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Recommended Products
(click on images for more info)​
Portuguese Floor Corker - Easy insertion and does not leave an impression on the top of the cork
pH Meter - A reliable and accurate pH meter is a must if you are making quality wine. This is the best meter that I know of that doesn't break the bank
Carbon Filter - Use with a food grade hose to turn spigot water into chlorine free, usable water.
Carboy Dryer - Dry carboys and store upside down with the stackable carboy dryer
Wine Thief - I use this all the time! Great for drawing a sample of wine for tasting or testing. This size is good for carboys and small barrels.
Wine Press - This is the press that I use for up to 500lbs of grapes. (about 75lbs per squeeze)
Stainless Racking Cane - Durable, easy to clean, and thin walled for a larger inside diameter and faster flow
Triple Scale Hydrometer - So useful, but so fragile! I like to keep a spare hydrometer around in case it breaks during a critical time.
Grape Hoe - This is my favorite vineyard tool and makes short work of weeding rows
Recommended Supplies
Lalvin EC-1118 Yeast - One of the most reliable yeast strains around. General Purpose. Works for most wine applications
FT Rouge Tannin - Use during fermentation to stabilize color, increase mouth feel, and improve resistance to oxidation
Star San - Excellent sanitizer for wine equipment. Does not require rinsing. Does not oxidize wine like other one step cleaners
American Oak Cubes - Medium plus toast delivers softer tannin and more distinct oak aromas
Lallzyme EX - Use in red wines to increase extraction of fruity, floral and peppery attributes
Recommended Literature
Techniques in Home Winemaking - Daniel Pambianchi - One of my favorite reference books for winemaking. Packed with information.
Creating World Class Red Wine - Mark Stanley - A quick read that is focused specifically on red wine. Easy to understand and great for all levels of winemaker.
Modern Winemaking - Philip Jackisch - The classic winemaking book that is well written and easy to understand. This book has held up to the test of time
Postmodern Winemaking - Clark Smith - A look inside some of the techniques used by world class wineries. After you have got a few harvests under your belt, pick up this book.
Wine Grape Production Guide for Eastern North America - This is the best wine growing book that I have found for new growers and covers a broad range of topics.