What do I need to get started?

Most new winemakers actually get started because they have tried wine made from our kits. Wine Kitz stores offer a starter package of equipment consisting of everything you will need to process your first wine kit. All of the equipment is re-usable and high quality. Once you have your equipment kit, it is a simple matter of choosing the type of wine you wish to make. Just follow the step-by-step recipe included in the ingredient kit and you are guaranteed to make fine wine. Some Wine Kitz stores also offer in-store winemaking. You choose the type of wine you wish to make, mix the ingredients in the store (takes about five minutes) and return 6-8 weeks later to bottle the finished wine using modern bottling and corking equipment!

Preservatives in wine?

Preservatives are an important part of wine making. Don't worry about adding small amounts of them to your home-made wine. Keep in mind we can make wine without adding any additional sulphite. If you choose to add no preservatives then remember to sanitize your equipment very well, avoid any overexposure to oxygen, heat and forego extended storage of the wine (2-6 months depending on type of closure and temperature). Additional sulphite allows for longer aging and keeps the wine from developing infections and oxidization. 

How long will I have to age my wine before I can drink it?

The wine making process with a kit will take about 4-6 weeks. You can enjoy your wine right after bottling or let it age in the bottle for 1-4 year, depending on your storage temperature. You can also join our grape crush club where we have a small variety of wine aged in oak barrels for up to 2 years.

What are the best conditions to make wine?

Fortunately, great wine can be made in most household environments. You don't need a lot of space. Most winemakers make wine in the basement or in the kitchen as it is handy to have a water source nearby. Best temperature range is 65 - 75 F. (18 - 24C.). Because you are working with a kit, there is virtually no odour involved.

What are the best conditions to store wine?

If you intend to age the bottled wine for a long time, it is important to have a cool environment with a temperature range of 50 - 64 F. (10 - 18 C.). In this range, the wine will gently mature at an ideal rate. If the storage conditions are warmer, the wine will mature rapidly so avoid prolonged aging. 

Can I really make wine that tastes as good as the best commercial wines?

For over 45 years, our customers have resoundingly told us that the wine they make from our kits ranks with commercial wine costing much more. We invite you to blind taste the wine you make with comparable commercial wine. We believe you will be very pleased with the comparison.

How do I know what quality of wine kit to purchase?

Our business is built on providing a wine very similar to the commercial wine that you like at a fraction of the price. Our trained staff will make suggestions based on the quality and price point of the wine you purchase. We strongly suggest that, when you get started, you make the highest quality wine kit available. The cost savings are well worth it and you will have wine that tastes like fine commercial wine at a fraction of the cost! 

How many bottles does a kit make?

Most kits make 23 litres (6 US gallons) or about 30, 750 mL bottles. To a newcomer, this may sound like a lot of wine but keep in mind that, if you are like most winemakers, you will likely give some bottles away because you are so proud of the results.