Instructions and extra packages in wine kits As wine kits get better and methodology improves… instructions change- and that’s why it’s important to always read them. It is very important to follow the instructions even though they are different to what you are used to.

A lot of effort and trial and error went into your wine kit to ensure you get the best result. As for any ‘extra’ packages (yeast, bentonite, oak, etc) in your add pack the instructions do explain what you should do. In the “Before You Begin” section at the beginning, it states in the 5th point “This kit may contain multiple packages of each ingredient. Please add ALL packages when directed.”

So the answer is YES- add all the packages even it if you’re not use to seeing two packs of yeast or four packs of oak. All of the packages are important for the wine kit to perform to expected, maximum standards.

If you have any questions, please stop by any of our locations and we will be happy to clarify any questions you might have.

If for some reason you’ve lost your instructions here are two links with copies of the instructions for all of the kits we sell at Wine Sense:

Winexpert Wine Kits

Vineco Wine kits

Cheers,

Bruce, Manager (Wine Sense- Brandon)

Filed under: General by WineSense

That question is now a lot easier!

There was a time when removing your wine bottle labels meant soaking your bottles and peeling or scraping labels off.

Gone are those days! Today’s wine labels are not only more professional looking, they come off by simply peeling them off when dry. That’s right- no soaking required! In fact, soaking the new labels can actually makes them harder to remove.

All of the Wine Label stock that Wine Sense carries are ‘peel and stick’ to apply and ‘peel off dry’ to remove. Originally the peel off labels first started showing up with our Selection Limited Edition wines and then in our stores with our MacDay Custom Label systems (30 custom labels while you wait for only $6.99). Then some of our regular stock, branded labels (World Vineyard and Selection International) were being on printed on plastic labels which simply peeled off. And now ALL of our labels plastic or paper now peel off by simply grabbing the corner of the label and pulling.

So when you empty a bottle of wine- simply peel of the label, rinse out the bottle and the bottle is ready for an easy cleaning/sanitizing and of course… re-fillling!

You can now put a label on your bottle and have a great presence on the table when you serve your wine or give it as a gift! And of course no more guessing which wine is which in your wine rack…

Cheers,

Bruce, Manager (Wine Sense- Pembina Hwy)

Filed under: General by WineSense

It's just easier this way.

The most time consuming part of making wine is cleaning and sanitizing your bottles. In fact, most of my clients say it’s only part of winemaking that they would like to avoid. Well you can avoid it, minimize it and regardless of  how you do it- make it easier on yourself.

Avoid It-

On bottling day simply bring your bottles to our Pembina Highway, Southdale Square, Brandon and now our (newly renovated) Portage Avenue locations to have them sanitized in our automatic bottle washer. The machine will sanitize 30 bottles in as little as 5 minutes. So you may as well grab your bottles and let our Washer do the work as you choose your next wine kit.

Minimize It-

If it’s not convenient to bring your bottles to be sterilized, invest in an Avvinator and Bottle Tree. The Avvinator (sulphiter) is a self contained pump and drain unit for sanitizing your bottles. It shoots a spray of aseptox or sulphite into your bottles and catches it as it drains back. The Bottle Tree allows you a place to drain your bottles and minimizes the amount of counter space needed. The bottles hang upside down from the branches and drain. You don’t have to worry about knocking your bottles over either. If you have some really dirty bottles the Jet Bottle Washer fits on your faucet and will blast away dried wine.

Make It Easier-

Regardless of how you clean your bottles always- ALWAYS rinse your bottles out with water whenever you’ve finished a bottle of wine. No matter how you clean your bottles it will always be easier if there is no dried wine residue.

Cheers,

Bruce, Manager (Wine Sense, Pembina Hwy)

Filed under: General, Equipment by WineSense

I went down to my wine cellar (basement) yesterday and discovered that I only have 3 bottles of white wine left in my wine rack. This is not good!

We all need something to aspire to!

If you’re like me and have procrastinated all summer with your wine making (a beautiful summer with no mosquitos seems to have had me doing more wine enjoying than wine making), it’s now time to get going.

The best start to your winemaking would be to give your equipment a good cleaning. Give your pails and carboys and all of your other equipment a good overnight soaking in a solution of Sparkle-brite. Put 3-4 heaping tablespoons of Sparkle-brite in your primary pail and fill past 23 litre mark with cool water. Let it sit overnight, rinse well and start your next wine kit- before you reach for that last bottle and there isn’t one!

Cheers,

Bob, Manager (Wine Sense- Springfield Rd)

Filed under: General by WineSense