our group does the same thing year in, year out: 4,5,6 7 of us pony up for
20 -35 case of red grapes every autumn. Every autumn, we completely forget
what we did the year before. especially regarding procedures, math &
chemistry. We're neither food scientists nor organic chemists. We don't even
play them on TV. We get together in my basement irregularly to make more
wine while drinking what we've made. We occasionally get things done
properly, not often, but occasionally. When we need an opinion to settle a
beef, the standard of reference is this NG. 99% of all posted questions, no
matter how redundant or simple, get answered and, more importantly,
discussed in a forum of opinion, fact, and experience. This is my standard
as to what a NG ought to be. I lurked as a newbie for a long time before
posting a question or offering my 2 cents, yet never felt talked down to or
lectured on matters of wine procedures or NG etiquette, for which I am
grateful. Our wine making group exists thusly: 50% winemaking, 50%
sociability/ camaraderie. This NG pretty much reflects our sensibility. Most
of us don't know much about each other save for what we suppose from reading
postings, yet this NG has a great feel of community and support, for which I
am also grateful. I will probably always consider myself a newbie. Posting
experiences, learned knowledge, and opinions only makes me an opinionated
newbie. Many thanks to all who help us along our way.

Vive le RCW, je suis un petite garageiste


"Ray Calvert" > wrote in message
...
> If you have never drunk your own wine, you are a newbie. If you are
> drinking your own wine, you are an expert. ;o)
>
> Good to hear from people who are learning to enjoy this great hobby. Just
> remember that you are learning to craft wine for your own and your loved
> ones tastes so you can enjoy wine that is better suited to you than wines
> you could buy at any price; hence, take what you learn here and use what
> fits your style. Paraphrasing Thoreau, don't stretch the seams trying to
> put on my coat. This is a fun hobby, don't ever get too serious about it.
>
> Ray
>
> "DAve Allison" > wrote in message
> ...
>>I also have learned much by reading all the posts, I am approaching my
>>200th bottle. (is that a newbie or what?)
>> I have made kits, fruits, concentrates from 6 gallons to 1 gallons. I
>> agree with you, I learn daily from this newsgroup.
>> (six gallons of concord, wow) I did 1 gallon and it didn't turn out as
>> good as I thought... but hey. I'm learning.
>>
>> DAve
>> p.s. the other reply was talking about someone else and things. thanks
>> for your post.
>>
>> k-dawg wrote:
>>> i would just like to say thanks to all of your help,,i bottled my
>>> concord last night,a six gallon,when i set out to start this new hobby
>>> of mine,i knew nothing about it.i read a little,i posted allot.i will
>>> admit i have along ways to go.but it sure was nice drinking my own
>>> creation.i now no that i should back off on the higher alc yeast.sure
>>> got a buzz.
>>> what i want to say that this is a great group,and thanks for helping me
>>> with my first batch,i will be in this hobby for a lifetime,maybe
>>> someday i will be able to pass along the things you have passed to me.
>>>
>
>