Making Your Own Wine

A listener recently wrote to us asking about books on making wine.  We asked our wine expert and guest blogger, Stacie Hunt:

From Vines to Wines

"Once you start enjoying the pleasures of wine, a new passion begins to form, way back in your head.  It starts as a little thought, "Maybe I might like  to  make my own wine..."

That thought takes root, so to speak, and sprouts to, "Maybe I'd even like to try my hand at growing grapes..."  It's not long before you notice a patch in your yard, or even a large, 30+" diameter pot and you inch closer to seeing vines in your future.  Well, you're not alone!  Take a look at some of my favorite books on the subject, ranked by my priority:
 
From Vines to Wines: The Complete Guide to Growing Grapes and Making Your Own Wine, by Jeff Cox
This book isn't intimidating; it's easy to understand, especially on the second reading

Vines, Grapes & Wines:  The Wine Drinker's guide to Grape Varieties, by Jancis Robinson
A great book that identifies grape varieties and helps you select types that you can grow, plus it offers great history on each variety.

The Home Winemaker's Companion:  Secrets, Recipes and Know-How for Making 115 Great Tasting Wines, by Gene Spaziani
Easy to read and follow instructions, plus a few secret short-cuts.

First Steps in Winemaking:  A Complete Month-By-Month Guide to Winemaking, Cyril J.J. Berry
Steps for each month from the ground to the glass.

The Grape Grower:  A Guide to Organic Viticulture, Lon Rombough, Roger Swain
For the organic composter.

There's also a great online resource, courtesy of UC Davis called, "Making Table Wine At Home."

And, while you're waiting for bud break, which is scheduled for around April 1st, pull the cork on a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon from Temecula Valley and give Patrick Bartlett a call at: 951.699.8896, or email him.  He's started a facility where you can have a secured space for processing your own grapes and produce your wines under his and winemaker, Tim Kramer's careful eyes.  He'll even help you with marketing of your wines and is planning a restaurant placement program for his members' releases.