides that explain how to make wine from grape. Some of them follow a natural approach, which is not necessarily the best for consistent results.
