Need additional help? there are 2 ways you can reach us:
1. Email us at help@artfulwinemaker.com, or
2. If you prefer direct assistance or more help, please call our toll free number 1-800-983-6671
Can I carry my Winemaker by the handle to move it?
You can do this if you also support the bottom of the Winemaker with the other hand.
I spilled some juice; what should I do?
If you leave the juice, it may attract fruit flies, so clean it up immediately.
My oak bag is floating on top of the juice; is that okay?
Yes that's fine. It may sink later, or might stay afloat for the entire 14 days.
How do I know if my wine is fermenting?
You should notice tiny bubbles in your wine within the first 2-3 days.
Why do we need a fermentation lock? What is this for?
This lock releases carbon dioxide gas from the fermentation process into the atmosphere. Doing it through a lock system protects your wine from microbes in the air.
How many bubbles should I expect to see per minute?
For the first 3 days, 10-40 bubbles per minute will be about right.
I have condensation inside my Winemaker; is that okay?
Yes, this is normal. The fermentation process actually generates energy, so the temperature of the liquid is greater than the outside air. This difference in temperature is what creates condensation.
What can I expect to see throughout the winemaking process?
To begin with, the liquid will be very murky, with a creamy paste on its surface. This paste will blend into the liquid during the first 2 days, and you'll see tiny bubbles forming all through your wine. (If you still see a ring of the paste inside, this is fine.) You may also see your airlock bubbling.
When you hit 6-7 days, your wine may start looking clearer. And the bubbling rate should slow down and stop by the tenth day.
I just finished Day 1; what will I see in the next 14 days?
To begin with, the liquid will be very murky, with a creamy paste on its surface. This paste will blend into the liquid during the first 2 days, and you'll see tiny bubbles forming all through your wine. (If you still see a ring of the paste inside, this is fine.) You may also see your airlock bubbling. Also, a yeast (or baking bread-like) aroma will fill the room temporarily.
When you hit 6-7 days, your wine may start looking clearer. And the bubbling rate should slow down and stop by the tenth day.
I just finished Day 14; what will I expect to see in the next 14 days?
Within the next 14 days, your wine will be "degassing", that is, the dissolved carbon dioxide that formed during fermentation will be eliminated. This is what the Wine Stabilizer (3A) and Wine Clarifier (4) help to do.
Why doesn't the cleanser need to be rinsed?
The cleanser is a type of hydrogen peroxide that forms water and releases oxygen to kill microbes. It's harmless to the wine, so it doesn't need rinsing.
Why is my wine cloudy? Is that normal?
Cloudy wine is normal, until it is ready to bottle.
When will my wine start to clear?
The wine will start to clear after the active fermentation slows down. The components that make it cloudy will settle naturally, and the Wine Clarifier (4) will also help produce a startling clear wine when it's time to bottle.
What is the film on the side of my vessel?
On day 1-2, the yeast will develop into a paste, which may stick to the inside of the vessel.
Why is the sanitization so important?
Fermentation is a natural process. If it gets contaminated with bad yeast and bacteria, it might not go as expected, and could create odd flavours in your wine.
Is it okay if I don't do the right step on the exact day?
It depends on which step you mean, and how far off you are from doing it on the recommended day. We suggest that you contact us through the helpline for clarification and advice for your particular situation.
What is the sediment on the bottom?
The sediment from Day 1 to Day 14 is dead yeast cells and some proteins. The sediment from Day 14 to Day 28 is mostly proteins.
I forgot to riddle my Winemaker on Days 14-15-16; what do I do?
You can still get the same effect by riddling 3 days between Days 15-25.
How long will Day 1 take?
If you're not interrupted, Day 1 will take between 30-40 minutes.
How long will Day 14 take?
Day 14 should take between 15-30 minutes.