A: There are three steps you need to take in order to get your winemaking experience started:Call today to make an appointment to come in for a tour and tasting.Decide on the type of wine that you would like to make.Place your order.
A: The cost varies depending on the varietal of grape that you choose and the quantity selected. The quantity ranges from 1/2 of a barrel (which yields 120 bottles of wine) up to a full barrel (which yields 250 bottles). The average cost will range from $12 to $14 per bottle complete.
A: The timing varies based on the grape source: For California grapes, bottling usually takes place in June or July of the following year after the late September harvest. For Chilean grapes, you can expect to bottle your wine around March of the following year after the late April harvest.
A: We add only naturally-occurring ingredients that help us in our winemaking process. We add a minimal amount of sulfites, which is necessary because of its antimicrobial ability. We add red wine yeast due to the control it gives us over the fermentation process. There are many strains of yeast that are present on the skins of grapes, so we want to have control over which type is dominant. We add yeast nutrients to help the rehydrated yeast become better acclimated to its new environment. We add tartaric acid when necessary to boost the acid content of the must or wine. This is very important when it comes down to the overall taste of the wine on your tongue.
A: The entire process takes about 9 to 10 months. Within that time period, you will come in about 4 times with each session, lasting about 2 hours. The first time is to come in to crush your grapes. A week later you will come back to press the grapes and put the wine into your barrel. In late January or early February, you will rack your wine. In July or August, you will return to bottle your wine and take it home.
A: We offer a wide variety of wines that you can make. We have both red and white wines that range from single varietals to blended varietals. For the more advanced winemaker, we will work with you to come up with your own customized blend.
A: While you can definitely come in by yourself, most of our winemakers bring family and friends and make a party out of each visit. We encourage you to treat our facility as your backyard, basement, or garage; the way you used to make wine with your family. Our goal is to help you carry on your family traditions.
A: We take great care in selecting grapes from exceptional regions to ensure the highest quality for your winemaking experience. In the fall, our California grapes are carefully sourced from two outstanding regions: the renowned Lodi region, known for its rich wine heritage, and the scenic Sierra foothills encompassing Amador, El Dorado, and Lake Counties, celebrated for their unique terroirs. In the spring, we extend our grape selection to include the picturesque vineyards of South Africa, where we find grapes that offer distinct flavors and characteristics to create exceptional wines.
A: The most important thing to remember is to place your wine in an area where the temperature stays pretty constant. The optimal temperature is between 55 and 65 degrees. The bottles should also be stored on their sides so that the cork does not have the opportunity to dry out.
A: Make Wine With Us is the perfect place to have a birthday party, family gathering, or corporate team-building outing. If you would like to book an appointment for a tour and tasting at our Wallington, NJ facility, please call us at 201-876-9463 today!
A: The winemaking process spans approximately 9 to 10 months, with several key sessions. You will visit our facility about four times during this period, with each session lasting approximately 2 hours. The initial visit involves crushing the grapes, followed by returning a week later to press the grapes and transfer the wine into your barrel. You'll come in for a racking session in late January or early February to refine your wine further. Finally, in July or August, you'll return to bottle your wine and take it home, fully crafted and ready to enjoy.