Winemaking Equipment & Supplies
When it comes to winemaking, there is no shortage of equipment you can buy. I have kept things fairly simple, only buying new supplies when there’s a reason, such as a new recipe, that requires them.
Many people suggest shopping at local brew shops, and I definitely encourage you to do so if there’s one near you. Beyond having great products, you can meet fellow winemakers and learn from staff. Some local winemaking or brew shops even have events and classes which you might find useful.
Unfortunately I don’t have a brew store nearby, so I buy most of my supplies online. I try to purchase from small business websites when I can, but I buy from Amazon as well, especially when I need things quickly. When shopping on Amazon, I try to look for items marked as being sold by a Small Business.
Here’s a list of the equipment I use and you’ll see referenced on this website. Click the product name or image to buy.
If you’re just beginning to learn to make wine, I do recommend starting with a Brewsy kit. They include everything you need (especially if you get the upgraded kit with glassware) to make three batches and see if you enjoy this hobby before investing a bunch of money. If you prefer to buy your supplies individually, here are the most important things a beginning winemaker should purchase: Gallon Jug, Hydrometer, Airlock, Yeast.
*As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases you make through links from my website. All products listed below are items I personally own and recommend.
Primary & Secondary Fermenters
1 Gallon Glass Carboy
The vessel I use for most ferments. It's a great size for testing new recipes or when you don't need a ton of finished product. Typically you will get about 4 full wine bottles from a gallon depending on how many times you rack.
FerMonster 3 Gallon Plastic Carboy With Spigot
This is what I use for larger batches. The wide mouth makes it super easy to clean and the spigot makes racking a breeze. I highly recommend getting the lid opener, carrier and mesh bag that are optional add-ons.
FastTrack 2 Gallon Fermentation Bucket
I typically use this bucket when I'm making a fruit-based wine with a mesh bag and want to get a full gallon of wine after racking.
nicebottles Half-Gallon Glass Jugs, Pack of 2
These are great when racking and you don't have enough to fill a full gallon jug. I've also been known to just leave them in the fridge for drinking if I don't feel like bottling a small batch.
Yeasts & Other Additives
Lalvin Wine Yeast EC-1118 -10pk
My yeast of choice for white wines, and occasionally red wines if I want them to ferment really dry. It has a wide temperature tolerance which is great for where I live (temps can go up to 120 in the summer and down to the 30s in the winter).
Red Star Premier Classique Wine Yeast - 12pk
My preferred yeast for red wines or when I want more fruity flavor that the EC-1118 might strip out. It also has a wider temperature tolerance than some other yeasts.
North Mountain Supply Fermax Yeast Nutrient
My go-to nutrient, which I add to every wine recipe for a little kick-start, especially when it's cold outside.
Bentonite Powder
I add a little bentonite to every ferment along with the yeast. I find it helps with clearing the wine after fermentation is over. You can also add bentonite directly after fermentation for quicker clearing.
LD Carlson Sparkolloid Powder
My preferred clearing agent. A full batch according to their instructions works for 5 or 6 gallons, so you can adjust the amount of powder and water depending on your needs. Works quickly, but make sure to wait a full week if you don't want to end up with little clouds in your wine bottles.
North Mountain Supply Campden Tablets (Sodium Metabisulfite)
Kills any wild yeasts that may be present in your fruit prior to fermenting. Also helps with preserving the flavor of your wine when added before bottling.
North Mountain Supply Food Grade Potassium Sorbate
Stabilizes your wine by killing any remaining yeast so you can bottle without worrying about fermentation restarting. A must-have if you intend to backsweeten. If you have fermented your wine absolutely dry and fully racked all the yeast off, you technically don't need this, but I like the security of using it.
Miscellaneous Supplies
Star San Sanitizer
The best product for sanitizing all your equipment. Using unclean equipment can let bacteria into your ferments, which you definitely don't want.
Fastrack 3 Piece Airlock - 3 Pack
These fit standard one gallon jugs. Unlike other airlocks I've used, the bungs fit easily in the carboy opening.
SOLIGT Triple Scale Hydrometer and Glass Test Jar
Having a hydrometer is essential. You'll need it to measure your starting gravity (sugar) and final gravity, know when your wine is done fermenting and determine the amount of alcohol in your finished product.
Fermtech 6-Foot Auto-Siphon Mini
A must-have piece of winemaking equipment. Makes it fast and easy to rack your wine into secondary or bottles.
Stick On Thermometer Strips - 10 Pack
These make it easy to see your ferment's temperature at any time. Instead of using the actual adhesive, I tape the tops and bottom to my fermenter so I can easily pull them off and re-use them.
MET Certified Seedling Heat Mat
If it's cold and your fermentation isn't starting, this seed mat will warm things up and activate your yeast. I cover mine with a dishtowel in case any wine spills out of the fermenter.
Bellamei Mesh Brew Bags, 2-Pack
These are a must-have for making fruit wine in a bucket. You can easily remove your fruit when fermentation is done and it's time to rack.
Makerstep Fine Mesh Strainer, Set of 3
I use strainers all the time for straining out fruit, tea, spices, etc. I like this set because it includes three sizes which comes in handy.
North Mountain Supply 750ml Screw-Top Clear Glass Bordeaux Wine Bottles - Case of 12
These are affordable and sturdy. I prefer screw tops because I don't age for long periods and I can't be bothered to mess with corking.
nicebottles Clear Glass Woozy Bottles, 12 Oz - 6 Pack
I like these for making samples of each ferment. I also use them as gifts if I don't want to give away a full bottle of wine.