New at Winemaking

[Joseph_2008]

Hello Everyone...

I just purchased my wine kits and also purchased the Mango Citrus Symphony kit. Few questions before I make my first attempt. I plan on using bottled water. After reading the directions, the 1st 1/2 gallon of water is supposed to be hot water, should I take 1/2 gallon of water and heat it on the stove? Then add the Bentonite and then juice with another 1/2 gal warm water? how warm? should it be heated again. I understand that the water has to be between 65-75 degrees before the yeast is added. With my kit there wasn't a test jar, Can a regular glass drinking glass be used? After this mixture is complete, I need to let it sit for 5-7 days. Is there any other advice from anyone..

Thanks
Joe

[grapeadmin]

In my experience it does not matter that much if the first 1/2 gallon is heated. Even if it is at room temp, the bentonite will still dissolve just fine. Just use the bottled water at room temp. You will not have any trouble.

You can use the plastic tube that the hydrometer is stored in as your test jar. It is the right size and does not require much volume to fill.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

thanks
john
g and g