Uncorking Joy: A Beginner’s Guide to Making Wine at Home from Juice
There’s a certain magic in crafting your own wine at home, and it all starts with a humble bucket of juice. Whether you’re a curious DIY novice or a seasoned winemaker, making wine from juice is an accessible and enjoyable venture. Join us on a journey to uncork the secrets of home winemaking and savor the fruits of your labor.
Gather Your Supplies:
Before you embark on your winemaking adventure, gather the essential supplies.
- A food-grade fermentation vessel
- Carboy (glass or PET, can be used for fermentation and storage)
- Demijohn (glass, can be used for fermentation and storage)
- Variable Capacity Tank (stainless steel, can be used for fermentation and storage)
- Food Grade Fermentation Tub (for fermentation only)
- An Airlock and Bung that fits your fermentation and/or storage vessel
- A siphon tube (racking and bottling)
- Fermentation Supplies:
- Wine yeast
- Nutrients
- Sacrificial Tannins
- Malolactic Bacteria and Nutrients (if making a red wine or chardonnay)
- AllGrape pack (if making a red and want to add more body and color to your wine) – for more information click here.
- Chemicals and Agents:
- Potassium Metabisulfite (for sanitizing equipment and for the preservation of wine)
- B-Brite (for cleaning)
- Juice
Choosing the Right Juice:
The beauty of making wine from juice lies in the variety of flavors you can explore. Select a high-quality juice. There are juices that are straight from the pressed grape skins, and others that are pre-balanced and have extra nutrients and tannins to help create a easy to ferment but delicious product.
Types of juices:
Fresh Juices:
Our fresh juices are from the grapes that are crushed, destemmed, and pressed right into the pails. For white wine, this is as if you were crushing and pressing yourself. For red wine the grapes are run through a heat or “hot” press to extract the color. Once these pails come up to temperature they can kick off because of the native yeast from the original grapes, or you can kill the native yeast and pitch your own yeast to ensure a more successful fermentation. Either way you are working with the fresh juice, not from concentrate. A delicious wine that can be on your table soon!
Fresco Juices:
Mondiale Fresco is proud to be the only product to offer home winemakers their own vineyard in one unique package. Each pail of juice is pre-balanced and adjusted to ensure you have the best winemaking success possible. Just warm up the juice to fermentation temperature and watch it go. For more information on our Fresco Juices click here.
So What is the difference between Fresh and Fresco Juices?
The Fresh Juices are the straight from the press. The Fresco juices are straight from the press, but pre-balanced and have a few additions made to them to make fermentation easier on the winemaker.
Sterile Juices:
Made from 100% pure grape must. The Mosti Mondiale All Juice Sterile Juice Pails yields wine of unmatched structure and integrity. This juice can be shipped via UPS or Fedex. It has similar steps to a wine kit, however it is made from fresh grape must and not concentrate. Expect to get a more vibrant and complex product from our sterile juices versus a wine kit.
Starting the Fermentation:
- Choose a juice variety that speaks to you.
- Come to Musto Wine Grape and pick up your pail of juice.
- Bring it home, pop open that lid, and add 1/4 tsp potassium metabisulfite to it. Add pectic enzyme if you’re going to (5 drops per gallon of juice). Give it a stir.
- Allow it to come up to room temperature – we’re talking 60 degrees or so.
- Choose your fermentation vessel: will you keep it in pails or ferment it in a carboy or demijohn? Make sure everything is clean and sanitized. *Be sure there is enough room to account for fermentation foaming*
- If you are going to add fermentation tannins or additives (like oak dust, Booster Rouge, Booster Blanc) you can add that now. *Note: do not add tannins such as FT Rouge within 8 hours of adding enzyme*
- Pitch the yeast once the temperature has reached at least 60F. Yeast strain choices will vary depending on the juice you choose – ask a winemaker at Musto Wine Grape for a strain recommendation for the varietal you’re making. Follow the yeast starter directions to the T! Be very careful of temperatures, never adding yeast if there is more than a 18 degree difference between the yeast starter liquid and the juice.
- Carefully monitor the fermentation by checking Brix levels daily. Add yeast nutrients as needed if you choose to do so.
- If you are adding malolactic cultures to your wine, you may also choose to do this at 1/3 Brix depletion. If using a malolactic nutrient (Opti-Malo Plus) with the bacterial culture, hydrate the nutrient in a separate container from the bacteria and add to the must directly before the addition of the bacteria. Follow all directions on the bacteria and nutrient packets explicitly.
- When the fermentation is complete, rack off the lees and continue aging. Many wines are aged with oak – if you choose to do this, you can do so in oak barrels or with oak alternatives (such as chips or staves).
- For more detailed information or is if you have any questions, email sales@juicegrape.com to speak to a MWG winemaker.
Patience is a Virtue:
Fermentation is a magical process that transforms humble juice into wine. Allow the mixture to ferment for several weeks, checking the airlock regularly. Once the bubbling slows down, the primary fermentation is complete. Rack the wine into a clean vessel, leaving sediment behind.
Keep Good Notes:
Keep track of your starting pre-fermentation numbers, addition dates and amounts, SO2 levels, racking days, and so on. The better the notes you take, the better you can re-create your masterpiece from year to year!
Aging Gracefully:
Transfer your wine to a secondary fermentation vessel for additional aging. This allows the flavors to mature and the wine to clarify. The length of ageing depends on personal preference and the type of wine you’re making. Some wines benefit from months of aging, while others are best enjoyed when young. For more details on ageing your wine click here.
Bottling and Enjoying:
Once your wine has matured to your liking, it’s time to bottle. Use a siphon tube to transfer the wine into clean, sanitized bottles, leaving sediment behind. Cork the bottles and store them upright for a few days before laying them on their sides for long-term storage. Now, you’re ready to uncork and savor the fruits of your labor. For more information on bottling your wine click here.
Making wine at home from juice is a delightful blend of science, art, and patience. Whether you’re a weekend hobbyist or an aspiring vintner, this simple guide is your passport to a world of homemade delights. So, raise a glass to your newfound winemaking skills and the joy of crafting something truly special from the comfort of your own home.
We hope you have found some winemaking inspiration in this article. If you have any questions or would like to discuss making an order, please contact us at 877-812-1137 or via sales@juicegrape.com. Cheers!
Take the Guesswork Out of Harvest—We’ll Handle the Details
Did you know we offer complimentary, custom fermentation protocol creation for winemakers and wineries?
Tell us what you’re making—and we’ll map out your entire fermentation process down to the gram.
✅ Yeast + Nutrients
✅ Additions + Timing
✅ Step-by-step instructions tailored to your varietals, style, and winemaking goals
Why Pre-Order Your Protocol?
✔️ Save time during harvest — no scrambling at the cash register
✔️ Cut down on back-and-forth calls — everything ready and waiting
✔️ Streamline your season with a dialed-in plan built just for you
📞 Let’s get you set up early. Call us at 877-812-1137 or email sales@juicegrape.com to pre-order your fermentation protocol and supplies.
One quick call now = smoother harvest later. Let’s make this your most organized vintage yet!
Cheers,
The Musto Wine Grape Co. Team
Vinovation: Exploring the Coolest Techniques in Modern Winemaking
In the world of winemaking, innovation is the key to unlocking new dimensions of flavor, aroma, and complexity. From cutting-edge technology to ancient practices with a modern twist, the coolest techniques in winemaking push the boundaries of what’s possible. Join MWG as we go on a journey into the avant-garde, where tradition meets technology, and discover the techniques that are shaping the future of wine.
Micro-Oxygenation:
Micro-oxygenation is a revolutionary technique that introduces controlled and minimal amounts of oxygen to the wine during fermentation or aging. This process enhances color stability, softens tannins, and promotes flavor integration. Winemakers can precisely tailor the level of oxygen exposure, resulting in wines with remarkable structure and balance.
Normally this is done via a dosing chamber system. As winemakers with limited equipment, we must as the question – How can I achieve the same result?
Splash Rack: Splash racking allows a small amount of micro-oxygenation while your rack. Be careful not to spill too much wine during the process though!
Used Barrels: You can purchase used barrels and utilize them not for flavor, but for the micro-oxygenation aspect. Keep good notes each year and you’ll be able to dial in exactly how many days creates the softest tannins.
Special Tanks: There are Pro Tanks and Flex Tanks that provide a style of tank that allows for micro-oxygenation like a barrel.
Controlled Oxygen Exposure: Another way is to literally expose your wine to oxygen a certain amount of time per day, week, or month depending on you see fit. This is a bit of a “Goldilocks Approach”. If you expose it too little you won’t see any of the benefits. If you expose it too much, you’ll have an oxidized wine. However, it is in your power to expose your wine to oxygen however you see fit. If you are diligent, you might be able to achieve the above result.
Cryoextraction:
Cryoextraction involves freezing grapes before pressing, leading to the separation of water and sugar-rich juice. This concentrates the flavors and sugars in the remaining juice, resulting in a more intense and flavorful wine. This technique is especially popular for producing ice wines and other high-sugar styles.
If you have a freezer at home, you can freeze small batches and achieve this style of winemaking. If you are making wine from juice, you can achieve a similar flavor profile using sterile allgrape pack skins in conjunction with the fresh juice. Again, you would need a freezer of some sort. Ask MWG if we will be offering must freezing options. Depending on the size of the batch we might have a solution for you.
Extended Skin Contact (Maceration):
For those seeking bolder and more complex wines, try extending the period of skin contact during fermentation. This technique extracts additional flavors, colors, and tannins from the grape skins, resulting in wines with enhanced structure and depth.
MWG will be offering a new product this season that allows for extra skin contact time without the negatives that come with that. If you have a way to keep your batch cool, this new tool may be for you!
Biodynamic and Organic Practices:
While not new, biodynamic and organic winemaking practices continue to gain popularity. These holistic approaches involve a deep connection to the land, lunar cycles, and the use of natural preparations. Winemakers embracing these techniques focus on sustainability, biodiversity, and creating wines that reflect the purity of their terroir. Might be time to check out the Farmer’s Almanac and start racking by the moon 😉
Native Yeast Fermentation:
The use of native yeast strains for fermentation is a return to the roots of winemaking. However, this is something at MWG that we do not suggest trying, as it is difficult to ensure your native batch will complete fermentation. The Native yeast fermentation technique relies on the wild yeast present on grape skins and in the vineyard environment. Native yeast fermentation can contribute unique and complex flavors, adding a layer of authenticity to the final product. If you want to take a walk on the wild side, ask an MWG rep the best practices for having a successful native fermentation.
Hyper-Focused Yeast Strains:
Winemakers are increasingly experimenting with hyper-focused yeast strains to achieve specific flavor profiles. In 2024, consider using specialized yeast varieties that bring out unique characteristics in your grapes, imparting distinct notes to your wine. From fruity and floral to spicy and earthy, the possibilities are endless.
Home winemakers and small batch wineries have unlimited access to our wide range of yeast strains. If there is something we don’t have, we can most likely get it. As our portfolio evolves so do your wines. We are always happy to chat yeast strains with you!
Barrel Alternatives:
Traditional oak barrels are giving way to innovative alternatives like oak spirals, chips, and barrels made from other types of wood. These alternatives offer winemakers greater control over the oak influence, allowing for a more precise balance between wood and fruit flavors.
Hybrid barrels – How Hybrid Barrels are Changing Your Wine, Beer and Spirits | Wine Enthusiast Magazine
These are wonderful if you are utilizing a stainless-steel tank, glass, or neutral wood barrel. You play with different levels and flavors to your heart’s content. Creating deliciously crafted wines!
As winemaking evolves, so do the techniques that shape the wines we love. From futuristic technologies to ancient practices with a modern twist, the coolest techniques in winemaking are a testament to the industry’s commitment to pushing boundaries. So, the next time you savor a glass of wine, consider the artistry behind the coolest techniques that make each sip a journey of discovery.
We hope you have found some winemaking inspiration in this article. If you have any questions or would like to discuss making an order, please contact us at 877-812-1137 or via sales@juicegrape.com. Cheers!
Wine Spotlight: Bold Elegance – South African Shiraz Unveiled
Interested in making South African Shiraz? Give us a call at 877-812-1137 to speak to a winemaking representative about your order.
Appearance:
In the glass, South African Shiraz commands attention with its deep, inky purple color. The richness of its hue hints at the robust character that awaits.
Aroma:
Upon the first swirl, the nose is greeted by an enticing bouquet of dark fruits and subtle spices. Blackberry and ripe plum take center stage, accompanied by a hint of black pepper and a touch of smoky oak (either French or American oak, medium toast). The aromatic profile is bold and inviting, setting the stage for the complex layers to unfold. (yeast suggestions: BDX, D80, D254)
Palate:
As the wine graces the palate, it delivers a symphony of flavors that reflect the warmth and intensity of the South African sun. Black cherry and blueberry dance alongside notes of dark chocolate and a subtle hint of vanilla from careful oak aging (either French or American oak, medium toast). The wine’s full-bodied nature is complemented by velvety tannins that add a luxurious texture, creating a well-balanced and deeply satisfying experience.
Flavor Profile:
South African Shiraz is a showcase of the varietal’s bold and expressive character. The dark fruit flavors are complemented by a savory undercurrent, with a touch of black pepper adding a hint of spice. The integration of oak is seamless, contributing to the wine’s complexity without overpowering its vibrant fruit profile.
Pairing Suggestions:
A robust Shiraz is a natural companion to hearty dishes. Pair it with a juicy grilled steak, lamb stew, or a rich, meaty pasta for a perfect match. Its bold flavors and well-structured tannins also make it an excellent candidate for aging, allowing the wine to evolve and develop further complexity over time.
Overall:
South African Shiraz is a testament to the region’s ability to produce wines of depth and character. It balances power with finesse, showcasing the winemaker’s artistry in capturing the essence of the grape and the terroir. It’s a wine that invites contemplation and celebration.
Interested in making South African Shiraz? Give us a call at 877-812-1137 to speak to a winemaking representative about your order. Cheers!
New Product Spotlight: Effergran
Introducing Effergran, the effervescent granulated potassium metabisulfite that’s your wine’s best friend during aging! This powerhouse product is a potent antioxidant and antimicrobial agent, designed to protect your wine by rapidly releasing SO2, minimizing oxidation, and ensuring a stable aging process.
Adding Effergran to your wine is not just effective—it’s a bit of a show! Imagine the satisfying fizz of an Alka-Seltzer tablet in water, but for your wine. As soon as Effergran hits the surface, it bubbles and dissolves quickly, effortlessly distributing SO2 throughout your wine. No pump overs, no hassle—just a seamless, thorough integration that keeps your wine in top condition.
Elevate your winemaking process with Effergran, where efficiency meets a touch of fun, all while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. Cheers to better aging and exceptional wines!
Hurry! Get Your Spring Orders In Before It’s Too Late!
Dear Valued Winemakers,
We hope this post finds you well and excited about the fantastic Spring products we have in store for you! As we gear up for another exciting week, we wanted to remind you that time is ticking, and we don’t want you to miss out on the opportunity to get your hands on our amazing Spring offerings.
From South Africa:
Juice Varieties: Shiraz, Merlot, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc
Fresco Juice Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc
Arrivals: Last week in April
From Chile:
Grapes Varieties: Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, Petite Verdot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier
Juice Varieties: Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet/Merlot Blend, Malbec, Merlot, Petite Verdot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier.
Fresco Juice Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Malbec, Merlot, Chardonnay, Chardonnay-Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
Arrivals: First week in May
Whether you’re looking for that perfect blending wine, treating yourself to something special, or simply stocking up on your favorite variety, now is the time to act! Our boats will be arriving soon and they are brimming with top-quality products waiting to be discovered. We wouldn’t want you to miss out on the fun of Spring winemaking. Don’t let procrastination steal your joy – place your order today and let the anticipation begin!
So, what are you waiting for? Join the excitement, and let’s make this Spring winemaking experience one to remember!
Thank you for choosing Musto Wine Grape Co. We truly appreciate your continued support.
Happy Winemaking!
Warmest Regards,
The Musto Crush Crew
877-812-1137
Wine Spotlight: Amorosso/Amarone Blend
One of our all time favorite Italian wine juices will be arriving in October, the Amorrosso/Amarone Blend. Sweet and bold, this wine is popular at any table. It will be arriving in early October from Italy. The Amarone fresh juice is available for pre-order and on demand pick up. The Amorosso Fresco is pre-order only. Please call 877-812-1137 to put in your order. We have a huge list of Italian wine juices for sale. Be sure to give us a call to check out what is available.
The Blend:
Amorosso/Amarone wine is a unique and highly regarded red wine produced in the Valpolicella region of Veneto, Italy. It is known for its rich, full-bodied flavor, high alcohol content, and complex aroma. Primarily made from three grape varieties: Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella. The grapes are carefully selected from well-maintained vineyards, and only the ripest bunches are chosen for this blend.
Appassimento:
The key step in Amarone production is the drying process, also known as “appassimento.” Instead of pressing the grapes immediately, they are spread out on wooden racks or straw mats in well-ventilated rooms, lofts, or drying chambers. During this time, they lose water content, which concentrates their sugars, flavors, and aromas. This process can reduce the weight of the grapes by 30-40%.
After the drying process, the grapes are gently crushed to release their juice. The grape skins are thick and full of flavor due to the drying process.
Winemaking Notes:
Typically, after fermentation, Amorossa/Amarone wine is aged for an extended period in oak barrels. The aging process can range from two to several years, depending on the producer’s preferences. This aging helps mellow the wine’s tannins, integrate its flavors, and develop its complex bouquet. For step by step instructions check out this blog post.
Flavor Profile:
Amorosso/Amarone wine is characterized by its deep ruby-red color, intense and complex aromas of dried fruits, dark cherries, spices, and a full-bodied, velvety texture. It is often enjoyed as a fine wine on its own or paired with hearty dishes like roasted meats, game, and aged cheeses. Due to its unique production method, Amorosso/Amarone tends to be more expensive than many other Italian wines but is highly regarded by wine enthusiasts for its exceptional quality and flavor profile.
Viva Italia!
To make an Italian wine juice order please contact us via sales@juicegrape.com or call us at 877-812-1137, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube, or check out the Harvest Tracker and Winemaker Blog on our website- juicegrape.com.
What is the difference between Fresco Juices and Fresh Juices?
What is the difference between Fresco Juice vs. Fresh Juice?
Fresco Juices:
Ever bake a cake from a box and it came out delicious? Did you know you could do the same with winemaking?
Mondiale Fresco is proud to be the only product to offer home winemakers their own vineyard in one unique package. Each pail of juice is pre-balanced and adjusted to ensure you have the best winemaking success possible. Just warm up the juice to fermentation temperature and watch it go.
What does “pre-balanced” and “adjusted” mean?
Every season Mother Nature gives us a different wine grape harvest. Some years the acid, pH, and sugars are all in line with each other. Most times they aren’t and there needs to be some slight adjustments made pre-fermentation to ensure top wine quality. The Fresco juices are adjusted so that the acid, pH, and sugar levels are all in balance with each other. This makes for an easier fermentation and, a very pleasing wine.
Depending on the varietal of wine you choose, enzymes and tannins might be added – all pre-measured, and ready-to-go, just open the packet and add to the pail. These add-ons help with wine clarity and mouthfeel, contributing to the “taste like made from scratch”, or in this case, as if fermented on the skins. The Fresco juices are the best juices to work with for busy winemakers. You get the juice warmed up, watch it ferment, age, and bottle.
Fresh Juices:
Fresh Juices come straight from the press!
Our fresh juices are from the grapes that are crushed, destemmed, and pressed right into the pails. For white wine, this is as if you were crushing and pressing yourself. For red wine the grapes are run through a heat or “hot” press in order to extract the color. Once these pails come up to temperature they can kick off because of the native yeast from the original grapes, or you can kill the native yeast and pitch your own yeast to ensure a more successful fermentation. Either way you are working with the fresh juice, not from concetrate. A delicous wine can be on your table as soon as Christmas!
So what is the difference?
The Fresh Juices are the straight from the press. The Fresco juices are straigth from the press, but pre-balanced and have a few additions made to them to make fermentation easier on the winemaker.
Either way you have delicious wine in the making!
To make an order please contact us via sales@juicegrape.com or call us at 877-812-1137, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube, or check out the Harvest Tracker and Winemaker Blog on our website- juicegrape.com.
Upgrade Your Winemaking Juice with the AllGrape Pack!
Upgrade Your Winemaking Juice with the AllGrape Pack!
Making from Fresh Juice or Wine Kits produces a fantastic wine, but can sometimes be lacking in tannins, color, flavor, and mouthfeel. This isn’t the winemaker’s fault, this is becasue these types of product do not get ample time on the grape skins to give the wine that extra kick of complexity.
Lucky for you, We Have a Solution! Enter the AllGrape Pack
The AllGrape pack® contains 100% grapes, NO Fillers, NO sweeteners just 100% pasteurized crushed and destemmed grapes as “Mother Nature” intended!
Packed in a sterile, shelf-stable, bag in a box…taste the real Allgrape® difference.
Add it to your Fresh Wine Juice or Wine Kit and see a significant increase in the Flavor Profile, Tanninic Structure, and Mouthfeel in your Juice Wine!
It tastes as if you made wine from grapes!
Sam & Christina did an experiment with Chilean Merlot this Spring. We did one pail with the AllGrape pack and one pail without it. We couldn’t believe the difference! We believe in the product so much so that we discounted it so it’s easier to test out for yourselves. You won’t be disapointed. But hurry because this sale will only last until Novemeber!
FALL SPECIAL!
$33.00 – NOW $25.00
To make a wine juice order or if you have any questions about the AllGrape pack please contact us via sales@juicegrape.com or call us at 877-812-1137, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube, or check out the Harvest Tracker and Winemaker Blog on our website- juicegrape.com.
The Italians are Coming!!
There are several compelling reasons to consider
making Italian wine from Musto’s Italian juices.
Variety:
Italy is one of the world’s largest wine producers, and it boasts an incredible variety of wine styles, grape varieties, and regions. Whether you prefer red, white, sparkling, or dessert wines, Italy offers an extensive range to explore.
Terroir:
Italy’s diverse geography, climate, and soils contribute to a rich tapestry of terroirs. Each wine region has its own unique characteristics, producing wines with distinct flavors and profiles.
Food Pairing:
Italian wines are known for their versatility and ability to complement a wide range of cuisines. Whether you’re enjoying pizza, pasta, seafood, or fine Italian cuisine, there’s an Italian wine that pairs beautifully with it.
Quality:
Italy has a long history of winemaking, and many Italian wineries are dedicated to producing high-quality wines. Italy has a significant number of prestigious wine regions and producers, including those in Tuscany, Piedmont, Puglia, and Veneto.
Heritage:
Italy has a deep cultural and historical connection to winemaking. This heritage is reflected in the traditions, techniques, and dedication of Italian winemakers.
Uniqueness:
Italy is home to several unique and iconic wine styles, such as Barolo, Amarone, Chianti, Prosecco, and Brunello di Montalcino, among others. Exploring these wines can be a delightful and enriching experience.
Whether you’re looking for a bold red wine like Barolo, a crisp white like Pinot Grigio, Italy has something to offer for every palate and occasion!
Musto Wine Grape will be receiving Italian wine juices this October! See below for a full list of what is available from Italy this fall.
Musto Wine Grape Italian Juice Offerings:
Fresh Italian Juices:
Amarone
Barolo
Brunello
Chianti
Dolchetto
Lambrusco
Montelpulciano
Moscato
Nebbiolo
Nero D’Avola
Pinot Grigio
Sangiovese
Trebbiano
Valpolicella
Italian Fresco Juices (pre-order only):
Amorosso (Amarone)
Granbarile (Barolo)
Castel del Papa
Il Toscano (Chianti)
Lambrusco
Merlot
Montelpulciano
Nebbiolo
Primitivo
Sangiovese
Pinot Grigio
Trebbiano
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