Island Mist Wine Kit

[tdaddy54]

I am new to brewing I started a Island Mist Peach & Apricote followed the instructions and also added sugar ( 3.5 lbs ) to my must, with a starting SG of 1.050 without sugar and ended up with a SG of 1.062. It has been fermenting now for 8 days ( now going very slowly ). A coworker who started me in homebrewing suggested I let it ferment for 4 wks before moving it to a secondary vessel. Should I let it go to the 4 wks rack to secondary and then add flavor pack at wk # 7 ? Also is it ok to open the batch now to check SG or wait the 4 wks?

Pls Help !!

 

[Yooper]

I am new to brewing I started a Island Mist Peach & Apricote followed the instructions and also added sugar ( 3.5 lbs ) to my must, with a starting SG of 1.050 without sugar and ended up with a SG of 1.062. It has been fermenting now for 8 days ( now going very slowly ). A coworker who started me in homebrewing suggested I let it ferment for 4 wks before moving it to a secondary vessel. Should I let it go to the 4 wks rack to secondary and then add flavor pack at wk # 7 ? Also is it ok to open the batch now to check SG or wait the 4 wks?

Pls Help !!

It sure seems like it's going terribly slow! I always found that following the directions, and racking at the appropriate SG is the way to go. I see no advantage to going four weeks in the primary, if the SG is at the right gravity before that.

 

[tdaddy54]

Thanks, I must add though during those 6-8 days it was bubbling like crazy, now it has slowed down quit a bit ( every so often it will bubble ) is the yeast dying off now ?

 

[Jericurl]

What is your gravity at now?

Move it to secondary when it gets anywhere below 1.02

 

[Yooper]

Thanks, I must add though during those 6-8 days it was bubbling like crazy, now it has slowed down quit a bit ( every so often it will bubble ) is the yeast dying off now ?

No, the yeast won't die.

They are finishing up active fermentation, though. Now would be the time to check the SG and rack to secondary if the SG is in the appropriate range (check the instructions for the recommened SG for racking).

 

[tdaddy54]

Thanks for all the help. I racked to secondary after getting a SG of .996. Keeping my fingers crossed !!!!

 

[tdaddy54]

How often should I degase my wine ? I have been degassing about a couple times a day is too much a problem?

 

[Yooper]

How often should I degase my wine ? I have been degassing about a couple times a day is too much a problem?

Well, most wines don't need degassing at all!

For that kit, I'm pretty sure that the degassing happens after time in the secondary, before adding the F-pack.

There is no point degassing yet, as it may need to finish it up.

The instructions are pretty good for that kit. I'd follow them, and not degas now.

 

[tdaddy54]

Thanks for your help Yooper, I've been reading too much instead of just going by the kit...