The Wine Maker's Toy Store®
Bringing family and friends together...One sip at a time!
Welcome to Pressing News, the monthly newsletter
published by Fine Vine Wines, LLC, designed exclusively to assist
the home vintner in the pursuit of their hobby!
April Fool's Day Sale!!!!!
THIS MONTH ON THE VINE!
- Welcome
- Call Us!
- Winestock 2007
- April Bottling Party
- Online Discussion Forum
- Why I Love Wine Makers!
- Featured Article - Wine Acid Testing
- Toy of the Month
- New Products
- Wine of the Month
- Monthly Special Pricing
- Discounts!
- Order of Application
- Customer Referral Program
- Customer Appreciation Program - FVW Growers Club
- Multi-Kit Discount
- Registration Discount (First Time Orders)
- Customer Feedback
- Unsubscribe
WELCOME
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Fine Vine
Wines, LLC, "The Wine Maker's Toy Store". Whether you
need home wine making or home brewing products or just need information, we are here to serve
you. I want to extend my thanks again for making The Wine Maker's
Toy Store your home for your wine making and beer brewing needs.
It continues to be my hope that every time you visit our web
site or retail store, you will find something of value.
As a reminder, we continue to add products and content to the web site, therefore, if you have any special requests, please let us know. We like to hear what you have to say about our site, our products and/or our customer service, good or bad. Please send your comments and/or suggestions to winemaster@finevinewines.com.
CALL US!
If you have any questions about our products, our service and/or wine making, please call us. We are here to serve you and enjoying assisting you in any way we can. We have an international toll-free line so you WILL call us.
Someone is usually at the store between 9 am and 7 pm, Monday thru Saturday. We always try to answer the phone when you call; however, sometimes, we are unable to answer the phone as we are all on the other lines or we have customers in the store. If you get the voice mail, please leave your name, number, brief message and a best time to call. We will return your call as soon as we can.
If you don't want to call, just send us an email. We usually answer our emails daily. Please remember, we are a resource and we are here to serve you.
WINESTOCK 2007
We have a date!
SEPTEMBER 28 AND 29, 2007
We were unable to find an affordable place for the end of October. As a result, we had to settle on the last weekend in September. I am talking with several local wineries to do sessions on acid, oak, vineyard management and other topics, then allowing them to present their wines for sampling. I am going to attempt to get this classified as a wine festival which would allow me to sell their wines.
We will hold the event at the same place as last year, The Addison Conference Center and the cost will be $75.00 per person which will include the Friday night mixer and wine tasting with munchies, the sessions and lunch on Saturday. We are also exploring the idea of a Saturday Night dinner at one of the over 150 restaurants located in Addison.
If you have any ideas, requests and/or suggestions, please log on to the forum and give me your thoughts. There is a special section just for Winestock.
BOTTLING PARTY
Mark your calendars! On April 28, 2007, we will have a bottling party from 4 pm to 8 pm. We have 14 carboys begging to be bottled, so we thought we would give you the opportunity to help, see how we bottle our wine and try out some new toys. In exchange for your assistance, you will get to take home three bottles of wines. To make sure we have plenty of room, we are asking that you sign up for this event. Please give us a call at 1-866-417-1114 to let us know you would like to attend.
FORUM
When you have a question or just want to learn more about wine making, don't forget our forum! We
have over 700 registered members with over 42,500 posts! We have some extremely knowledgeable
wine makers with loads of valuable information willing to assist you in your wine making needs. Responses to most posts are made within minutes. We are also known to have an occassional contest available to forum member only with valuable gifts, savings and coupons!
Whether you are an expert or a novice, it
is an excellent place to ask questions, exchange ideas and meet
other home wine makers. If you haven't logged into the forum, try it sometime. I think you will find it most informative and enjoyable, as well as, a great place to meet fellow wine makers.
WHY I LOVE WINE MAKERS!
George,
This is not a complaint letter nor is there anything wrong!
I just wanted to say it's been a pleasure to be a part of your web site
forum. The small amount of time I have gotten to know everyone on the forum
has been somewhat of a stress relief for me.
As a Food Inspector, you don't have many friends, you are considered the
enemy, and the long, long, long hours keep you isolated from life! People
are nice, (some of them), to your face, but you know down deep it is just a
front to make sure things go right, otherwise they get the boss on their
shoulders. Even being the nice inspector you become the (bi*tch) inspector,
so no matter if you are nice or that strict inspector, you still are the
enemy! Oh, yes there are a few that become you're "true" friend, but you
still beware!
The reason for this letter, is when I received the labels by mistake for
Jeff and Stef for their wine kit; I sent a short letter letting
them know why the labels were being sent from Nebraska, and apologizing to
them if it caused any inconvenience to them at all. I received a Thank You
card from them today! What a surprise, it was a nice needed feeling! They
were just first trying the Mosti Mondiale brand, and had 15 small batches of
wine going.
So, you see, even though it was a mistake, It brought a nice feeling of
kindness to another in which needed a pick me up after a long week of
(Help). So, the chain of happenings are for a reason, whether it was a
small error in ones part or just a simple jester from another. Your
business has touched people from across the states and then some. Be proud
of yourself and business! It gives more to others than you can imagine.
Thanks,
Janet - Nebraska
FEATURED
ARTICLE - WINE ACID TESTING?
Recently I compared four methods for testing acid content of wine. They are, from left to right, acid titration with sodium hydroxide, “Precision” pH control paper, colorpHast pH-indicator strips and Vinoferm acidometer.
The purpose of the testing was to determine a fast, easy and accurate way to determine the acid content of wine.
ACID TITRATION KIT – This appears to be the most widely used method of wine acid testing. A specific volume of the wine is put into a clear container, 3-4 drops of a “color indicating solution” is put into the wine and then sodium hydroxide is put in drop by drop until a color change is noted. Each 1 cc of sodium hydroxide needed to effect a color change indicates .1% acid content as tartaric. This is the method I used for the first 2 years I made wine. It was very easy to use with lighter colored wines, and very difficult with the darker wines. I would test and adjust acid before fermentation. Re-test and adjust again about 4 months before bottling. Each new bottle of sodium hydroxide would last me about 6-8 months and I would be able to test several different batches of wine. Some only once with a new bottle, some twice. I began to notice my testing would sometimes fluctuate wildly and I didn’t know why. Sometimes the first test would give a reading of .450%T. I would then calculate and adjust by adding acid to the desired .700%T. The next reading, several months later, would give a reading of .850%T or higher. Then acid content would have to be reduced. Sometimes the reading worked out exactly as planned. Then, one time I tested a wine, wrote down the results to add acid at a later time and forgotten I had already tested the wine. A week later I bought a new bottle of sodium hydroxide and re-tested the wine in order to add any necessary acid blend. When I went to write down the results I discovered the “new” test was .275%T lower than the test I did 1 week earlier. I purchased another bottle of sodium hydroxide from a different source. That test was .350%T lower than the original test. The sodium hydroxide and/or the color indicating solution appears to deteriorate over time. I had no idea if my supplier had stored these chemicals for 2 months or 2 years before I purchased them. There was no bottling or expiration date on the containers. I then stopped using this method for my wine acid testing and started searching for something better. Comparison results have not been included in the chart because of this variable.
COLORpHAST pH-NDICATING STRIP AND “PRECISION” pH CONTROL PAPERS – The pH control papers are relatively inexpensive (about $5.00 for 100 strips) and appear to be very stable. A drop of wine is put on a strip and it changes color to indicate the pH. This must then be converted into %T. This sounds simple except for the fact that the color comparison blocks on my bottle of strips was so poorly printed that it was very difficult for me to determine what the color had actually changed to. After “playing” a little I found that letting the sample test spot dry for a bit (not completely dry) the color could be matched a bit better.
The range of the color comparison blocks was, on average .2 pH. Colors were sometimes not easy to compare because of lighting. Fluorescent, incandescent, sunlight (direct and indirect) all played a factor in determining the perceived pH. This explains why there is sometimes variances in the chart. The colorpHast strips are a bit more expensive (about $10.00 for 100 strips). The color change is much more noticeable because the printing is much better. However the range of the color comparison blocks was on average .3 pH. This is a bit wide for what I wanted them for but these were the best I could find at the time. The pH color (the actual reading) can only be interpreted as closely as what you (as the tester) determines it to be. Just like the “Control Papers”, a drop of the wine is put on the indicating strip and the resulting color indicates the pH. This test is best done and read with the strip wet. I purchased these strips from SanitationTools.com.
VINEFORM ACIDOMETER- This type of wine acid testing appears to be very accurate but very time consuming. I consider it the best method I have found to determine the acid content of a wine. The cost is considerably higher than any other type of testing kit I have found, about $21.00. A specific amount of wine is put into a graduated cylinder. Then several cc (or ml) of a blue indicator vinoferm is added to the wine. Continue adding the supplied solution until the color of the wine changes from dark green to (not quite) blue. The cylinder is graduated to indicate the % tartaric. At this point a drop of the tested wine is put on a litmus test paper. If (when almost dry) the test area turns red, the test liquid is too acid and more blue indicator must be added
ACIDOMETER |
pH STRIPS |
COLORpHAST |
.450 |
4.4 |
3.8 |
.575 |
3.6 |
3.4 |
.425 |
4.3 |
3.7 |
.550 |
3.6 |
3.2 |
.600 |
3.6 |
3.1 |
.475 |
4.2 |
3.5 |
.550 |
3.7 |
3.2 |
.425 |
4.3 |
3.6 |
.600 |
3.6 |
3.1 |
.425 |
4.3 |
3.5 |
.575 |
3.6 |
3.1 |
.550 |
3.7 |
3.1 |
425 |
4.3 |
3.7 |
.600 |
3.6 |
3.0 |
.550 |
3.6 |
3.2 |
.600 |
3.7 |
3.0 |
.400 |
4.3 |
3.8 |
.550 |
3.9 |
3.1 |
When the color of the test strip remains the same, the -measurement is the correct % Tartaric. If the color turns blue-violet, the test is too alkaline and the test has to be started again. This test proved to be very time consuming, gradually increasing the indicating solution and testing each time. Dark colored wines are once again very hard to determine a change.
The chart at the left shows the result of testing each wine with a pH strip and a COLORpHAST strip. This gives me a point to start testing with the Acidometer which will give a correct reading without starting at the lowest level and testing every few drops.
Discrepancies between measurements of the pH strips and the COLORpHAST in relation to the acidometer reading can only be due to my misreading of colors in different lights. And due to the very slight changes of color that would indicate a pH change of + or - .3 pH.
Richard Schwankl - Stevens, PA
For writing this featured article, Richard will receive a $100 gift certificate from The Wine Maker's Toy Store. I am always looking for people to write featured articles and I will give you a $100 gift certificate from The Wine Maker's Toy Store if you summit an article that I use in my newsletter. Just send me and when it appears in Pressing News, the gift certificate is yours.
I hope you find this article helpful and if you have any comments
and/or suggestions, please send them to geocorn@finevinewines.com.
Remember, a $100 gift certificate is always available to anyone who sends me a featured article that I use in a newsletter.
TOY
OF THE MONTH
With the warmer weather approaching, you may need to start watching the temperature of your wine more closely. As such, we are offering our thermometers on sale this month, as follows:
Part Number |
Image |
Description |
Regular Price |
Current Price |
Order |
| 5426 |
 |
Dual Scale Liquid Thermometer
Adhesive backing for attaching to outside of plastic or glass containers for accurate inside reading. Horizontal readings in 2° increments. 8" x 1". |
$2.39 |
$1.99 |
Order |
| 5425 |
 |
Mini Thermometer
5" long, floating, w/suction cup |
$5.49 |
$4.49 |
Order |
| 5423 |
 |
Big Daddy Dial Thermometer
Dial face with easy to read numbers. 12" long probe makes it easy to take temperature reading. Individually boxed, range 0°-220° F. |
$11.99 |
$9.99 |
Order |
| 5424 |
 |
Floating Thermometer
Range 0°-110° C, or 20°-212° F |
$5.99 |
$4.99 |
Order |
WINE OF THE MONTH
This month we are featuring 3 outstanding Winexpert wines and 1 one from Mosti Mondiale.
In addition, we are offering a special to introduce the new Island Mist kit, the Blueberry Pinot Noir. The special is - Buy the new Blueberry Pinot Noir and any other Island Mist wine kit and we will send you a Thermal Tote Ice Bucket made by Artic Zone for FREE! This nifty royal blue ice bucket has the Island Mist logo printed in white on the front pocket and can chill three bottles of your favorite Island Mist flavors. It is perfect for a backyard barbeque, holiday picnic, or a day at the beach.
Please note that we always order extra kits for our monthly specials, but we can't always anticipate demand. As a result, we may run out. If we do, we will send you an email of such and advice you of when you can expect your kit. We appreciate your understanding on this issue.
Part Number |
Image |
Description |
Brand |
Comments |
Regular Price |
Current Price |
Order |
| 3180 |
 |
Bourgeron Blanc (White Burgundy)
Full-bodied, robust flavor accented with fresh peach & apricot aromas. |
Vintners Reserve |
Wine of the Month - Available April 1, 2007 |
$45.99 |
$39.99 |
Order |
| 3234 |
 |
Chilean Chardonnay
Lively, medium-bodied wine with citrus & apple notes. |
Winexpert Selection International |
Wine of the Month - Available April 1, 2007 |
$80.99 |
$69.99 |
Order |
| RE170 |
 |
Luna di Miele
A smooth luscious wine, it is almost liquorous. This wine has a bouquet of honey and apple blossoms. |
Mosti Mondiale - Renaissance |
Wine of the Month - Available April 1, 2007 |
$119.99 |
$99.99 |
Order |
| 3581 |
 |
Australian Riverland Reserve
stunningly unique blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Colombard and Muscat varieties sourced from Australia’s Riverland region on the Murray River. The hot climate produces a wine offering a lively combination of rich ripe fruits, complimentary acidity, and a full body, making this delicious white wine a ‘must-try’. |
World Vineyard |
Wine of the Month - Available April 1, 2007 |
$65.99 |
$55.99 |
Order |
NEW PRODUCTS
We have recently added 20 more Mosti Mondiale Wine kits, 4 new Orchard Breezin' wine kits and 1 new kit from the Island Mist line. In addition, we have added more colors for you to choose from in shrink wraps for your wine bottles. To find out more about these products and all of our new products as they become available, please check out our New Products Page whenever you visit the web site.
If you are looking for a product that I do not carry, my primary distributor is LD
Carlson and you can see their complete product list at their public catalog. If
you find anything you would like me to add, please let me know.
MONTHLY SPECIAL PRICING
In the past, we have allowed you to place an item in your shopping cart to reserve a price for a monthly special and place your order in a subsequent month. Effective April 1, 2007, this policy will change. The monthly special price will expire with the end of the month. If you have any items left in your shopping cart at the end of the month, the price of those items will be adjusted to the current price. Discounts will also be re-calculated based on the new prices.
DISCOUNTS
We like to reward our loyal customers with lots of opportunities to receive discounts on their orders with us. Since you can receive multiple discounts on the same order, we thought it would be a good idea to explain the heirarchy so you will understand how they are calculated.
- The Multi-kit discount on wine kits is calulated first,
- Then any gift certificates or other promotional codes like the registration discount (first time orders) and birthday club coupons,
- Lastly is the Grower's Club discount.
The most common discounts are listed below.
CUSTOMER REFERAL PROGRAM
In case you missed it, we have a customer referral program that provides additional discounts to registered users. We will give you a coupon worth 10% of the first order placed by any person that you refer to our web site. The stipulations are as follows:
- You must be a registered user of finevinewines.com,
- The person placing the order must register and provide your name in the appropriate field on the registration screen, and
- The discount is only good for future orders with finevinewines.com and is not redeemable for cash.
We try to watch for all referrals as new customers register; however, we have missed issuing some referral credits mainly due to missing or incorrect referral information. If you think we missed a referral, please do not hesitate to contact us. We appreciate your referrals and want to make sure you are properly rewarded.
CUSTOMER APPRECIATION PROGRAM - FVW GROWERS CLUB
Please check out our FVW Growers Club. You can get all of the details on our web site, but the bottom line is we want to buy your loyalty! Once you spend $500 with us, you get a 5% discount on everything you buy from us. Find out more on the web site.
MULTI-KIT DISCOUNT
Order two or more kits and get 5% off all ingredients kits included on the same order. This includes all Winexpert, Mosti Mondiale and RJ Spagnols Wine Kits.
REGISTRATION DISCOUNT (FIRST TIME ORDERS)
To receive this 5% off, all you have to do is register with us and place an order for $50.00, or more (excluding shipping and taxes). When you register, you will also be given the opportunity to sign up for our monthly newsletter, which is the only recurring email we send. We will not blast you with email after email touting our current specials. We encourage you to register to make the ordering process easier on you.
CUSTOMER
FEEDBACK
We appreciate all of your comments, whether
good or bad. To demonstrate our commitment to outstanding customer
service, I have created a web page with your feedback. As we
receive emails that comment about our service, I will post them
on this
page.
NEWSLETTER SPECIALS
We have eliminated the newsletter special. I just can't seem to write the correct code to make this happens without errors and a lot of questions. If I do get it figured out, I will bring it back. In the meantime, I will just add another toy to the specials.
UNSUBSCRIBE
You are receiving this email as you requested.
If your email was erroneously entered or you no longer wish to
receive this publication, please send an email to webmaster@finevinewines.com with the subject “Unsubscribe.”
Feel free to pass this newsletter on to any of
your friends and thank you for your continued support of Fine
Vine Wines.
|
