Homemade winemaking has come a long way from the early Romanesque influences of grape stomping. Stomping grapes is the collaborative and most enjoyable process of crushing grapes by foot within large vats to release their juices and start the fermentation process.
Since the early manual practices of artisanal craft of homemade winemaking, knowledge of the winemaking process has been cultivated, refined and shared amongst families and fellow winemakers. During the1970’s, Lou Baggio, founder of Home Make It, was at the forefront of redefining the arduous process of winemaking by developing and manufacturing winemaking equipment such as grape presses and crushers to assist migrant Italians in Australia to be able to continue to uphold these classic traditions.
Over the years, Home Make It has sought to further simplify the winemaking process by embracing more modern practices whilst still appreciating the traditional craft and further enhance the winemaking experience by eliminating some of the guesswork and minimizing the ever-present chances of spoilage. The vast showcase of winemaking equipment coupled with the introduction of winemaking kits with all the key ingredients included have contributed to many homemade wine success stories.
Complimenting the user-friendly winemaking kits and equipment, Home Make It also provide a free wine testing and analysis service by providing the community with expert advice throughout the winemaking process. By testing grape juice early in the practice, issues can be identified and remedied by implementing the necessary adjustments required to produce better quality outcomes. “We recommend bringing in samples of grape juice to be tested at every stage of the winemaking process – especially at the crushing, pressing, fermentation, racking and bottling stages” says Celeste Baggio, co-founder of Home Make It.
Winemaking is yet another one of those timeless Italian traditions that interweaves into the fabric of their culture. It is considered an integral part of the meal, complimenting rich Italian cuisine perfectly. Learn more about Italian culture and the traditional food and drink practices, including all the recipes in Home Make It’s newly released book titled The Makers: a story of food, family and foreigners. Copies of The Makers are available for purchase online via the Home Make It website at www.homemakeit.com or in store.
WINE BASICS & TRICKS OF THE TRADE
CRUSHING & FERMENTATION
PRESSING, MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION & STORAGE TECHNIQUES
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION OAK, FININGS & BARRELS
WINE ADJUSTMENTS, WINE FAULTS & BLENDING TECHNIQUES
RACKING & PRESERVING PROCESSES
WINE FILTRATION & BOTTLING
For those who may be keen to have a go at producing their own red, white, sparkling or fruit wine this year, come along and participate in Home Make It’s Advanced Homemade Winemaking course and learn all the tips of the trade with hands-on experience of making your own batch of wine with the class of 2016. For more details and to book your place online visit www.homemakeit.com.
Contact the Home Make It team for further information or assistance with this process and recipe.
Clayton Store: (03) 9574 8222Reservoir Store: (03) 9460 2777Email: info@homemakeit.com.au
