Steve Margita > wrote:
> Can anyone recommend an easy way to start the siphone when bottling wine? I
> have the Auto-Siphone (1/2 inch) that I use when I rack my wine back and
> forth, but that is too much volume at once when bottling. I know Fermtech
> makes an auto-siphon for 3/8 inch tubing as well.

> I have a bottle filler that touches the bottom of the bottle and opens up
> and stops filling when I lift the tube up, but I always have trouble
> starting the siphon when bottling.


Keep that $2.50 spring-loaded filler -- simple and wonderful.

Cap the carboy with one of those two-holed caps that a racking cane
fits perfectly through.

Insert racking cane through first hole.

Place spring-filler in first bottle, and press and hold while blowing
through the second hole. Siphon pressure should now be established.

The spring-loaded filler maintains the vacuum for the entire bottling
process.

-- WB