John,
I am still learning, though I've made over 12 kits and another 8 recipes
not from kits.
If you like sweet - Island Mist is great, and cheap.
If you like Pinot Noir - I've found $50 kits the same as $130 kits.
Though one I had to add 18% Cab just to make it better.
If you like Shiraz, Syrah, Cab Sauv., SuperTuscan, etc. Then go for the
$150 kits. Find a state where tax is low, and when on vacation, stock up.
I just got back from Ohio, where tax is low on kits and I saved a bundle.
My 2 cents on juice concentrates - almost double what it says.

Oh, IMHO, the $150 kits taste like $30 bottles! My SuperTuscan is like a
$50!

Of course how you make it, temperature control, and many other factors
make a difference.
DAve

JB wrote:
> The answer may be evident but, being someone that hasn't made any wine in
> over 30 years, here' my question: In looking a winemaking supply catalogues
> I've noticed a wide variety of grape juice/concentrates available. On the
> low end, price wise, are the concentrates ($26 - 46 ounce cans) and the
> price increase as the wine to water dilution ratio decreases all the way up
> to the 23 liter ($150+) all juice ingredients. Given that these come with
> all the necessary ingredients, is a higher $/% juice kit going to make a
> significantly better cabernet than one made from concentrate? And, if I use
> the $150 ingredient kit will my $5 per bottle wine be at least as comparable
> as a decent $10 wine I can currently buy off the shelf? Better?
>
> Suggestions on brands to buy? Stay away from?
>
> TIA
> John
>
>
>