Product Description

Over 2 million beginners have been happily launched into the fascinating hobby of winemaking by the previous editions of this practical little book, which had a phenomenal success and is now the accepted introduction to the craft. It provides over 130 detailed recipes, all arranged in the months of their making, so that you can pursue your winemaking all year round. Wines from fruits, flowers, vegetables, foliage, dried fruit and wine kits, notes on using the hydrometer, and showing wine, and judging -- you will find it all in this book, and your fingers will itch to start winemaking right away!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #59565 in Books
• Published on: 1989-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

Customer Reviews

Definitive - If you choose one book - this is it!
C J J Berry was a master on winemaking. I have bought and read most books on winemaking. This is the one I always turn back to. If you have to buy one book on homewinemaking this is the one! He begins my explaining the concepts and techniques of winemaking in easy to understand terms. He also explains the science behind the process but he is never confusing or condescending. I have never come across a problems which has not been solved by his troubleshooting section and his procedures are comprehensive but easy to follow. The remainder of the book takes you through a wine making year with suggestions, recipies and leaves you confident enough to experiment successfully. All recipes are in metric, imperial and US measures. He leaves you feeling that country wines from fruit are nothing to be ashamed of and that you should not worry about trying to emulate wines you can buy. Having said that, many of the wines stand comparison to anything you can buy. First published in 1960 it has not dated and will remain a reference for all authors to aspire to. It is an invaluable reference for both beginners and those more advanced wine makers.

May be the only book of its kind you will ever need?
I got into wine making about ten years ago, having used a few home brew wine kits. I then wanted to try making my own from scratch. Sure enough this book was recommended to me as a starting point. Well, I have now made over 100 gallons of wine in those years since biying the book, and not one bottle has been spoilt, all of them drinkable, and some of them that good that my friends were amazed that I made them, and hadn't bought it from a supermarket! It has plenty of tips, recipe ideas, etc in very easy to understand guidance. Starting off with the basics this gives you enough to progress on to bigger and better ideas. I can now adapt and make my own recipes for home made wines with ease. Although a little old fashion in his ways, he makes home brewing a pleasure and not a chore.

Invaluable!
I've yet to find a book that can come close to First Steps in Winemaking, which is excellent for both beginner and established brewer alike.

Some might argue the style is a little dated, but I rather like the 1960's oulook on life. A sound investment for anyone thinking of taking up this rewarding hobby.