I’m so excited! I can now start to make wine, I’ve been collecting bits for ages, a couple of demin johns from a friend and one from a car boot sale, lots of bottles (its amazing how easily the acumulate!), a box full of powders and potions from various sources, and now I know what to do with some, all or most of it!!
I also have a freezer full of various fruit – some from the allotment, red and black currants and a few raspberries, gooseberries and a bit of rhubarb, lots of apples but they are destined for pies and crumbles, but lots and lots of blackberries and elderberries.
Transition Chesterfield’s Country Wine Skill Share Workshop took place in my kitchen this afternoon and Ian very kindly left me the demonstration batch which is currently sitting in a demi john (wrapped in a towel to keep it warm and dark) on my sideboard, I am waiting for it to ‘gloop’. As soon as I get back from holiday it will be joined by as many more as I can get hold of. I can’t wait to start!
The books all make it sound quite difficult and technical, but after the demonstration this afternoon, I am sure I will be able to manage to attempt it. It seems to be pretty basic – sterilise everything, put equal amounts of fruit and sugar with some boiling water and some yeast and eventually it will turn into wine. Hey Presto! Like magic, only slower!