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A delicious, dark blend of Californian juices, the VineCo Original Trilogy is a medium-bodied red wine with notes of toasty black cherry and blackberry matched by a medium oak presence. What's also toasty is this dry red's stout alcohol level at 13% by volume. The Trilogy blend includes medium toast French oak chips. Medium toast French oak is subtle and provides refined flavors of custard, chocolate, and spice. French oak in general is often used by winemakers when they want to increase the mouthfeel and complexity of a wine without stepping on or suppressing the fruit. Trilogy, California Toasty black cherry and blackberry Sweetness: Dry Oak: Medium Body: Medium ABV: 13% Kit Volume: 8 L Approximate Yield: 23 L Ready to bottle in 4 weeks    

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French Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot blend is easily enjoyed at any time; a reliable go-to wine to have on hand Pairs just as well with refined dining as it does with a fresh pie from the pizza parlor Flavors of black currant, plum, dark berries, and subtle mineral notes Dry with medium-full body, 13.5% ABV Whip up a batch in 30 mins or less! Yields 6 gallons (2 cases) of finished wine in 6-8 weeks Premium kit includes grape skins for an authentic wine making experience Bottle labels included for a professional finish Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot is quite possibly the premier wine blend, pairing two of the most widely-grown grape varieties in the world. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot on their own are the foundation of countless remarkable wines produced in Bordeaux, France. Now staples in other major wine growing countries such as Italy, Chile, and the US, these grapes have also become rooted in such far-flung countries as South Africa, New Zealand, Israel, and on and on. The “Bordeaux Blend” combines the tannic, more acidic structure of Cabernet Sauvignon with the juicier, fruit-forward contribution from Merlot for a result that is greater than the sum of its parts.  Our French Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot bursts with vivid flavors of black currants, plum, and dark berries, with subtle mineral notes, firm tannic structure, and heavy oak character. An alcohol content of 13.5% provides a considerably dry finish to this medium-full bodied blend. A proven favorite for wine lovers across the globe. The Signature Series™ Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot is one of the most satisfying kits to make thanks to the inclusion of grape skins. You’ll mirror the professional vintner process of “punching the cap”, which makes your winemaking adventure even more hands on. VineCo’s jammy skin packs are much more expressive than dried grape skins, imparting more character from the grapes and boosting tannin structure in the finished wine. High quality French oak cubes are used in the final aging process of the French Cab/Merlot kit. One of the reasons oak has always been used to age wine is the slow release of delicious, complex compounds that complement the wines flavor. Oak cubes have more depth of flavor than chips or powder and slowly release compounds like furfural (sweet, caramel like), lignins (vanillin, spice, smoke), and lactones (classic oak flavor). French oak in particular is known to deliver refined, less apparent oakiness than American oak. It's famous for adding mouthfeel and flavors of custard and chocolate while still allowing the fruit flavors of the wine to shine through. The Vinceo Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot pairs well with any evening occasion, and should be one of your go-to bottles for an important dinner or classy date night. Even though this blend can add a touch of refinement when served along a perfectly seared lamb chop, don’t be afraid to pour a tall glass while cozied up for a night of take out pizza and binge watching. Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, France Black currant, plum, dark berries, subtle mineral notes Sweetness: Dry Oak: Heavy Body: Medium-Full ABV: 13.5% Kit Volume: 14 L Approximate Yield: 23 L Ready to bottle in 6-8 weeks Grape skins included Bottle labels included    

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If wines were personified by movie characters, Pinot Noir would be your Mrs. Robinson—mature and seductive. No wine evokes more sultry descriptions as Pinot Noir, often characterized as having a supple, silky texture and arousing earthy aroma. Sensual summarizations aside, Pinot Noir is considered one of the “founder varieties”. Its exact origins are unknown, but modern genetic study has revealed Pinot to be the parent of countless grape varieties including Chardonnay and Corvina, as well as hundreds of mutations of itself, including Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc. Flavors and aromas are overwhelmingly fruit-forward—raspberry, plum, rhubarb, pomegranate, and strawberry—with subtle notes of earth and damp leaves. Burgundy, France enjoys the highest acclaim for its Pinot Noir, but this grape is no less renowned in Oregon and California in the U.S. and New Zealand in the southern hemisphere. Of all the wines produced in Chile, Pinot Noir is perhaps the most celebrated within and without the country. The temperate climate and rich soil produce grapes that are more acidic and remarkably fresh, in turn making wine known for fruity notes, high acidity, and delicate tannins.  Our Chile Pinot Noir is dominated by red fruit flavors of strawberry and raspberry and underpinned by a slight vegetal character. A dry red wine with a medium body matched by a medium oak character with an alcohol content of 13% by volume. The Estate Pinot includes a single dose of blended origin, medium toast oak chips. Pinots are known for being complex with subtle oak. This blend adds mouthfeel and very subdued hints of spice.  The VineCo Estate Pinot Noir demands that it be sipped and savored. Do not drink it down like you might a common table wine. Approach with a subtle assuredness like you might if an attractive stranger caught your eye from across the room. Enjoy the deep, captivating flavors as if you’re getting to know this wine for the first time. For a dance at the dinner table, pair off with something that has a touch of spice like Kerala duck curry or Char siu pork. Pinot Noir, Chile Strawberry, raspberry with vegetal character Sweetness: Dry Oak: Medium Body: Medium ABV: 13% Kit Volume: 10 L Approximate Yield: 23 L Ready to bottle in 6 weeks Bottle Labels sold separately    

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The VineCo Niagara Mist lineup offers a crisp, easy-drinking alternative to more traditional winemaking kits. These fruit-forward wine kits are all about capturing the refreshing essence of juicy ripe fruit. Light and crisp and offered in a full assortment of reds, whites, and rosés. Niagara Mist wines are easily enjoyed on their own, but also work well as the base for punches or wine spritzers. No need for a green thumb in order to experience brilliantly bright flavors of fresh picked sweet red strawberries. Just pour a glass of Niagara Mist Strawberry, a light-bodied, sweet rosé with an alcohol level of 6% by volume. Strawberry Sweet red strawberry Sweetness: Sweet Oak: None Body: Light ABV: 6% Kit Volume: 6 L Approximate Yield: 23 L Ready to bottle in 4 weeks    

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The VineCo Niagara Mist lineup offers a crisp, easy-drinking alternative to more traditional winemaking kits. These fruit-forward wine kits are all about capturing the refreshing essence of juicy ripe fruit. Light and crisp and offered in a full assortment of reds, whites, and rosés. Niagara Mist wines are easily enjoyed on their own, but also work well as the base for punches or wine spritzers. Light, fresh, and brimming with flavors of sweet ripe peach. Niagara Mist Peach is a light-bodied, sweet white wine with an alcohol level of 6% by volume. Peach Sweet, ripe peaches Sweetness: Sweet Oak: None Body: Light ABV: 6% Kit Volume: 6 L Approximate Yield: 23 L Ready to bottle in 4 weeks    

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The VineCo Niagara Mist lineup offers a crisp, easy-drinking alternative to more traditional winemaking kits. These fruit-forward wine kits are all about capturing the refreshing essence of juicy ripe fruit. Light and crisp and offered in a full assortment of reds, whites, and rosés. Niagara Mist wines are easily enjoyed on their own, but also work well as the base for punches or wine spritzers. Escape to the island of Tropical Fruit, bursting with juicy sweet pineapple, mango, kiwi, and subtle citrus notes. A light-bodied, sweet white wine with an alcohol level of 6% by volume. Tropical Fruit Sweet pineapple, mango, kiwi, citrus Sweetness: Sweet Oak: None Body: Light ABV: 6% Kit Volume: 6 L Approximate Yield: 23 L Ready to bottle in 4 weeks    

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The VineCo Original Matador Red embodies the traditional Chilean red blend with juices of Merlot and Carmenere. With a medium-full body and heavy oak presence, this wine is replete with flavors of ripe berries and jammy spicy notes. A dry red blend with an alcohol level of 13% by volume. The Matador is one of the only VineCo kits to feature heavy toast oak chips. The unique heavy toast is not timid! Heavy toast oak is known to impart bold flavors of caramel, smoke and spice. Matador Red, Chile Ripe berries, jammy spice Sweetness: Dry Oak: Heavy Body: Medium-Full ABV: 13% Kit Volume: 8 L Approximate Yield: 23 L Ready to bottle in 4 weeks    

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Grenache is a rare breed of winemaking grape that is equally adored for its white grape variety (grenache blanc) and red grape variety (grenache noir). This highly versatile grape is a popular planting in many famous growing regions around the world, including Vieux Chateau du Roi in France and Campo de Borja in Spain. The VineCo Grenache Rose features Australian grape juices that create a glorious Rose with flavors of red cherry and strawberry with a refreshing acidity. Medium-bodied and dry with no oak character and an alcohol content of 12% by volume. Grenache Rose, Australia Red cherry, strawberry, refreshing acidity Sweetness: Dry Oak: None Body: Medium ABV: 12% Kit Volume: 10 L Approximate Yield: 23 L Ready to bottle in 6 weeks Bottle Labels sold separately      

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Learn all you need to know about making Apple Cider at home with this informative book. Choose the right apple for your needs, build a press, even plant your own apple trees! Well researched and written, this book will have you making great cider from Day 1.

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The VineCo Niagara Mist lineup offers a crisp, easy-drinking alternative to more traditional winemaking kits. These fruit-forward wine kits are all about capturing the refreshing essence of juicy ripe fruit. Light and crisp and offered in a full assortment of reds, whites, and rosés. Niagara Mist wines are easily enjoyed on their own, but also work well as the base for punches or wine spritzers. Sweet dragon fruit combined with gently splashes to tangy cool raspberries for an incredibly refreshing fruit wine. A light-bodied, sweet rose with an alcohol level of 6% by volume. Raspberry Dragon Fruit Sweet dragon fruit, tangy raspberries Sweetness: Sweet Oak: None Body: Light ABV: 6% Kit Volume: 6 L Approximate Yield: 23 L Ready to bottle in 4 weeks    

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Malbec traces its origins, like so many others, to the Bordeaux region of France, where it descended from two enigmatic French grapes—Magdeleine Noire des Charentes and Prunelard. It is one of the five red grapes that can be blended to produce red Bordeaux, but in modern times it’s percentage in the blend has significantly decreased and sometimes commonly omitted entirely. This is due to the vine’s sensitivity to frost, which is not ideal in Bordeaux’s maritime climate. In its native region, Malbec plantings have been steadily declining for some time now. Varietal Malbec is celebrated for its soft mouthfeel, rich plum and earthy flavors, and alluring inky, dark color. Thank Dionysus that Malbec has taken root in another part of the world where it has absolutely thrived. Brought over to Argentina in the mid-19th century, the vines have flourished in the dry, sunny vineyards high in the Andes mountains. It is now the most widely cultivated wine grape in the country, and most often used to produce varietal wines rather used to make blends like in France and California. Argentine Malbec is known for its velvety texture, deep color, and exceptional fruity flavors. Our Argentina Malbec is full-bodied with a prodigious plum flavor, accented with notes of clove and charred wood. A heavy oak presence helps to balance the fruity character. A dry red wine with a firm alcohol content of 13.5% by volume. The oak blend in the Estate Series Malbec is a unique blend of medium plus and heavy toast. Medium plus is known to impart a complex balance of vanillin and spice while the heavy toast brings the bold flavors of caramel, smoke and spice to the party. Medium and Heavy? Maybe the best of both worlds. The VineCo Estate Malbec should be the first thing you grab when the flames on the grill go out. This full-bodied wine is the perfect companion for lean red meat, pork, or dark meat poultry. When you cut into that juicy filet, what better reward for a medium-rare job done well than a not-so-medium pour of Malbec? When you bring the glass up for a sip, the deep inky appearance may fool you into thinking your sunglasses are still on. Sitting back to admire the dark abyss held within your stemware may reveal your future. Hint: it’s probably another glass (or another bottle) of heavenly Malbec. Malbec, Argentina Black plum, clove, charred wood Sweetness: Dry Oak: Heavy Body: Full ABV: 13.5% Kit Volume: 10 L Approximate Yield: 23 L Ready to bottle in 6 weeks Bottle Labels sold separately    

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Of the six noble grapes, Riesling is the lone variety to be of German origin rather than French. Originally from the Rheingau region of Germany, where it is still the most widely cultivated grape today, Riesling is known for its outstanding aromatics and is commonly regarded by wine experts as the finest white grape variety in the world. Mercurial in nature, Riesling is highly “terroir-expressive” and begs to be planted in cooler climates; but even small climatic variances in a characteristically cool growing region can lead to markedly different results in the finished wine. Often noted for having a high acidity and palpable mineral character, Riesling is adored for its floral aroma and mouthwatering orchard flavors of apricot and peach, as well as many other ripe fruit notes that vary depending on the region. To this day, Germany continues to boast the highest production of Riesling in the world, despite the fact that the vines have made their way to countries with far more tremendous growing capacity in terms of sheer acreage. By example, California’s vast collection of vineyards dedicate less than 4,000 acres to Riesling, with nearly half of the total being grown in Monterey. Californian Riesling tends to be softer, with less mineral quality and somewhat more subdued fruit flavors. Our California Riesling sports a light-medium body and leaps out of the glass with notes of apricot and mango, followed by a delightful acidity. This dry white wine has no oak character and an easy-drinking alcohol level of 12.5%. The VineCo Estate Riesling is one of those wines that seems to effortlessly improve the vibe wherever and whenever it is enjoyed. A bright and cheerful wine that is outgoing to a fault. Regardless of your current mood, once the aromas start popping out of the glass and the acidity starts tickling your tongue, it’ll be hard to hold back a smile. Try it alongside prawns and fresh crab or cuts of pork belly with choucroute.  Riesling, California Apricot, mango, high acidity Sweetness: Dry Oak: None Body: Light-Medium ABV: 12.5% Kit Volume: 10 L Approximate Yield: 23 L Ready to bottle in 6 weeks Bottle Labels sold separately    

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Montepulciano is the second most widely planted grape throughout Italy, behind only Sangiovese, to which it is rumored to be a long lost relative. Notorious for ripening late, but with patience this grape will produce beautifully deep colored wines with high acidity. Our Italian Montepulciano has an exquisite dark fruit essence of red plum and sour cherry accented by subtle herbal notes and medium oak character. Medium- full-bodied and dry with an alcohol content of 13.5% by volume. The VineCo Estate Montepulciano is the perfect choice for your "staying in" nights. This wine pairs perfectly with pizzas with mounds of meat toppings, brisket tacos, or just about anything you'd pull off the barbecue or smoker. Montepulciano, Italian Sour cherry, subtle herbal Sweetness: Dry Oak: Medium Body: Med-Full ABV: 13% Kit Volume: 10 L Approximate Yield: 23 L Ready to bottle in 6 weeks  

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On The House winemaking kits are the perfect introduction to creating your very own wine at home. Each kit contains all the ingredients you’ll need with easy-to-follow instructions that will guide you through the whole process from start to finish. Designed with beginners in mind so that anyone can make something they’ll be proud to share with friends and family. Simple and straightforward, On The House offers a full range of red, white, and blush style wines. You’ll be well on your way to sipping your very own house wine in only 4 weeks! A little bit on the sweeter side, Riesling Style is an off-dry wine with citrusy flavors and delicate grape notes. This light-bodied white wine is unoaked with an alcohol level of 11.5% by volume. Riesling Style Citrus, grape Sweetness: Off-Dry Oak: None Body: Light ABV: 11.5% Kit Volume: 6 L Approximate Yield: 23 L Ready to bottle in 4 weeks  

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Liebfraumilch is a semi-sweet style of white wine first produced in Germany, which is predominantly composed of Riesling, Silvaner, and Muller-Thurgau grapes. Literally translating to “milk of Our Blessed Lady'', the first iteration of this style is believed to have been made many centuries ago outside of Worms, Germany where the vineyards surround a Liebfraukirche or “Church of Our Blessed Lady”. The VineCo Original Liebfraumilch Style is a delightfully off-dry white wine with light-medium body and flavors of citrus and peach. Refreshing and easily enjoyed glass after glass with an alcohol content of 11.5% by volume. Liebfraumilch Style, California Citrus and peach Sweetness: Off-Dry Oak: None Body: Light-Medium ABV: 11.5% Kit Volume: 8 L Approximate Yield: 23 L Ready to bottle in 4 weeks    

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This rich red wine hails from Valpolicella in the Veneto region of north-eastern Italy. Traditionally, Amarone is made from only three approved grape varieties—Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella. To prepare the grapes, winemakers use a process known as ‘apassimento’, an Italian term for drying the harvested grapes for up to several months to concentrate the sugars and flavor. Amarone is known for its full-body, strong flavor, and high alcohol percentage. Some speculate Amarone’s creation to date back to Ancient Rome, as this powerful red would have slaked the Roman’s thirst for highly alcoholic wine. Our Italian Amarone has an immersed dark fruit essence of black cherry and plum backed up by notes of chocolate and a moderate oak character. Full-bodied and dry with an alcohol content of 13.5% by volume. The VineCo Estate Amarone is best enjoyed over a hearty meal of red steak or venison with good company, or as an after-dinner treat paired with heartfelt conversation with that special someone. Not to be poured on any occasion, but savored as a delicious moment. Amarone Style, Italy Black cherry, plum and chocolate Sweetness: Dry Oak: Medium Body: Full ABV: 13.5% Kit Volume: 10 L Approximate Yield: 23 L Ready to bottle in 6 weeks Bottle Labels sold separately    

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This highly expressive white wine is renowned for its explosive aromatics that rocket out of the glass. Fruit-dominant notes of lychees, marmalade, passion fruit, roses, and grapefruit pith are so entrancing that Gewürztraminer is commonly mistaken to be sweet. In reality, this wine is usually off-dry and some of the best examples are distinctly dry. This pink- to red-skinned grape is not itself a unique variety, but rather an extraordinarily fragrant clone of Savagnin (also called Traminer) known as Savagnin Rosé or Gewürztraminer. The Traminer variety was named after the village of Tramin that resides in a German-speaking province in northern Italy. “Gewürz” is German for spice or seasoning, and serves as an appropriate prefix to a grape that is nothing if not potently aromatic. Despite the German influence clearly present in its name, Gewürztraminer is not grown nearly as much in Germany as it is in Alsace, France, where it remains the most popular white wine of the region. The comparatively colder climate in Germany leads to a more toned down fruit flavor in the grapes. Gewürz made in Germany is generally more dry, less spicy, and with more subdued fruit character than other examples. Our German Gewürztraminer is light-medium in body with a floral character and packed with playful notes of peach, lychee, and honey. An off-dry white wine with no oak presence and an easily approachable alcohol content of 11.5% by volume. The Estate Series Gewürztraminer is a fantastic daytime wine that can match any playful activity under the sun with its own sprightly energy. With a relatively restrained alcohol level, this wine is perfect to start off with in the afternoon and keep you perky into the evening. Excellent alongside a midday snack of dried fruit and soft cow’s milk cheeses. Gewurztraminer, Germany Floral, peach, lychee, honey Sweetness: Off-Dry Oak: None Body: Light-Medium ABV: 11.5% Kit Volume: 10 L Approximate Yield: 23 L Ready to bottle in 6 weeks Bottle Labels sold separately    

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The VineCo Niagara Mist lineup offers a crisp, easy-drinking alternative to more traditional winemaking kits. These fruit-forward wine kits are all about capturing the refreshing essence of juicy ripe fruit. Light and crisp and offered in a full assortment of reds, whites, and rosés. Niagara Mist wines are easily enjoyed on their own, but also work well as the base for punches or wine spritzers. Teeming with green apple sweetness and punctuated with a crisp tangy finish, Niagara Mist Green Apple is as thirst-quenching as they come. A light-bodied, sweet white wine with an alcohol level of 6% by volume. Green Apple Green apple, tangy finish Sweetness: Sweet Oak: None Body: Light ABV: 6% Kit Volume: 6 L Approximate Yield: 23 L Ready to bottle in 4 weeks    

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Australian Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect every occasion wine; highly drinkable, yet chalk full of flavor Perfect for summertime patio sipping or pairing with your next meal Flavors of peach, honeydew melon, kiwi and tropical fruit Dry with medium body, 13% ABV Whip up a batch in 30 mins or less! Yields 6 gallons (2 cases) of finished wine in 6-8 weeks Bottle labels included for a professional finish From the French word sauvage meaning “wild” we get the name of this green-skinned grape. Aptly named, as vines of Sauvignon Blanc would grow ferociously if they were never inhibited by the business end of a pair of pruning shears. The flavors of the wine are just as unruly, ranging from acutely grassy to joyfully tropical. Grapes grown in cooler climates tend to produce more acidic wines with flavors of grass and green bell peppers with limited tropical or floral notes. Warmer climates can intensify the tropical fruit character as long as the grower is careful to not let the grapes over ripen on the vine. Sauvignon Blanc experiences little to no enhancement from ageing in the bottle and is almost always consumed young. Our Australian Sauvignon Blanc from the Adelaide Hills is delightfully fresh with fruity flavors of juicy peach, honeydew melon, kiwi, hints of tropical fruit and subtle herbal notes. This medium-bodied white wine displays a refreshing acidity with no oak character. A dry sauv blanc with an alcohol level of 13% by volume. The VineCo Signature Sauvignon Blanc has one rule: consume young. With no benefits to aging, you should start enjoying this wine as soon as it’s ready. How you enjoy this wine is entirely up to you. It pairs so well with such a wide range of flavors that you can enjoy it with every course of the meal from appetizers to dessert. This versatility may explain why Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most popular options among the very short list of wines that pair well with sushi. Sauvignon Blanc, Australia Peach, honeydew melon, kiwi, tropical fruit, subtle herbal Sweetness: Dry Oak: None Body: Medium ABV: 13% Kit Volume: 14 L Approximate Yield: 23 L Ready to bottle in 6-8 weeks Bottle labels included  

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The VineCo Original Series Smooth Red is an easily approachable blend of red juices that result in a medium-bodied wine with delicious ripe berry notes. Flavors of juicy blackberries and blueberries are accented with a gentle oak character. An off-dry red blend with an alcohol content of 12.5% by volume. Smooth Red Juicy, ripe blackberries and blueberries Sweetness: Off-Dry Oak: Light Body: Medium ABV: 12.5% Kit Volume: 8 L Approximate Yield: 23 L Ready to bottle in 4 weeks    

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The Vineco Estate Mystic is a delicious blend of juices from Californian Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. This medium-bodied red wine is dripping with flavors of smooth black cherry, vanilla, and mocha that combine perfectly with a moderate oaking. Off-dry with a warming alcohol level of 13% by volume. The Mystic blends stays mysterious with its unique addition of lightly toasted oak. Lightly toasted oak retains more lactones and tannins. The lactones feature woody oak flavors along with subtle coconut. The tannins add a little extra body and mouthfeel. Mystical oak in a mystical blend... perfect! Mystic, California Black cherry, vanilla and mocha. Sweetness: Off-Dry Oak: Medium Body: Medium-Full ABV: 13% Kit Volume: 10 L Approximate Yield: 23 L Ready to bottle in 6 weeks Bottle Labels sold separately    

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The Estate Series Primo Rosso a delightfully mysterious blend of Italian red grape juices that result in a brilliantly full-bodied wine with a captivating symphony of ripe, dark fruit flavors with an undertone of subtle spice. This dry red blend has a moderate oak presence and a stout alcohol level of 13.5% by volume. The Primo Rosso kit includes medium toast French oak chips. Medium toast French oak is subtle and provides refined flavors of custard, chocolate, and spice. French oak in general is often used by winemakers when they want to increase the mouthfeel and complexity of a wine without stepping on or suppressing the fruit. Primo Rosso, Italy Ripe, dark fruit flavors and subtle spice. Sweetness: Dry Oak: Medium Body: Full ABV: 13.5% Kit Volume: 10 L Approximate Yield: 23 L Ready to bottle in 6 weeks Bottle Labels sold separately    

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This is a how-to book for aspiring and serious hobbyists wanting to take their winemaking to a whole new level. It describes the process of making flawless wine, consistently, from crush to bottle using modern techniques and the latest products. Making wine is not only about fermenting juice into wine; this book details the many other processes involved in making outstanding wine, wines that will win medals at competitions. These include how to analyze and control quality parameters, such as total acidity, pH, sulfur dioxide, how to stabilize wine so that it ages gracefully without developing flaws, and how – and why – to filter. And should something go wrong, a chapter is dedicated to help identify root causes of the most common problems, how to fix faults without compromising quality, and how to avoid them in the first place. The book contains many illustrations to highlight key processes and use of equipment, and many examples to help calculate, for example, sugar and acidity adjustments to make balanced wines. A Note from the Author: “Modern Home Winemaking” presents updated techniques bridging my experience and theory, introduces new products and equipment, and discusses wine science in much more details to help winemakers make more informed decisions in their winemaking. There is also a detailed chapter describing the most popular vinifera, Native American and hybrid grape varieties, and includes winemaking tips and recommended yeast strains for each variety. And there are many examples illustrating the many calculations in winemaking, such as when chaptalizing, or when doing acid or sulfur dioxide adjustments. The focus of this book is in making the best white, rosé and red wine.

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Although it is listed as one of the original six red grapes of Bordeaux, Carménère is all but impossible to find in France today. After a phylloxera plague in the mid-19th century, the vines were nearly all destroyed in Europe and presumed extinct. But the grape lived on, unbeknownst to anyone, in the grape growing regions of Chile where some speculate it was mistaken for Merlot and thus unwittingly preserved over the last 150 years. Indeed the two grapes share a common ancestor and are strikingly similar in appearance. Commonly used as a blending grape, but as a varietal wine Carménère is known for its deep red color, gentle tannins, and fruit-forward character with earthy notes. Growing Carménère is all but unheard of in Bordeaux today, but the grape has thrived in the vineyards of Chile where it has become the country’s leading red grape. The resulting wine is a full-bodied, dry red with aromas and flavors of red fruit and berries, plum, and floral notes.  Our Chile Carménère follows the classic description, characterized by flavors of raspberry, red cherry, and plum. Medium-bodied and dry with a moderate oak presence. This red wine weighs in at the higher end of the spectrum with an alcohol level of 13.5% by volume. This Carmenere wine kit includes medium toast French oak chips. Medium toast French oak is subtle and provides refined flavors of custard, chocolate, and spice. French oak in general is often used by winemakers when they want to increase the mouthfeel and complexity of a wine without stepping on or suppressing the fruit. The VineCo Estate Carménère is the perfect wine for those that enjoy the spice of life. Or maybe more specifically, those that enjoy spice in their meals. Carménère pairs wonderfully with dishes that have a kick. Lamb curry, spicy pork sausage, Chile con Carne—these mouth watering foods are great options to enjoy with a glass of this delicious red wine. Carménère shouldn’t only be poured alongside hot dishes, but if you’re looking for something to pair with a meal that raises your heart rate, you’ve found it here. Carménère, Chile Raspberry, red cherry, and plum Sweetness: Dry Oak: Medium Body: Medium ABV: 13.5% Kit Volume: 10 L Approximate Yield: 23 L Ready to bottle in 6 weeks Bottle Labels sold separately    

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