To start a home cellar, you must know the basics of winemaking. You started with a basic understanding of wine; now you’re ready to dive in head first. You know what you like; you must know how to make it yourself.

Winemaking is an art; getting the right equipment is just as important as the ingredients. Have no fear; we’re here to help.

This guide will help you find the best wine making equipment for beginners. We’ll even help you figure out what to buy. Read on to get the inside scoop on the tools of the trade.

Bottles

Bottles are an integral part of the wine making process. This specialized container is designed to house fermented grape juice while making wine.

The bottles come in various shapes and sizes to accommodate multiple recipes. They are often constructed from glass with a cork or screw top lid.

They expand in size as the wine ferments to accommodate pressure build-up. This prevents unwanted spillage and sour flavors caused by oxygen entering the bottle.

Primary Fermenter

It is a large, airtight vessel used to contain the fermented wine. The primary fermenter should be well-insulated and hold a vapor-tight seal, allowing the fermentation gases to escape and protecting the wine from the outside air.

It should be large enough to accommodate the entire volume.

Secondary Fermenter

It is typically the second vessel in which the wine is stored before it is eventually bottled. It provides enough additional volume to ‘splash around’ and helps to protect the finished wine from oxidation.

This is especially important after the wine has been racked (transferred and filtered) off the yeast sediment. 

Hydrometer

A hydrometer measures the specific gravity of must or wine and determines the potential alcohol content of a given batch of wine. The hydrometer measures the sugar content at the start of the winemaking process.

As the fermentation process is underway, the hydrometer is used to measure the progress, and when the sugar levels are at zero, the fermentation is complete. 

Air Lock

An airlock is typically filled partially with water, fixed into a bung closure on the side of the fermenter. It captures the natural carbon dioxide escaping from the fermenter while avoiding contamination from outside sources such as bacteria or wild yeast.

They are available in various designs, such as three- or two-piece styles. Consider having oak chips to create precise and consistent wine profiles.

Investing in the Right Wine Making Equipment

These essential items are all necessary for producing quality wine. Investing in the right tools and winemaking equipment is a must.

Use this guide as a starting point, then continue your research. You will have all the information and knowledge to choose the right essential wine making equipment for your specific needs.

Give it a shot – you might find a new passion and hobby!

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