Newb to wine - suggestions welcome

[markm1878]

Hi, I'm an all grain brewer but not had time to brew much beer recently so I'm looking at making a wine. Ideally something that's at it's best around xmas.

I had a few questions,

Firstly, Is it ok to use beer equipment (plastic Fv's, syphons, spoons etc) with wine, and then use again with beer? I read somewhere that certain acids/bacterias are very difficult to remove.

If it can be done with the same, how long can it be left after racking in a plastic bucket (under airlock)? Does bulk aging help, or is that only when in glass (like lagering a beer)? As I rarely drink wine, I will need a while to accumulate bottles. If I can leave it in the FV for 3 months, that would be handy!

And finally, regarding kit suggestions, I've read good things about beaverdale kits. Are they the best kind? I don't mind spending a few quid extra if it makes a better wine.

Oh and regarding types of wine... I don't care. Maybe something white, but i'm not fussed.

Thanks in advance
Mark

 

[Chippy_Tea]

I had a few questions,

Firstly, Is it ok to use beer equipment (plastic Fv's, syphons, spoons etc) with wine, and then use again with beer? I read somewhere that certain acids/bacterias are very difficult to remove.

I have never read/heard of this being a problem but as i only make wine i would not have come across it before.

If it can be done with the same, how long can it be left after racking in a plastic bucket (under airlock)? Does bulk aging help, or is that only when in glass (like lagering a beer)? As I rarely drink wine, I will need a while to accumulate bottles. If I can leave it in the FV for 3 months, that would be handy!

I use plastic 1.5 litre spring water bottles to store my wine but don't age it for long, you could buy 5 litre spring water bottles and use them for bulk ageing, if you stabilise and degas in the FV before racking to the smaller 5 litre bottles air locks wont be required.

And finally, regarding kit suggestions, I've read good things about beaverdale kits. Are they the best kind? I don't mind spending a few quid extra if it makes a better wine.

I like the WineBuddy Sav Blank kits they are at the cheaper end but are popular with members, have a look at the kit review A - Z http://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=38

Oh and regarding types of wine... I don't care. Maybe something white, but i'm not fussed.

Have a look at this - http://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=49462
.