Wine Kit Secondary -- Two 5 gallon carboys?

[buckeyebuckeyebuckeye]

I recently bought a wink kit that apparently makes 6 gallons, which was lost on me as I only have 2 5 gallon carboys. Instead of taking on the extra expense until I'm sure that the wine is worth it, i'm planning on using both carboys (primary fermentation is already complete), racking back into the primary fermenter for adding the chemicals, etc., then racking back into the carboys.

Any thoughts or advice for a newb?

 

[WI_Wino]

That'll work until the part where you let it sit for a couple months. At that point you'll want no headspace. I would fill the 5 gallon full then use growlers for the remaining wine.

 

[buckeyebuckeyebuckeye]

Growlers with airlocks, lids, foil, etc.? Thanks in advance!

 

[WI_Wino]

Yes with airlocks. You could also use a gallon jar if you have one from Apple juice or Carlo Rossi wine.

 

[buckeyebuckeyebuckeye]

Thanks again. Apparently i"m out of airlocks but not growlers. Will sanitized foil hold for a few days?

 

[WI_Wino]

I would think so

 

[buckeyebuckeyebuckeye]

Thanks for the replies, one more question. Instead of using the 5 gal Carboy and 2 .5 gal growlers where they are now, can I move the wine back to the primary fermenter for chemical additions and longer storage?


Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew

 

[Yooper]

Thanks for the replies, one more question. Instead of using the 5 gal Carboy and 2 .5 gal growlers where they are now, can I move the wine back to the primary fermenter for chemical additions and longer storage?


Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew

You need to have a 6 gallon carboy, or a 5 gallon and a 1 gallon. You don't want any headspace at that point.

 

[oogaboogachiefwalkingdeer]

Use a medical glove for airlock if you are short.