It is essential to understand where you should and shouldn’t be making wine in your home. The difference between a good and bad batch of wine is dependent on the environment that it ferments in. Wine can be made in any home, but you must be able to find the best possible environment to achieve winemaking success.
Space
If you have some extra space, it is possible to have a winemaking station of your own. There are a couple of aspects to consider when finding the perfect location. First, and most important, is temperature control. In order to keep your wine from having a cooked taste, you will need to make sure the temperature doesn’t get too hot. The wine will also stop fermenting if the temperature gets too cold. Having the right temperature and being able to keep it consistent is essential. We recommend a temperature between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sunlight
Another condition you must be aware of is sunlight. Exposing your wine to sunlight during the winemaking process can make it age prematurely. If this can’t be avoided, consider covering your carboy in order to block sunlight from hitting the wine.
For More Information Check Out Our Step to Step Guide to Making Wine
Water
Being near a water source and drain is also important. One consistency with every wine process is the need to sanitize and wash your equipment. Additionally, avoiding carpeted or easily stained floors is ideal because winemaking can get messy. Even when working on concrete, red wine can still leave stains if you are not careful.
Ventilation
Lastly, a well-ventilated space is recommended. Carbon dioxide builds up during the fermentation stage and requires a space where it can dissipate. A well-ventilated area is a must to avoid any kind of carbon dioxide poisoning or at the very least, constant headaches.
Places to Make Wine
With all of these considerations, there are certain areas in your home that work best for winemaking and some that don’t.
A basement is the perfect area in your home for winemaking. Think of it as your “mini wine cellar.” Although it depends on what you currently use your basement for and how it is furnished, most basements can easily shut out sunlight. They are usually well ventilated and have access to some type of water source.
For those who do not have a basement or live in apartments, a kitchen can also be a great environment for winemaking. Ventilation shouldn’t be an issue, and having access to a water source is common. However make sure your wine making station is not in a high traffic area, as bumping into your equipment can both disturb the wine and be messy.
We recommend avoiding areas of your home where you can’t control the temperature. This would include any outdoor areas or even garages. Also, areas like laundry rooms where the dryer might heat-up the room are not ideal.
Making wine can be done in many different areas of the home and can be done in houses of all sizes and even apartments. To get started, we recommend one of our starter kits, perfect for first-time wine makers. For more tips or equipment for winemaking, visit Adventures in Homebrewing.
