The Winemaking Begins

We have grapes. Lots of grapes.

This is the first year the vines on the backyard pergola have actually produced fruit. And they decided to debut in spectacular fashion. There are bunches hanging from nearly every inch of the plants. It's incredible!

So, we need to make some wine!

I went to the Winemaker's Shop in Clintonville this afternoon with a sample of the grapes. The owner is wonderful. She was helpful and knowledgeable... and willing to deal with a newbie. She set me up with a full kit. Everything you need to make wine at home. The fermentation vat, a big glass jar to do more fermentation, the little bubbler thingy, dry chemicals, etc. It's all there.



She says the concords don't make great wine... but they're okay. And it's fine for a first-time experiment. So, I don't have exceedingly high hopes for this batch. But it's worth a try!  There's always next year, right?

I de-stemmed and crushed the grapes... by hand. It says that's the best way to do it because you don't want to crush the seeds. Added the water. Added the dry chemicals. And gave it a stir.

Now, it has to sit for a few days. Stir twice a day.