Q: Why not just purchase my wine at the LCBO?
A: Making your own wine is not only affordable and fun, but it's also easy. We do most of the work for you. You are required by the regulations governing our industry to mix the ingredients when you first order the wine. This takes less than 5 minutes. You then return in 4 to 8 weeks (depending on the wine you have selected) to bottle, cork and label the wine. A batch of wine will generally take between 30 to 45 minutes to bottle, cork and label.
Q: What about bottles?
A: You may re-use old wine bottles, or purchase them from us. Any size of wine bottle is fine as long as it has a standard opening that will fit a cork (most bottles including screw top bottles have a standard opening). The bottles must be clean - we always say "as clean as a drinking class" - when you bring them in. Usually, if you rinse the bottle out when you empty it and store it upside down, that's all you need to do.
The first thing you do when you come in to bottle wine is to sterilize all bottles just before use, even brand new ones. We have an automated sterilize that will fit any 750 ml (regular sized) wine bottle, or a manual system that can take care of larger or smaller bottles. We will show you how it's done.
Q: How much wine does a single batch of wine make?
A: About 28 to 30 bottles (750 ml), or 22 to 23 litres of wine.
Q: Can I sample some different types of wine before I start a batch?
A: Unfortunately, the law does not allow us to provide samples of wine, except for a small sample of your own wine when you bottle it. Part of the reason for this is that our license allows us to sell wine kits and make wine from kits, for other people, but not to sell or serve wine. Since we do not make wine for sale, but only make wine for consumers, there is no wine on the premises that does not belong to someone else. Further, we are not allowed under the terms of our license to serve wine, including wine samples.
Q: Do I need an appointment to make a batch of wine?
A: No, you can just walk in during regular business hours and order a batch (and throw in the yeast). This takes less than 5 minutes. We will contact you by phone to arrange a bottling date and time that is convenient for you. Bottling takes about 30 to 45 minutes and is well worth it.
Q: How long will I have to age my wine before I can drink it?
A: Your wine will be very palatable soon after you bottle, particularly if you decant the wine for an hour or two before serving. As the wine ages in the bottle, you will be excited to find how the wine softens and matures. Our staff can provide you with aging guides for each brand of wine kit.
Q: What are the best conditions to store wine?
A: If you intend to age the bottled wine for a long time, it is important to have a cool environment with a temperature range of 50 - 64 F. (10 - 18 C.). In this range, the wine will gently mature at an ideal rate. If the storage conditions are warmer, the wine will mature rapidly so avoid prolonged aging.
Q: Can I really make wine that tastes as good as the best commercial wines?
A: Our customers have resoundingly told us that the wine they make from our kits ranks with commercial wine costing much more. We invite you to do a blind tasting with the wine you make with comparable commercial wine. We believe you will be very pleased with the comparison.
Q: How do I know what quality of wine kit to purchase?
A: Our business is built on providing a wine very similar to the commercial wine that you like at a fraction of the price. Our trained staff will make suggestions based on the quality and price point of the wine you purchase. We strongly suggest that, when you get started, you make the highest quality wine kit available. The cost savings are substantial and you will have wine that tastes like fine commercial wine at a fraction of the cost!