I have a batch of watermelon wine that seems to keep on working. It seems there is no end to its fermentation. Should I add campden tablets to make it stop or do I just wait?
Name: Bill P.
State: Connecticut
Bill,
It sounds like you have a stalled fermentation — one that just won’t get up and get going. I would suggest the you go over the “Top 10 Reasons For Fermentation Failure” that are listed on our website. See which on of these 10 reasons fits your scenario. We have found that these 10 reasons cover 95% of the issues we run across. Once you know what the problem is you can fix it and allow the fermentation to finish more quickly.
As far as adding Campden Tablets, I would strongly recommend against using it at this point in the wine making process. Campden Tablets are not that effective at stopping a fermentation. They will give the fermentation activity a “punch in the gut”, then the fermentation will typically pick up again, just enough to be annoying. You are much better off letting the fermentation finish then add the Campden Tablets once the wine clears.
Best Wishes,
Ed Kraus
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Ed Kraus is a 3rd generation home brewer/winemaker and has been an owner of E. C. Kraus since 1999. He has been helping individuals make better wine and beer for over 25 years.
