10 Best Wine Making Kits In 2023 (REAL Customer Pics Included!) Reviews & Buying Guide
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For the longest time, wines were expertly crafted in the hands of traditional vintners who picked their juicy grapes fresh from their vineyards, fermented them with celebrated techniques and family secrets, and left to age to perfection.
Over the years, wine making kits piqued the interest of wine lovers from all over the world. These DIY kits not only saved money compared to buying a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon but became an enjoyable activity for pros and hobbyists alike.
Homemade wine kits can be fun and are worth a try, but navigating through catalogs of wine making kits may seem overwhelming. Lucky for you, we put together a buying guide of the best wine making kits to help you decide.
Our Top Picks
 
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Best Price - Home Brew Ohio Deluxe Wine Making Kit• Prepares up to 6 gallons |
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Best Starter Kit - Winemakers Depot Glass Wine Making Kit• Produces 3 gallons |
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Best Set - North Mountain Supply Wine Making Kit• Prepares up to 3 gallons |
1. Midwest Homebrewing and Wine Making Starter Kit
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What Customers Have To Say
One Amazon customer said that this wine making kit is easy-to-use and lightweight, which is a significant plus for her. However, it is too bad the hydrometer was damaged upon arrival. Another buyer commented that it was a great package and had everything you need to brew your homemade wine.
Why We Think It’s Great
Its “Better Bottle” is constructed with high-end, BPA-free polytetrafluoroethylene. This plastic carboy is lightweight and durable, convenient for lifting your six gallons worth of fermenting wine with ease.
Who Should Buy It
As the product name states, this set solely comprises brewing equipment – no chemicals, juice, or in-depth instructional CD to help the novice in their kitchen. Be sure to purchase this if it is genuinely the equipment and not the experience you are looking forward to, or else you’ll be in for a meltdown!
2. Master Vintner Wine Making Starter Kit
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What Customers Have To Say
An Amazon shopper remarked that the wine making kit has a fantastic quality, from the bottling to the sanitization. He is convinced there is nothing more a beginner winemaker could ask for. On the other hand, another customer shares that the 6-gallon glass carboy is extremely heavy when filled up and may pose a severe threat to the back. She admits the wine kit is lovely, but that fellow customers must beware of her concern.
Why We Think It’s Great
No buckets here! A proclaimed wine making authority, Master Vintner promises easy cleaning with their two premium fermenters – a bubbler and glass carboy – with its innovative wide-mouth feature. Moreover, this product advertises that your wine will be ready in no more than 28 days. An oddity any impatient winemaker could appreciate.
Who Should Buy It
Due to its short fermentation time, any novice will find it simple to follow along with the wine making process. This kit is also highly recommended for expert crafters and longtime wine lovers as a chance to immerse in all aspects of their favorite alcohol fully.
3. Home Brew Ohio Deluxe Wine Making Kit
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What Customers Have To Say
A pleased customer thought the wine making kit was of great value. Although he noted you are pretty much set to go with the equipment, it would have been an excellent addition to include recipes with the product. Similarly, another customer reported that her kit arrived quickly and that she just uncovered a new hobby because of it!
Why We Think It’s Great
Proudly selected as Amazon’s Choice for the “wine making equipment kit” category, this deluxe set is everything it flaunts itself to be. Compared to competing for wine making kits in the market, this product offers two additional accessories: an easy-to-use bottle filler and a 1/2 inch auto siphon pump.
Who Should Buy It
Given its large capacity and various equipment and accessories, this wine making kit is not recommended for complete beginners as it may seem complicated and overwhelming to figure out. Instead, this product is a better option for those already experienced in the subtle art of wine making.
4. Wild Grapes Premium DIY Wine Making Kit
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What Customers Have To Say
Before mistakenly ordering Grigio instead of Noir, an Amazon customer wasn’t as fond of white wine. That is, until he received the delivery and tried it out anyway. He thought it turned out great and proceeded to make a whole stash. Meanwhile, another buyer reviewed that Wild Grapes had perfected its white wine recipe and that she'll be giving out her homemade wine as gifts.
Why We Think It’s Great
The box may be small, but it still packs a healthy punch! With its solid concentrate made from fresh, premium ingredients, you no longer have to start from scratch as the wine making process is sped up for you. This wine making kit includes 30 labels, which allows you to freely get creative and add decorative touches, making each bottle of wine unique.
Who Should Buy It
Keep in mind that this wine-making kit contains a base, yeast pack, and fining agents only. So if you’re looking for a quick, hassle-free, foolproof option, this kit has got you covered for easy-made Italian Pinot Grigio.
5. Craft A Brew Home Wine Making Kit
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What Customers Have To Say
A customer thought the kit was easy to use and fun at the same time. She was also delighted by her purchase that she gave this out as a gift as well. Another customer liked that the instructions were simple to follow and just the right size for someone new to wine making. He recommends purchasing a hydrometer and mini auto-siphon to go with it.
Why We Think It’s Great
For starters, admire that elegant packaging. This wine making kit comes with the tools, ingredients, and fermenting agents to start as a beginner in the craft. It only takes four easy steps to make delicious wine! We also appreciate that the guide briefly explains what each ingredient does to the wine for the customer to be more informed.
Who Should Buy It
Do you recognize a wine enthusiast in your life? If so, this product would make a lovely gift on a birthday or over the holidays. It is a gift that a person with an at-home brewing experience that is sure to last longer than any wine bottle in the pantry.
6. Winemakers Depot Glass Wine Making Kit
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What Customers Have To Say
An Amazon customer commented that the products were excellent and showed up in pristine condition. Although he suggested watching a couple of tutorial videos first should you decide to buy this. Meanwhile, another buyer said that most of the items inside the kit arrived intact. Her only issue is that the airlock came cracked.
Why We Think It’s Great
Several customers agreed that this wine making kit’s glass carboy was fabulous as it was a manageable size and was constructed from thick glass. Not to mention, the fermenting bucket is shipped pre-drilled, for no hassle on your part later on. For its affordable price, this kit offers a sweet deal.
Who Should Buy It
This kit is for someone who is strictly after the equipment and who did their wine making homework and research beforehand as it contains no instructions or recipes whatsoever.
7. Midwest Homebrewing and Wine Making Kit
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What Customers Have To Say
Having tried plenty of wine kits in the past, one customer discloses that this product ranks as one of the highest on his list. It’s a solid kit and will be repurchased from the company in the future. A fellow purchaser shared that he reordered the product, and it doesn’t seem to disappoint at all.
Why We Think It’s Great
WineExpert recipes have always resulted in fine, delectable wines. This Chilean Malbec is no exception! Its potent concentrate will free you from the tediousness of extracting the fruits manually. It also packs more citrus flavor for less work.
Who Should Buy It
Are you looking to spice up your wine palate with something new and exotic? This wine making kit will transport you to the lush vineyards of Chile with its exquisite black wine Malbec recipe – taste the bitterness of licorice, spice, plums, blackberries, and tar. Just like you’re drinking an unsweetened espresso.
8. North Mountain Supply Wine Making Kit
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What Customers Have To Say
A customer purchased this as a Christmas gift for her boyfriend, and he adored it. While it arrived with a damaged hydrometer test jar, she commended customer service to send her a replacement quickly. As a self-proclaimed “super novice,” another happy customer recommended it for any new winemakers like her.
Why We Think It’s Great
This is probably the largest and most comprehensive wine kit available on the market. You just need fresh, canned, or puréed fruit and loads of wine bottles to hold your precious brews. Best of all, you have over a hundred wine recipes to select from in the handbook, including vintages.
Who Should Buy It
For those who want to play with variety, experiment, and create tons of fruity, country-styled concoctions, this product may signal the start of your newfound and lifelong hobby.
9. Master Vintner Fresh Harvest Fruit Wine Making Kit
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What Customers Have To Say
An Amazon shopper disclosed that his wine fermented excellently and found manual helpful. Another wine enthusiast fell in love with the product. She shared that she had so much fun with it and saved lots of money on wine. She suggested buying a yeast energizer and utilizing the recipes in the handbook.
Why We Think It’s Great
With a handbook brimming with inspiring recipes, you can effortlessly craft colorful, fruity concoctions to add to your wine rack. Some fruit wines mature faster than grape wine. This means you can enjoy succulent flavors for a fraction of the time! Best of all, this kit supplies a large batch of wine up to 15 gallons’ worth. It’s about time to expand your selection.
Who Should Buy It
This wine making kit assumes that you already know what you’re doing and won’t befit entry-level vintners expecting a step-by-step instructional guide. If you’re a seasoned or expert vintner, this kit will yield fresh, mouthwatering wine straight from your orchard.
10. FontanaWine Home Brewing Wine Kit
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What Customers Have To Say
A delighted customer on Amazon remarked that this wine making kit was outstanding as it was able to result in full-bodied tasting wine. It also comes with stickers to label the bottles. Another shopper said that the wine making kit was great. Making wine was not a struggle anymore as it definitely tastes amazing especially when enjoyed in the summer.
Why We Think It’s Great
This ingredient kit ensures the whole wine making process unfolds smoothly and effortlessly. It gives you various choices when it comes to the wine you are going to make. From the ripe purple fruit and smoky bacon fat that enchant newbies to the savory herb, earthy funk, and distinctive cracked pepper, the kit can deliver tasty and fresh wine in no time.
Who Should Buy It
This wine making kit makes for an enjoyable DIY project at home for any wine enthusiast. Not to mention, you can hand out your finished wines as homemade gifts for friends and family – no one would ever suspect you crafted this by yourself.
Wine Making Kit Buying Guide
Nowadays, besides local wine stores, wine making kits are sold online. Some of these are outstanding kits that may live up to any master vintner's expectations, while others are outright disappointments. With that, here is a compilation of six factors to consider carefully before purchasing your first wine making kit:
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Taste
What kind of wine do you fancy? Is it the rich, dry red wine or the bubbly, fruity white? Perhaps, a sweet-tasting dessert wine? Whatever your taste buds prefer, you have to make sure you're going to love the taste of the wine. You'll be making gallons of the same wine with just one pack! Cross your fingers; you never get sick of it.
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Type of Kit
Educate yourself with the various kinds of wine kits. Currently, four types of wine kits available are commonly used.
- A blend of concentrated and unfiltered grape juice
- 100% pure grape juice
- Absolute-concentrated grape juice
- Partly concentrated grape juice
For the last two kits, you need to add water to produce about 5 to 6 gallons of wine, enough to fill up 19-23-liter bottles. Once you purchase these kits, they will be delivered to you, usually along with other ingredients like tannins and yeast acids. However, the equipment you need to properly store the wine (such as bottles and corks) is not included. You need to purchase them separately.
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Complexity
This factor refers to the overall process. Depending on your skill level or experience with crafting your wine, you would want the process to be easy to follow. If you are an entry-level vintner, instruction manuals and online tutorials could only so much if you're stuck at home without any professional guidance when things go wrong. Be realistic with your expectations and take baby steps - you'll get the hang of it later.
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Time
Wine tastes better as it ages. That is why time is a significant factor to consider when crafting your wine. A lot of wine making kits require four, six, and even eight weeks to prepare. As for aging, it depends on the producer. Some kits benefit more when aged for more extended periods.
Pro Tip: Greater format wine kits with bigger boxes are best for wines you wish to age for a long time. On the other hand, smaller kits are better for making wines on short notice. Smaller boxes tend to have a higher percentage of concentrate than juice - concentrate kits don't require a lot of time to age.
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Price
It is also essential to research prices and set a budget. Cheaper kits are recommended for first-timers to explore the beauty of wine making. However, specific kits cost more to ensure that the wine is better overall.
When shopping for a wine kit, check out the bottles’ price tag rather than the equipment itself. You will notice that each bottle’s price is way lower than buying similar bottles in wine shops.
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Quality
Ensure that your equipment is lightweight, durable, and high-quality to stand the test of time. Purchasing carboys with large capacities may yield more wine, albeit it's a pain to move around. Likewise, check for premium ingredients and additives - particularly the yeast. Expired yeast can spoil an entire batch of wine.
Wine Making Kit FAQ
1. How do I start making my wine at home?
You must possess the necessary ingredients and equipment to start the process.
First, extract the juice from the grapes and pour this into the primary fermenter. Add the wine yeast and let it ferment for 7 to 10 days.
Afterward, carefully transfer the mixture to the secondary fermenter and separate the sediments from the liquid using the siphon hose - do this for 2 to 3 months. The process is called “racking.”
After that period, transfer the wine to clean bottles and cover them with corks. Store them in an upright position for the first three days, then on their side in the following days, at 55º Fahrenheit, ideally.
2. What equipment is needed to make wine at home?
Here is a list of the essential equipment that you ought to have to start brewing wine at home:
- Primary and Secondary fermenters/carboys (Either plastic or glass)
- Airlock and rubber stopper
- A long stirring spoon
- Siphon Hose and Racking Cane (for transferring your wine from one fermenter to the other)
- Wine thief (used for taking a small amount of wine from the fermenter to testing)
- Wine hydrometer (used to test the gravity of the wine to check its completion)
- Acid test kit
- Wine bottles and corks
- Cleaners or sanitizers
3. Is making wine from home cheaper than buying?
The answer is yes, and no. When you decide to make homemade wine, you should purchase a certain number of equipment and ingredients. Moreover, time is a factor when it comes to fermenting wine.
But once you already covered the equipment’s upfront costs, then there is no doubt that making your wine is a lot cheaper than buying.
4. How soon can you drink homemade wine?
It takes a minimum of two months for your homemade wine to be ready to drink. But remember, wine tastes a lot better as it ages!
5. How can you increase the alcohol content of a wine kit?
You can increase the alcohol content by adding more sugar during the fermentation period. Each pound of sugar that is added to the wine kit increases the alcohol content by 0.8%.
However, there are things that you need to follow to do this properly. First, you must make sure that the sugar gets dissolved immediately and that it does not remain at the bottom of the fermenter. Also, there is an alcohol limit that wine yeast can ferment.
With the help of a wine hydrometer and yeast profile charts, you can hit your specific alcohol content target for your wine with no problem.
Conclusion
We hope this review provided an impressive list of wine making kits and enough information to enhance your upcoming buying experience. Feel free to do a little more research on wine making kits, but most of all, have fun experimenting!
If you happen to like giving wine kits as presents to your loved ones, here is an article featuring the best gift ideas for wine lovers, which they will surely love.
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