I live on the east coast and get my grapes through a distributor.
Firstly, I have idea how to know if the grapes are good, since I'm not
that experienced?
thanks

marc

Just make sure you are there the first day they come in. Then you will
have a chance to get grapes that is of any good quality.

So, what kind of wine are you making?
SG Brix
____________________________


marcO wrote:
> I live on the east coast and get my grapes through a distributor.
> Firstly, I have idea how to know if the grapes are good, since I'm not
> that experienced?
> thanks
>
> marc

sg-
I'm making cab. I get them the when the truck arrives at the warehouse
and process immediately. Their still cold when I get them. Good fruit,
not much scrap, no mold, etc. I'm going to give extended maceration a
try this year, any advice on finding co2?
thanks,marco




wrote:
> Just make sure you are there the first day they come in. Then you will
> have a chance to get grapes that is of any good quality.
>
> So, what kind of wine are you making?
> SG Brix
> ____________________________
>
>
> marcO wrote:
> > I live on the east coast and get my grapes through a distributor.
> > Firstly, I have idea how to know if the grapes are good, since I'm not
> > that experienced?
> > thanks
> >
> > marc

If you want high quality Vinifera varieties your best bet is probably
CA, OR or WA but there are lots of other varieties grown in every state
and certain regions in the east are known to have good climates for
certain (even Vinefera varieties). Hook up with a local winemaker or
your local wine/homebrew supply shop and see if you can get something
that way.

Besides having the grapes arrive cool and in good shape you also want
to try and get grapes that are close to optimum numbers for red or
white grapes, ie. TA, pH, Brix. You can search this site for opinions
on what is considered optimum. Avoid grapes that are way out of the
optimum range.

marcO wrote:
> I live on the east coast and get my grapes through a distributor.
> Firstly, I have idea how to know if the grapes are good, since I'm not
> that experienced?
> thanks
>
> marc

We test TA, pH and Brix just after crush and find them to be within
common ranges.



miker wrote:
> If you want high quality Vinifera varieties your best bet is probably
> CA, OR or WA but there are lots of other varieties grown in every state
> and certain regions in the east are known to have good climates for
> certain (even Vinefera varieties). Hook up with a local winemaker or
> your local wine/homebrew supply shop and see if you can get something
> that way.
>
> Besides having the grapes arrive cool and in good shape you also want
> to try and get grapes that are close to optimum numbers for red or
> white grapes, ie. TA, pH, Brix. You can search this site for opinions
> on what is considered optimum. Avoid grapes that are way out of the
> optimum range.
>
> marcO wrote:
> > I live on the east coast and get my grapes through a distributor.
> > Firstly, I have idea how to know if the grapes are good, since I'm not
> > that experienced?
> > thanks
> >
> > marc

marcO wrote:
> ...any advice on finding co2?
> thanks,marco

I'm a homebrewer just checking out the winemaking forum, but if you're
talking about CO2 gas (and I think you are), it is used a lot by
homebrewers when kegging. Most homebrew supply stores (many of which
also sell winemaking supplies) have available CO2 tanks for purchase,
but they cannot ship them filled so you would either have to go and
pick it up, or find a place to fill it (and I'm told that is as easy as
going to your local welding shop).

Scotty B