Start Crafting Wine at Home

If you are starting your wine, mead or cider journey and have no equipment; this list will help you determine what you need.    

Primary Fermenter with lid*: A food grade plastic vessel and with a small hole and grommet in the lid with approximately 2 gallons of capacity more than you plan to make. This will allow fermentation bubbling and foaming to happen without spilling over.

Thermometers - stick on and probe*: Used to monitor the temperature during the winemaking process.

Air Lock*: Designed to prevent bacteria and oxygen from getting into your wine, while allowing the produced carbon dioxide gas to escape. Fill with sanitizer to keep oxygen out.

Mixing Paddle*: A winemaking specific food grade plastic stirring utensil long enough to reach the bottom of the primary fermenter. The narrow end will fit in secondary carboys with narrow necks, allowing easy mixing.

Wine Thief*: Used to take samples from the primary fermenter and secondary carboy for testing and tasting.

Test Jar*: Put the sample from the wine thief in this to test it with a Hydrometer.

Hydrometer*: Instrument used to measure the amount of sugar using Specific Gravity (S.G.) to monitor the fermentation progress. Hydrometer readings are crucial in determining accurate Alcohol content.

Mix Stir Degassing Tool*: A tool that attaches to a power drill and is used to remove the carbon dioxide gas from wine or introduce oxygen into must before the pitching yeast. An optional tool, but strongly recommended.

Auto Siphon with Tubing*: Used to transfer wine from one container to another while leaving sediment behind.

Bottle Filler*: Tool to fill bottles. It attaches to the bottom of the siphon tubing and automatically dispenses liquid when pressed into the bottom of a bottle. Liquid flow stops upon removal from the bottle. This allows you go to between bottles without dripping on the counter or floor.

Corks*: Use new corks each time for a proper seal.

Corker*: Tool used to insert corks into bottles. There are several different styles. We recommend a floor corker. A hand corker is included in our equipment kit.

Carboy: Glass or plastic narrow-necked container. Also known as a Secondary fermenter. Used for clarifying and aging beverages.

Drilled Stopper: Holds the air lock in place on the carboy.

Bottles: We suggest 24 - 750mL bottles for every 5 gallons.

*These items are included in the Mead, Cider & Wine Making Equipment Kit