On Sun, 7 Jan 2007 01:03:03 -0000, "jim" >
wrote:

>"To stir or not to stir that is the question."
>
>The kit instructions don't mention regular stirring it in the primary (after initial ingredients mixing when I stirred
>well). I know, and believe (truly I do) that with kits it IS worth carrying out instructions to the letter. I am not
>used to refraining from stirring the primary though, so I am wondering if it is an assumption I am missing...
>
>This kit has toasted oak and plain oak, bentonite, yeast and 16L juice to make 23L. The kit says "Leave the container in
>a warm spot (20-25 C / 70-77F) to ferment for 8/10 days".
>
>I'm 3 days in and bubbling nicely. The smell from the primary is already beautiful, but I can't help but think that I
>should give it a whirl.
>
>Would you guess that I am I right to trust the instructions on this? I have emailed Vineco but since it's the weekend I
>thought it might be more timely to ask the experts here!
>
>Opinions gratefully received, Jim
>

I recently bottled some of this and I did not follow the kit
instructions, but rather I used the extended instructions found on
Jack Kellers wine blog:

http://winemaking.jackkeller.net/wineblog2.asp

Scroll down to December 18, 2003. It suggests light stirring of the
must to help keep yeast in suspension. I followed suit and I don't
know whether this aided the end result, but I'm very pleased
regardless.