Wine Bottling

1. Bottles: You will need clean, sterilised bottles designed for wine. You can use new bottles or reuse bottles from store-bought wine. Ensure that the bottles are free of cracks or defects before using them.
2. Corks: You will need wine corks that fit the size of your bottles. Synthetic corks can be a good choice, as they are less prone to spoilage than natural corks.
3. Corker: A corker is a device that helps you insert the corks into the bottles. Several types of corkers are available, including handheld corkers and floor corkers.
4. Bottle filler: A bottle filler is a device that helps you fill the bottles with wine without spilling. You can choose from a variety of bottle fillers, including gravity fillers and counter-pressure fillers.
5. Siphon: A siphon is a tube that helps you transfer the wine from the fermenter to the bottle filler. You can use a manual siphon or an automatic siphon.
6. Sanitiser: Sanitiser is essential for keeping your equipment clean and preventing contamination. You can use a commercial sanitiser or make your own using a water solution and a sanitising agent like sodium metabisulfite.
7. Bottle washer: A bottle washer can make cleaning your bottles more manageable and efficient. You can choose from manual or automatic bottle washers.
8. Bottling bucket: A bottling bucket is a large plastic bucket with a spigot at the bottom. You can transfer the wine from the fermenter to the bottle filler.
9. Airlock: An airlock is a device that allows gases to escape from the fermenter while preventing air and other contaminants from entering. You will need an airlock for the initial fermentation process.
10. Hydrometer: A hydrometer is a tool that measures the specific gravity of your wine. It can help you determine when fermentation is complete and when it is safe to bottle your wine.

These are essential equipment you will need for bottling your home-brewed wine. Follow proper sanitation procedures and use high-quality materials to ensure the best results.

Published March 2023