Winekitz Saanich - Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Wine Making and Crafting both In Store and at Home

Wine Kitz Saanich - Instore and Home Brew Specialists

3567 Ravine Way
Victoria BC

250 744 4353

Mon.-Sat. 9AM to 6PM
Open until 7PM on Thursdays

Home | About Us | Wine & Beer | Contact Us

Winekitz Saanich is your place for expert advice on Home Wine and Beer making, or let us make it for you in the store. We have an extensive range of high quality Red, White and Rosé wines that can be ready in as little as 7 days.

Frequently Asked Questions....

1: My friend makes really good wine and I am considering starting myself. What do I need to get started?
2: How long will I have to age my wine before I can drink it?
3: What are the best conditions to make wine?
4: What are the best conditions to store wine?
5: Can I really make wine that tastes as good as the best commercial wines?
6: How do I know what quality of wine kit to purchase?
7: How many bottles does a kit make?

My friend makes really good wine and I am considering starting myself. What do I need to get started?

Most new winemakers actually get started because they have tried wine made from our kits. Wine Kitz stores offer a starter package of equipment consisting of everything you will need to process your first wine kit. All of the equipment is re-usable and high quality. Once you have your equipment kit, it is a simple matter of choosing the type of wine you wish to make. Just follow the step-by-step recipe included in the ingredient kit and you are guaranteed to make fine wine. Some Wine Kitz stores also offer in-store winemaking. You choose the type of wine you wish to make, mix the ingredients in the store (takes about five minutes) and return 6-8 weeks later to bottle the finished wine using modern bottling and corking equipment!

[Back To Top]

How long will I have to age my wine before I can drink it?

Your wine will be very palatable soon after you bottle, particularly if you decant the wine for an hour or two before serving. As the wine ages in the bottle, you will be excited to find how the wine softens and matures. Our staff can provide you with aging guides for each brand of wine kit.

[Back To Top]

What are the best conditions to make wine?

Fortunately, great wine can be made in most household environments. You don't need a lot of space. Most winemakers make wine in the basement or in the kitchen as it is handy to have a water source nearby. Best temperature range is 65 - 75 F. (18 - 24C.). Because you are working with a kit, there is virtually no odour involved.

[Back To Top]

What are the best conditions to store wine?

If you intend to age the bottled wine for a long time, it is important to have a cool environment with a temperature range of 50 - 64 F. (10 - 18 C.). In this range, the wine will gently mature at an ideal rate. If the storage conditions are warmer, the wine will mature rapidly so avoid prolonged aging.

[Back To Top]

Can I really make wine that tastes as good as the best commercial wines?

For over 45 years, our customers have resoundingly told us that the wine they make from our kits ranks with commercial wine costing much more. We invite you to blind taste the wine you make with comparable commercial wine. We believe you will be very pleased with the comparison.

[Back To Top]

How do I know what quality of wine kit to purchase?

Our business is built on providing a wine very similar to the commercial wine that you like at a fraction of the price. Our trained staff will make suggestions based on the quality and price point of the wine you purchase. We strongly suggest that, when you get started, you make the highest quality wine kit available. The cost savings are well worth it and you will have wine that tastes like fine commercial wine at a fraction of the cost!

[Back To Top]

How many bottles does a kit make?

Most kits make 23 litres (6 US gallons) or about 30, 750 mL bottles. To a newcomer, this may sound like a lot of wine but keep in mind that, if you are like most winemakers, you will likely give some bottles away because you are so proud of the results!

[Back To Top]

Special Offer - All New Winekitz Saanich Customers receive free Bottles and more...a $41 Value.
See More

Featured Wines
Available for a limited time

Download the Winekitz Newsletter.
Regular updates of new wines, trends, tastes and Special Offers from your Winekitz Saanich Store.

PDF File - 996Kb - Download.

The Latest Full Winekitz Product Guide.
Printed guides are available in the store, or download our free PDF file. Some Specials are ony available for a short time - contact us for stock availability.

PDF File - 5.3 MB - Download.