Home wine making has a bit of a naff reputation, television sitcom images from Reginald Perrin to the Good Life come to mind.

It would be nice to say that this reputation is entirely false, but like many stereotypes, the jokes thrive on an element of truth.

But properly done wine making is a very rewarding craft.

Introduction to home wine making

Home wine making can be divided into two categories.

Country wine making, using all manner of ingredients from elderberries to left over tea dregs. At its best the wines produced are wonderful, at their worst, the results can be virtually undrinkable. 

Grape wine making, unless you are very fortunate and have your own vines, this type of wine making will be from a kit, and therefore on the whole the reason for doing it, will be economic. With drinkable wine in the UK rarely to be found below £2.50 at best, there are great savings to be made with home winemaking.

Regardless of which type of home wine making you want to try, you will need much the same basic equipment.