Most people indulge themselves with a nice glass of wine after a long work day but for those whose work is wine it’s more than just a way to unwind, it’s a passion-a passion that takes years to perfect. In the meantime why not take advantage of our facilities? Our award winning wine kits ensure a perfect batch every time! Still curious about what exactly can go wrong?

Issues with the Cork
The cause of a lot of tainted wines tends to be the cork. An organic and porous material, the cork is vulnerable to fungus infections. A shrinking cork can also be a problem as it will let air into the bottle thus oxidizing the wine. This can be avoided by boiling the cork in hot water before using it or foregoing a natural cork altogether in favour of a synthetic cork or screw cap.

Issues with Fermenting
A tricky process, fermentation involves using yeast to convert sugar into alcohol. If you find that the process won’t begin or that it starts and stops it could be due to the must or yeast being exposed to extreme changes in temperature. The must seeds could also just need a bit more nutrients or acid.

Issues with Colour
Some winemakers will encounter problems with their wines colour. The presence of aluminum, copper or zinc can present itself with a white, purple or brown hue. Citric acid will counteract the presence of copper or iron while egg shells will help with an abundance of aluminum and zinc.

Issues with Odour
If you notice a strong, pungent odour it may indicate that the wine’s been contaminated with ethyl acetate. Try to eliminate it by passing the wine through a small pump with an air stone attachment.

Issues with Taste
Of course the most important aspect of wine is its taste. Should the winemaker forget to properly convert the units or add the sugar in stages they could end up with a very sweet wine. Overcome this by either re-doing the fermentation process or blend it with a very dry wine. On the other hand if the wine has a flat taste to it, it’s lacking enough acid.

At the Wine Place you're guaranteed a perfect batch every time so why not visit us to create your very own? We offer a friendly learning environment, knowledgeable staff and of course an excellent selection of wine kits to choose from!

Remember also that if you’re looking for something fun and creative to do for your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day, creating your own batch of wine together can make for a great date!