So maybe it was friend who makes wine, or someone he knows. Was it a family member, or maybe you tried some good homemade wine at a party? Whoever is to blame for getting you hooked on homemade wine, kiss them! But how does one get started? Do you have to plant a Vineyard, wait quite a few years for it to mature so you can harvest the grapes it produces to make your wine? You can definitely make wine this way, but I for one don't have the money or the patience to wait months, let alone years to enjoy my own wine! But Rejoice! There is a way, with Wine Kits!

Wine Kits, what the heck is that?

Wine kits are purchased from local or online suppliers. There are basically two types. The "Starter Kits", which have everything but the equipment needed to make wine. These can be purchased as a package, and once you have the winemaking equipment, you just need to order the actual wine kit itself. These make typically 6 Gallons of Wine, good to fill approximately 30 750ML bottles. There are very many to choose from, from inexpensive ($50.00) to the more expensive ($150 or more). These Wine kits have all the ingredients you will need. From the juice, and yeast to the finishing agents that make the wine sparkling clear. The second kind of kit is more for the experienced winemaker, who already has the acids, refining agents, yeast and other necessary ingredients. The only thing supplied is the juice concentrate and a recipe for it. These come in 3 or 5 gallon recipes.

What are the advantages of using a Wine kit?

I can think of several advantages. These kits provide all the step by step instructions and ingredients to make your batch of wine. All you need is the equipment to make it in, Bottles or whatever containers you're using, corks and labels if you want. These instructions are very easy to follow and I have never had a wine kit not be successful. If you follow it exactly, then you should get a successful batch of wine from it. These also allow you to make about any time of year, even if the grapes are not in season.

Are the any disadvantages to using Wine Kits?

I cannot come up with any real disadvantages of Wine kits, except maybe once you're hooked, you will want to get better and more expensive equipment! Even though there any many many different types of wines you make from a kit, you are still limited to what is available. If you're really getting into making your own wine, don't focus just on wine kits. Learn how to take fresh fruits, grapes or whatever your desire, and make into a fine wine from scratch!

All in all, wine kits allow beginners and experienced alike to enjoy rewarding wines made at home. I personally used the experience I got from Wine kits to move into making wine from scratch, broadening my winemaking experience!