Free Vintage Wine Presses Are Expensive

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

I picked up this number 45 wine press because it was free. It came from someone whose parents brought it over from Portugal decades ago, so it’s a cool story, and there really isn’t much technology needed to press grapes. Making things last has always been an interest of mine. Besides, it’s free. It has to be cheaper than just buying one, right? I just wanted to make it usable again without turning it into a decorative tetanus memorial.

Fall 2023

Sat, 30 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Generic Info 🔗

Grape Crush and Purchase: 9/30/23

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon (144lb), Merlot (144lb); Lodi, CA - Crybaby

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Vintners: Alex Gordon and Brian Pearson

2023 Plan 🔗

Plan is to primary ferment, and then do extended maceration. The goal is 22 days from crush to press, including EM.

Be on the lookout for weird smells or colors. Wait for primary fermentation to pretty much stop before adding malolactic culture. Primary is done when specific gravity is less than 1.030.