How to Make Homemade Wine

Just about everyone that has appreciated a good glass of wine has indulged in the idea of creating their own vintage. Few ambitious individuals actually attempt the process. By following this not so intimidating process, you will see that creating your own homemade stash of delicious wine is not so daunting.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 15-20 lbs. grapes
• Plastic bowl
• Plastic bucket
• Long wooden spoon
• Panty hose
• 10 lbs. sugar
• 2 gallons water
• 1 packet wine yeast
• Plastic wrap
• Bottles with lids
• Colander or strainer

1. Rinse fruit thoroughly and remove stems.

2. Mash fruit with potato masher or a blender. Add a bit of water if using blender so as not to burn out the motor.

3. Pour mashed fruit (called "must") into a plastic bucket.

4. Simmer 10 lbs. of sugar in about 1 gallon of water until it is a clear syrup. Stir in the fruit. Put this mixture in the bucket. Add enough water to almost fill the bucket. Be sure to leave 4 to 6 inches of space from the top for it to rise under the lid.

5. Scoop out about 2 cups of the warm must and put in a large plastic bowl. Pour in one packet of wine yeast. Stir the mixture well. Add this mixture back to your bucket of must.

6. Stir the must with a long wooden spoon once a day for 7 days.

7. Strain the must through a colander or strainer. Try to squeeze as much of the juice as possible before discarding the pulp. After straining, fill the legs of the panty hose with the goop and hang over a bucket. Let it filter for 2 hours and then help it along by squeezing. This is the messiest part of the process.

8. Pour the murky liquid into a clean bucket. Add enough water to almost fill the bucket, leaving about 2 inches from top. Cover with a lid, or a sheet of plastic wrap. If it is a really tight seal, poke a couple of holes with a straight pin to keep the pressure from building.

9. Leave the bucket sitting undisturbed for 1 month in a dark, warm place.

10. After a month, siphon off the top contents, leaving the fruit sediment on the bottom.

11. Pour your homemade wine into bottles and cap tightly.

Tips & Warnings

• After the last step, if you are in no hurry to drink or bottle, siphon into another large container and let this sit for another month. Wine gets more potent and tasty with age.

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[mcifaldi]

on 8/8/2008 what size buckets? 5 gallons buckets work ?