Ed Kraus' Wine of the Month: Concord Grape

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Our wine of the month is Concord grape. Native to North America and also known as a “backyard garden grape,” it is the most popular grape in the country. Named after Concord, MA, where it was originally grown, the Concord grape is rich and full-bodied in flavor. Although you can commonly find this fruit in jams, jellies, and juices, it’s time to kick things up a notch. Discover our wine recipe for Concord grape wine and reap all of the delicious benefits.

Why should I make Concord grape wine?

This dark-skinned grape variety, a.k.a. the fox grape, contains high levels of anthocyanin and resveratrol. Resveratrol is an antioxidant and phytochemical that can produce many skin benefits. In addition to protecting skin from UVA and UVB radiation and damages caused by sunburn, it is also known to lower the risk of skin and breast cancer. In fact, purple and blue grapes are known to contain the highest amount of antioxidants of all of the varietals, making them extremely beneficial to cardiovascular health and the prevention of degenerative diseases.
Wine Recipe:
40 lbs. of Grapes
6 ½ lbs. of Sugar
2 tbsp. of Yeast Nutrient
¾ tsp. of Pectic Enzyme
1 tbsp. of Acid Blend
1 tsp. Wine Tannin
Yeast 71B-1122
You can find easy directions to making wine on our website. While you’re making the recipe, keep in mind that these are “slip skinned” grapes, meaning that their skins slip off easily. Oftentimes, the flavor of the skin is described as “foxy,” so you may want to remove the skins, dilute the grapes, and press the juice before you add yeast to avoid any chance of a chemical-like taste to the wine. Also note that Concord grapes are higher in acid and lower in sugar than wine grapes, making it a bit more challenging when it comes to winemaking. But hey, who doesn’t love a challenge?
Where and how can I find Concord grapes?
You’ll have the most luck finding Concord grapes in the northern climates. Major growing areas include the Finger Lakes, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Southwestern Michigan, and Yakima Valley. Look for darker, larger grapes because table grapes are a bit loftier than wine grapes.
What foods does Concord grape wine pair best with?
Concord grape wine’s aromatic and robust flavor makes it a suitable partner for both sweet and salty dishes. It can be paired with other strong flavors like sharp cheddar and goat cheeses or can be used to complement lighter flavors like fish and chicken. Don’t forget to save room for dessert, either, because Concord grape wine couples deliciously well with chocolate.
Regardless of what you choose to pair Concord grape wine with, make sure you enjoy every sip of this foxy, flavorful beverage.

Instructions On How To Fill A Keg With Homebrew Beer

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Homebrew Beer Kegging SystemAfter you have cleaned and sanitized your homebrew keg, you are now ready to put your own beer in it. These instructions below will show you how to fill a keg with homebrew beer. It will guide you step-by-step through the process of moving beer from your fermenter into a Cornelius style keg.
I’ll admit that the first time I used a homebrew keg system I was a little nervous. Something about all that pressurized CO2 gas made me feel uneasy. But it’s not as complicated as you might think. The main things to look out for are A) safety, and B) leaks. Any time you open the keg, vent it first through the pressure relief make sure the keg is not under any pressure. Whenever you are preparing to fill your keg and after you’ve filled it, check for leaks. CO2 can be costly. I’ll walk you through how to check for leaks in the instructions below.
Even though there are some mandatory steps you must take, the benefits of using a kegging system heavily outweigh any regiment you must endure.
Without further ado, how to fill a keg with homebrew!

  1. Kegging RegulatorAfter you have cleaned and sanitized your homebrew keg, reassemble it. To review how to clean and sanitize your a keg, visit our how-to instructions for cleaning and sanitizing your homebrew keg.
  1. Attach your CO2 tank and regulator to the keg by connecting the gas quick disconnect to the gas-in post.
  1. Use a sponge and soapy water to test for leaks by dabbing the sponge around all the CO2 connections, posts, and lid.
  1. Set the regulator pressure to a low setting, about 5-8 psi, and then open the regulator valve. Any leaks should produce bubbles where you dabbed the soapy water. If needed, tighten connections, replace o-rings, or use Teflon tape to ensure a tight seal. Keg lubricant can also be used around o-rings for a better seal.
  1. O-Ring Seal LubricantVent the keg through the pressure relief valve 3-5 times to expunge air from the keg. A 100% CO2 environment will improve the “shelf life” of your homebrew.
  1. Turn the valve on your regulator into the “off” position and vent all pressure from the keg. Double-check that you vented the keg completely.
  1. Remove the lid. Since CO2 is heavier than air, your keg should still be full of CO2.
  1. Auto SiphonUsing a sanitized siphon, transfer your homebrew into the keg. I highly recommend an auto-siphon if you don’t have one already. This will help you to get the siphon started without a lot of commotion.
  1. Replace the lid by pulling vertically on the lid and holding it in place, and then apply CO2 pressure. The CO2 pressure will push the lid into a good fit. Now clamp the lid into place.
  1. Switch your regulator to the “on” position and apply 5-10 psi of CO2 to the keg.
  1. Your homebrew is now ready to be carbonated! There is more than one way to go about carbonating a keg beer. Force carbonation is the most common method, but you can also carbonate a beer in a keg by conditioning. Here’s some information on how to carbonate your homebrew in a keg.

And that’s how how to fill a keg with homebrew. Do you keg your homebrew? What tips do you have to share about filling your homebrew keg?
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David Ackley is a beer writer, brewer, and self-described “craft beer crusader.” He holds a General Certificate in Brewing from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling and is founder and editor of the Local Beer Blog.

Wine of the Month, Peach Wine

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Peach wine is a juicy, sweet selection is perfect for sipping during the summer months. Even better, since the peaches are at their peak this time of year, right now is a great time to make this wine. Read on to find out the many health benefits of peach wine, along with our exclusive recipe and wine pairing tips.

Why should I make peach wine?

Rich in vitamin A, potassium, vitamin c, thiamine, niacin, calcium, and a large amount of antioxidants, peach wine will surely do the body some good. This delicious drink can help cleanse your kidney, strengthen your immune system, and lower chances of obesity. In addition, peach wine has been known to decrease the risk of cataract and macular degeneration diseases, lower cholesterol, and repair cells and tissues.
How often do you hear about wine being associated with weight loss and energy? Interestingly enough, the abundant water content in peach wine helps hydrate the body, which in turn cuts down on fat. It also aids in the treatment of chronic fatigue disorders. Can we get an Rx for peach wine please?
Recipe:
13bs of Peaches
10 lbs. of Sugar
1 tbsp. of Yeast Energizer
1 tsp. of Pectic Enzyme
2 ½ tbsp. of Acid Blend
1 tsp. Wine Tannin
Yeast EC-1118
When you’re looking for your peaches, opt for ripened peaches (less ripe peaches contain too much pectin!). While you’re making your recipe, make sure you wash the peaches thoroughly and remove the stems and leaves. Cut out any bruises to help avoid the growth of bacteria, and don’t forget to store it away from sunlight. It is recommended that you age peach wine for about six months.

Where and how can I find peaches?

If you’re heading to your local grocery store or market to stock up on peaches, now is the perfect time. There will be an abundance of ripe, juicy peaches in the produce section from the end of June to early September. Remember to stock up, because you’ll need 13 pounds!
If you’d rather go the natural route and pick them from a tree yourself, you’ll find the best peach trees in the central and southern portions of the United States. Peach trees grow especially well in USDA zones 6 and 7, but have the ability to grow in zones 5-8. If you’re anywhere near South Carolina and Georgia, take advantage.

What foods does peach wine pair best with?

Due to the fact that peach wine is closer to a dessert wine than a dry wine, it pairs very well with spicy and smoked dishes. Start off with some smoked cheeses, then for your main dish, opt for chicken or beef topped with green chile sauce or spicy salsa. Stir-fries and crab cakes also complement the sweet flavor of peach wine quite well.
No matter what you choose to bite in between sips of peach wine, this light-bodied, crisp beverage is the perfect addition to any meal.
Are you a first time wine maker? We have great starter kits, perfect for making your first batch of peach wine. Find our starter kits along with other helpful tips for wine making here.

Wine of the Month, Wild Grape Wine

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Our wine of the month is wild grape. When it comes to winemaking, grapes are generally classified into three separate groups: wild, wine, and European wine. Wild grape wine can be made with grape varietals such as Muscadine, Fox, and Frost. These grapes are high in acid, low in sugar, and assertive in flavor. We’ve got the lowdown on this delicious recipe! We’ll tell you where to find the grapes, their various health benefits, and which foods they pair best with.
Why should I make wild grape wine?
It comes as a surprise to many that wine can be healthy. When you make wild grape wine, the seeds of the grapes contain polyphenols, which are micronutrients containing anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Evidence has proven that polyphenols can help prevent cancer, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Wild grapes also contain vitamins B1, B6, C, manganese, and potassium. Check out our wild grape wine recipe to get started!
Recipe:
20lbs of Wild Grapes
10 lbs. of Sugar
2 tbsp. of Yeast Nutrient
¾ tsp. of Pectic Enzyme
½ Wine Tannin
Yeast EC-1118
Wondering why this recipe calls for so much sugar? Keep in mind that because wild grapes contain the lowest amounts of sugar, they will need the most added to make wine. Pressing the wild grapes, however, can be done very quickly because a small tabletop press can crush 50-100 lbs. of grapes (about 15 lbs. a time). This recipe should make at least 5 gallons. If you’re a bit rusty on wine making with grapes, check out our guide to give your memory a refresh.

Where and how can I find wild grapes?

Unlike other grapes that tend to grow in clusters, wild grapes grow as separate berries. These are typically a bit smaller than other grapes, and can be black, purple, or dark blue. Fortunately, wild grapes can be found in almost any climate. Their vines, which grow very quickly and tend to climb and envelop structures, can be found along roads, fences, forests, and riverbanks. In fact, the wild grape is also called the riverbank grape!

What foods does wild grape wine pair best with?

The pungent taste and aroma of wild grape wine pairs especially well with rich dishes and meats. Similar to merlot, malbec, pinot noir, and cabernet sauvignon, this variety compliments beef, steak, game, lamb, pasta entrees, and rich cheeses very well. The bold flavor of this recipe will make your meaty and cheesy dishes that much better.
So next time you venture outside, keep your eyes peeled for the winding vines with the dark grapes- they might just help you make your next batch of wine! For more information on the home winemaking process and the tools you’ll need, check out our winemaking equipment and accessories.

7 Fool-Proof Steps For Cleaning Corny Kegs

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Clean Used Corny KegsThe last thing you want after waiting several weeks for your homebrew to ferment is to spoil your beer by putting it in a dirty corny keg. The easiest and most efficient way to clean your keg is with a Keg and Carboy Washer, which will spray the inside of your keg or carboy with a jet of cleaner or sanitizer solution. It’s an easy first-step to cleaning corny kegs.
For those of you without the Keg and Carboy Washer, read the steps below for cleaning and sanitizing your keg.
*Note: Whenever you finish off a keg of beer, rinse the corny keg well with hot water and soak in a brewing cleanser bath for up to 24 hours. This will make cleaning and sanitizing your keg much easier when it comes time to use it again.

How-To Instructions For Cleaning Corny Keg

  1. Vent pressure from the keg by pulling up on the pressure release valve on top of the keg. This is a safety precaution – don’t skip this step!
  1. Remove the lid from the corny keg by pulling up on the handle that holds the lid onto the keg. If needed, give it a 90º turn to remove it. Set the lid aside in a cleanser bath.
  1. Using a socket wrench or crescent wrench, remove the connect posts from the corny keg. Be careful not to strip the screws. Also, take care not to lose the poppets valves. These are the spring mechanisms inside the posts. Place these parts in the cleanser bath, as well.
  1. Shop Basic ARemove the dip tubes by pulling from the topside of the keg. There is a long one for beer and a short one for gas. Set the long one inside the keg (through the lid) and the short one in the cleanser bath.
  1. Inspect your corny keg O-rings (there are 5 total: 1 for the lid, 2 for the posts, 2 for the dip tubes). Clean them with a damp cloth or replace them if needed.
  1. Using a damp cloth, clean all keg parts. A line brush can be helpful for getting inside the dip tubes.
  1. Rinse and dry all parts according to the directions on your cleanser of choice.

If this is a used corny keg and it’s the first time you are using it, then these steps are a must. You should get in the habit of cleaning corny kegs inside and out before using it for the first time.

How-To Instructions For Sanitizing A Corny Keg:
Repeat all steps using your sanitizer of choice (Iodophor or Star San). When finished, reassemble your keg. Be sure to put the right dip tube with the right post. Check for leaks by applying soapy water to each of the posts, around the lid, and to all connections on your CO2 setupshop_draft_systems. Hook up the gas disconnect to the gas-in post, turn on gas at the tank, then turn on gas at the regulator. 10 psi should be ample pressure to check for leak, which will be indicated by bubbles at the various connections. You may need to tighten the connection or replace the O-ring.
There’s more than one way to go about cleaning corny kegs – how do you clean and sanitize yours? Any tips, tricks or secrets you’d like to share? Here’s some more of our kegging tips.
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David Ackley is a beer writer, brewer, and self-described “craft beer crusader.” He holds a General Certificate in Brewing from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling and is founder and editor of the Local Beer Blog.

Can You Make Wine In A Plastic Carboy?

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Plastic Carboy 2Hi, I ran out of glass carboys. Can you make wine in a plastic carboy? Like a water bottle? Will it change the taste of the wine?
Name: Curtis K.
State: MS
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Hello Curtis,
Yes, it is perfectly fine to use plastic carboys to make wine, just as long as you are talking about carboys that are used for holding drinking water. If you are referring to some other type of plastic container, you will want to check to see that it indicates food-grade on it somewhere, or that it was previously used for a product meant for human consumption.
The 5 gallon plastic water bottles – like you see at the grocery store – are made of food-grade plastic. And, as an additional step of assuring that no plastic taste will transfer into your drinking water – or wine – the manufactures blow in a thick layer of Saran to the inside of the plastic carboye as a last step. This is done to create a protective barrier.
Saran is an oxygen barrier plastic. This means that unlike some other plastics, it lets little-to-no air go past it, so you shouldn’t have any concerns about your wine oxidizing. Saran is also a very clean form of plastic, so there is virtually no chance of it putting a plastic taste in your wine.
I also wanted to point out that we have specially produced 3 gallon, 5 gallon and 6 gallon plastic carboys. These plastic carboys are manufactured specifically for home winemakers and beermakers. They are completely made of PET plastic and are BPA free. This is the same exact material used to make 2 liter soda bottles, only thicker. It is the ultimate plastic when it comes to being food-grade and durable. Shop Carboys
As an additional note, you may want to take a look at a previous blog post, There’s A Plastic Taste And Smell In My Wine. It goes a little bit over the different recycle symbols you will find on containers and what they actually mean. These are the little triangle arrows with the numbers in the middle.
So, can you make wine in a plastic carboy? Absolutely. Just know what kind of plastic you are dealing with and have an idea of what was in the container before, if anything.
Happy Winemaking,
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.

Our Favorite 5 Home Wine Cellars from Around the Web

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What’s equally as fun as making your own wine? Finding creative ways to store and display it! Home wine cellars can be designed so many different ways, whether you have a corner of your basement or a whole room to dedicate to your delicious vino. We searched the net for the coolest wine cellars and have listed our top 5 favorites.
Traditional
This traditional home cellar is simple, elegant, and practical. If you’re producing mass amounts of wine, this is a great way to structure your cellar. The sturdy wooden shelves safely hold and organize your bottles, while the center island is great for tastings and preparation. We also love how this cellar incorporates the wine and beer crates into the design to bring everything together.
Crisp Architects Photo by Crisp Architects – Discover traditional wine cellar design inspiration

Contemporary
If your style is more contemporary, take note of the wine cellar in this Austin home. The designer beautifully created a main floor cellar underneath the stairs. Talk about a great use of space! The clear glass and sleek, clean lines makes this a sensible and modern solution for wine storage.
Cueva De Oro Photo by Shiflet Group Architects
Man Cave-style
Those who prefer to have a cellar that doubles as a man cave can find one our favorites in Sydney, Australia. The use of dark wood, leather chairs, big books, and array of glasses make this rustic room the ultimate man cave/wine cellar combination. The alternating shelve heights make it easy to display bottles upright or lay them down horizontally.
Wine Cellar Photo by Smyth and Smyth – More Mediterranean wine cellar photos
Feminine
Ideal for “Wine Wednesday” or a girl’s night, this LA wine cellar screams posh. The two vibrant wall panels emphasize the wine selection and frame the space very effectively, allowing room for a cooler and shelving unit to display glassware. Instead of having a dining room-style table, opt for comfortable chairs and a small coffee table in the middle to create a more livable space.
Hidden Hills, CA Photo by Smith Firestone Associates – Look for contemporary wine cellar pictures
Dramatic
Now this is a one-of-a-kind wine cellar. Highlighted by the colorful LED lights, the wine bottles at this Nashville home follow the arches of the gothic-style structures (don’t worry the LED lighting won’t harm the wine!). The designer also employed a variety of hole sizes to accommodate different bottle types. The addition of innovative seating, a dark tile floor, and supplementary wooden shelves make this one of the most over the top wine cellars we’ve ever seen.
Pool House & Wine Cellar Photo by Beckwith Interiors – Browse contemporary wine cellar photos
The most important thing to keep in mind is to design a wine cellar that works best for you, whether you want to go all out or keep it simple. We want to know, which wine cellar is your favorite?

Environmentally Friendly Ways to Make Wine

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Making your own wine is a great way to lead a more sustainable lifestyle. There is no better way to ensure that the wine you drink is healthy for both you and the environment, than making it yourself. Making homemade wine give’s you control of the process, from picking ingredients to corking each bottle. You can ensure the ingredients and supplies you are using are eco-friendly and do not contain any unknown chemicals or preservatives.  Continue reading →