Making wine at home is a great hobby for anyone who enjoys drinking wine.

Making Wine FAQ

1. Is Making Wine Difficult?

Not at all. Anyone who can follow a simple recipe can make wine; however, like any new adventure there are basic steps, techniques, and tricks to learn. Most of these techniques can be found in a book or online but at The Home Brew Barn we suggest you take an Introduction to Wine Making class.

2. Is taking a wine making class a large commitment?

No, wine making classes are not a large commitment, classes are only 1 session and take approximately two hours. 

3. Do I have to take a wine making class to make wine?
No, you do not. However, by taking a class at The Home Brew Barn you will experience superior results. This is largely due to the fact that you will actually see and experience how wine is made from a wine making kit. Seeing all the wine making equipment and supplies and how they are utilized will maximize your success making wine at home.

4. How much of my time will wine making take?

Most wine kits can be made in an hour or less. When you make your first batch of wine it may take a little bit longer because you are learning the process and setting up your "wine kitchen".

5. Do I need a special area to make wine at home?
No it can be made, fermented and bottled right in your kitchen. To prepare the most (unfermented wine) all you need is a normal size work area and sink. The wine must ferment in a container the size of a water cooler bottle.

6. How much wine do I make at a time?

The typical "batch" of wine is 6 gallons, or 30-750 ml bottles (2.5 cases). 3 gallons of batches are also common and yields 15-750ml bottles, these usually are specialty type wines. 

7. Is it expensive to make your own wine?
It will cost between $2.50 and $5 per bottle depending on the type of wine kit. The Home Brew Barn offers various equipment making kits. These kits range from basic (ready in four weeks) to "All Juice" which can be aged for a year or more making a superior bottle of wine. The inexpensive basic equipment kit is a great kit to get you started making wine at home and you can add or change/upgrade the as you go. The complete equipment kit has everything you need to make your first batch of wine.

8. Is it legal for me to make wine?
Yes, it has been legal to make wine since 1978. A head of household over the age of 21 can make up to 100 gallons of wine a year. Two adults can make 200 gallons- that's nearly 100 bottles of wine!