Wine Making Kits (Advanced): Elevate Your Home Vintner Game

Wine enthusiasts have been captivated by wine making for centuries.

It offers a rewarding journey from grape to glass.

Advanced wine making kits take this passion to the next level.

They provide seasoned hobbyists with the tools and ingredients to craft complex, nuanced wines at home.

These kits go beyond basic setups, incorporating premium grape juices, specialized yeasts, and advanced equipment for more precise control over the fermentation process.

For those ready to elevate their winemaking game, advanced kits open up a world of possibilities.

You can experiment with different grape varietals, fine-tune fermentation temperatures, and even explore techniques like malolactic fermentation or oak aging.

These kits allow you to create wines that rival commercial offerings, tailored to your personal taste preferences.

When selecting an advanced wine making kit, pay close attention to the quality of the included grape juice or concentrate.

Look for kits that specify the grape variety and region of origin.

Equipment quality is also crucial.

Opt for kits with durable fermentation vessels, precise hydrometers, and temperature control systems.

The yeast strains and additives provided can significantly impact the final product.

So, choose kits that offer a range of options to suit your desired wine style.

Best Wine Making Kits for Advanced Enthusiasts

Ready to take your winemaking skills to the next level? You’ve come to the right place.

We’ve curated a list of top-notch wine making kits perfect for advanced hobbyists looking to craft complex, nuanced wines at home.

These kits offer premium ingredients and sophisticated techniques to help you produce cellar-worthy vintages.

Craft A Brew Fruit Wine Kit

You’ll love this versatile kit for crafting unique fruit wines at home with ease.

✔️ Pros
  • Suitable for various fruits, not just grapes
  • Includes reusable equipment for multiple batches
  • Comprehensive instructions with recipe ideas
Cons
  • Limited to 1-gallon batches
  • Requires additional supplies like bottles and corks
  • May take up to 4 weeks for fermentation

This Craft A Brew Fruit Wine Kit opens up a world of possibilities for home winemakers.

You’re not limited to just grapes – you can experiment with any fruit you fancy, from backyard berries to store-bought frozen fruit or even bottled juice.

The kit comes with all the essential equipment and ingredients you’ll need to get started.

You’ll find primary and secondary fermenters, along with other necessary tools.

The included instructions guide you through the process, offering tips for sweetening and clarifying your wine.

One of the best features is the kit’s reusability.

You can make up to 20 1-gallon batches with the provided equipment, making it a great value for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

The only additional items you’ll need are wine bottles, corks, and your chosen fruit or juice.

Home Brew Ohio Wine Kit

This comprehensive kit offers an excellent starting point for beginners looking to dive into the world of homemade fruit wine.

✔️ Pros
  • Includes all essential equipment and additives
  • Comes with a recipe book featuring 101 fruit wine recipes
  • Mini auto-siphon for easy liquid transfer
Cons
  • Fruit, bottles, and corks not included
  • Some users report lack of detailed instructions
  • Potential quality issues with certain components

The Home Brew Ohio Wine Kit provides you with nearly everything needed to start your winemaking journey.

You’ll find a 2-gallon plastic fermenter, a 1-gallon jug, tubing, and various additives to kickstart your first batch.

The included recipe handbook boasts 101 one-gallon fruit wine recipes, giving you plenty of options to explore.

One standout feature is the mini auto-siphon, which eliminates the need to start the siphoning process manually.

This can be a real time-saver and reduces the risk of contamination during transfers.

The kit also includes enough additives to make up to 15 gallons of wine, allowing you to experiment with different recipes.

While the kit is comprehensive, you’ll need to supply your own fruit, bottles, and corks.

Some users have noted that the instructions could be more detailed, especially for complete beginners.

It’s worth mentioning that a few customers reported quality issues with certain components, such as cracked glass or faulty siphons.

Despite these minor drawbacks, most users find this kit to be a solid introduction to home winemaking.

Fontana French Cabernet Kit

You should consider this kit if you’re looking for an advanced wine-making experience with high-quality ingredients and award-winning potential.

✔️ Pros
  • Produces 30 bottles of premium French Cabernet
  • Uses ingredients from top vineyards worldwide
  • Allows for customization and experimentation
Cons
  • Equipment and bottles not included
  • Instructions may be unclear for beginners
  • Higher price point compared to basic kits

The Fontana French Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Kit offers you a chance to create your own high-quality wine at home.

With this kit, you’ll be able to produce 30 bottles of wine with an alcohol content between 11% and 13%.

It’s perfect if you’re looking to step up your wine-making game.

You’ll appreciate the premium ingredients sourced from top vineyards around the world.

The kit includes a wine base, brewer’s yeast, and various additives to ensure your wine turns out just right.

It’s designed to create a rich, full-bodied Cabernet with notes of blackcurrant and a hint of mint.

One of the best features of this kit is its flexibility.

You can customize your wine by adding oak or berry flavor packs to experiment with different profiles.

This allows you to put your personal touch on the final product.

Plus, with over 30 gold medals awarded to Fontana wine kits, you can feel confident in the quality of your homemade wine.

Fontana Pinot Noir Wine Kit

You’ll love this wine kit if you’re looking to craft a high-quality California Pinot Noir at home.

✔️ Pros
  • Makes 30 bottles of wine
  • Award-winning premium ingredients
  • Customizable flavor options
Cons
  • Equipment not included
  • Requires patience for aging
  • May need additional sugar for higher ABV

This Fontana Pinot Noir Wine Kit brings the essence of California’s coast to your home winemaking experience.

With ingredients sourced from top vineyards, you’re set to create a velvety smooth red wine that rivals commercial offerings.

The kit’s versatility is a standout feature.

You can experiment with oak or berry flavor packs to tailor the wine to your taste preferences.

This flexibility allows you to put your personal stamp on each batch you make.

Many users have reported excellent results, with some even winning contests using this kit.

The wine develops a rich flavor profile after aging, typically reaching its peak around 6 months post-bottling.

Keep in mind that while the kit advertises 6 gallons, some enthusiasts recommend making 5 gallons for a fuller-bodied wine.

Fontana Merlot Wine Kit

You should consider this wine kit if you’re looking for an easy way to make high-quality merlot at home.

✔️ Pros
  • Produces 30 bottles of wine
  • Award-winning recipe
  • Includes oak chips for flavor
Cons
  • Requires additional equipment
  • Takes time to ferment and age
  • May need flavor add-ins for customization

This Fontana Washington State Merlot Wine Kit offers you the chance to create your own wine from the comfort of your home.

With enough ingredients to make up to 30 bottles, you’ll have plenty to share with friends and family.

The kit includes high-quality ingredients sourced from top vineyards, ensuring a smooth and flavorful merlot.

You’ll appreciate the flexibility this kit provides.

While it comes with the basic ingredients for a great merlot, you can experiment with additional flavor packs to customize your wine.

The included oak chips add depth and complexity to the final product.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase wine-making equipment and bottles separately.

The fermentation process takes about a month, and many users recommend aging the wine for several months to achieve the best taste.

With an ABV between 11% and 13%, your homemade merlot will be comparable to store-bought varieties.

Buying Guide

When selecting an advanced wine making kit, consider these key factors:

Equipment Quality

Look for durable materials like food-grade plastic or stainless steel.

High-quality airlocks, hydrometers, and thermometers are essential for precise fermentation control.

Kit Contents

Ensure the kit includes all necessary components:

  • Primary and secondary fermenters
  • Carboys
  • Siphoning equipment
  • Cleaning and sanitizing solutions
  • Bottles and corks

Grape Variety and Style

Choose kits that offer premium grape varieties or blends matching your preferred wine style.

Some kits provide options for dry, semi-sweet, or sweet wines.

Capacity

Consider how much wine you want to produce.

Kits typically range from 6 to 30 gallons.

Additives and Yeast

Look for kits with high-quality yeast strains and additives like oak chips, tannins, or enzymes for enhanced flavor complexity.

Instructions and Support

Clear, detailed instructions are crucial.

Some kits offer online resources or customer support for troubleshooting.

Price vs. Value

Higher-priced kits often include better-quality ingredients and equipment.

Balance your budget with desired wine quality and kit features.

Storage and Aging Options

If you plan to age your wine, ensure the kit includes appropriate storage vessels or recommends suitable aging containers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Advanced wine making kits offer enthusiasts more control and customization options.

Here are answers to common questions about selecting and using these kits.

What should I look for when choosing a high-quality advanced wine making kit?

Look for kits with high-quality grape juice or concentrate.

Check for included specialized yeasts and enzymes.

Ensure the kit has detailed instructions and a complete list of necessary equipment.

Can you recommend wine making kits that accommodate larger batches, like 5 or 6 gallons?

Wine Expert and RJS Craft Winemaking offer popular 6-gallon kits.

Winexpert Eclipse and RJS En Primeur series are excellent choices for larger batches.

These kits often include premium grape varieties and additional enhancers.

What are the must-have tools and equipment in an advanced wine making kit?

Essential tools include a hydrometer, thermometer, and pH meter.

You’ll need a large primary fermenter and secondary carboy.

Don’t forget about an auto-siphon, bottling wand, and corker.

Many advanced kits also include specialized fining agents and oak chips.

Are there advanced wine making kits available that are suitable for specific types of wine, such as reds or whites?

Yes, many brands offer varietal-specific kits.

For reds, try Cellar Craft Showcase Red Wine kits.

White wine enthusiasts might enjoy Wine Expert Private Reserve White kits.

These specialized kits often include grape skins or juice for enhanced flavor profiles.

Where can I find the best deals on advanced wine making kits online?

Check online homebrew supply stores like Northern Brewer or MoreWine.

Amazon often has competitive prices on popular kits.

Sign up for newsletters from wine making suppliers to catch seasonal sales and discounts.

How do advanced wine making kits differ from those designed for beginners?

Advanced kits typically use higher-quality ingredients and offer more customization options.

They may include grape skins, oak chips, or specialized yeasts.

These kits often require more equipment and technical knowledge than beginner kits.