How to choose a red wine kit
1. Pick your grape or style
For a soft, easy-drinking red, try a Merlot such as Beaverdale Merlot or WineBuddy Merlot. For something bolder, choose a Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec or Shiraz, such as Winexpert Chilean Malbec or SG Wines Gold Shiraz. If you like European styles, look at Tempranillo, Sangiovese or Beaverdale Nebbiolo.
2. Choose your batch size
Six-bottle kits such as Beaverdale Merlot 6 bottle and SG Wines Gold 6 Bottle Merlot are ideal for trying a grape in a 5L demijohn. Kits of 28–30 bottles, from Cantina, Cellar 7, Beaverdale, WineBuddy and SG Wines, make about 23 litres and are better value per bottle.
3. Decide how long you'll wait
Fast kits suit everyday drinking. Fuller kits, especially the Winexpert Reserve range, improve noticeably with a few months in the bottle.
What else you'll need
A fermenter or demijohn, an airlock, a hydrometer, ChemSan sanitiser, wine bottles and corks. Some kits also need brewing sugar, which is listed in each kit's instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best red wine kit?
For a quick, reliable red, Cellar 7 and WineBuddy are popular. For the most body and complexity, choose a Winexpert Classic or Reserve kit, or Solomon Grundy Platinum, and give it time to age.
How long does a red wine kit take?
Fermentation and clearing take about 1–4 weeks depending on the kit. Fuller-bodied reds improve with one to three months or more of bottle ageing. See our guide to how long a wine kit takes.
How many bottles does a red wine kit make?
Can I make a red wine kit in a demijohn?
Yes, 6-bottle kits are designed for a 5L demijohn with a bung and airlock. 30-bottle kits need a 25L fermenter.
