Hello Adventures in Homebrewing,
This year I will have blackberries and I want to get some wine brewing with them. I plan on getting some wine making products from you. Can you tell me what I should be making the wine in. Some say a stone crock others tell me to use a water jug. Can you help?
Denise G.
Clinton, MO_____
Dear Denise,
Thanks for the excellent question. Knowing where to start can be confusing, especially when you have so many people telling you so many things.
To have the easiest set-up you will need two different containers, one for the first five or six days of fermentation (primary fermentation), and the other for the rest of the fermentation (secondary fermentation).
You want the primary fermentation to be opened or exposed. A stone crock will work for this purpose, but is not necessary. A plastic fermenter bucket will work just as well. Cover the container with a thin towel or cloth during the fermentation.
The second part of the fermentation will need to be closed off from air. Most people will use carboys for this purpose, which is similar to a water jug. This type of container allows you to attach an air lock to it with a rubber stopper. This will cut off the air from the fermentation but still allow the gasses from the fermentation to escape.
I hope this helps you out.
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.