Which wine kits would you recommend?

[Simon_]

I've only ever done Sadlers kits to this point. I'd be happy enough continuing with that brand but they seem to be out of stock alot of the time with the big three home brew suppliers.

Which brand kits are as good as or better than Sadlers?

I was thinking DOC kits look good because no additional sugar is needed.

[HomeBrewWest]

Sadlers don't make wine kits anymore. They are gone.

[Simon_]

That's a shame. I thought they were lovely. Which other brand would you recommend? Looking at doing a Cab Sav and a Sav Blanc

[LukeH]

No more Sadlers? What a shame! Any idea why they stopped or are they under a new brand?

Apart from Sadlers I've tried the Australian Blend Pinot Grigio - found it very good, everyone I gave it too liked it.

[HomeBrewWest]

Its not easy trying to do what they did. We looked at it, very hard to prevent the juice concentrate from getting oxidized during transport. You would need very large sales volumes to make the supply chain work.

Nevertheless, we are looking at a sustainable alternative at about the same price, and hopefully more consistent with better quality. But it will be 2016.

In the meantime, the closest to pure juice are these:
http://www.homebrewwest.ie/cellar-craft-showcase-30-bottles-18-liter-concentrate-296-c.asp
which are superb, but twice the price.

A compromise might be Magnum Ultimates which are not 100% concentrate, but are good value and come with free bottle trees etc:
http://www.homebrewwest.ie/magnum-ultimate-wine-kits-ready-in-14-to-21-days-30-bottles-241-c.asp
and other stores have specials on them too at the moment.

[LukeH]

HBW - would you consider the Cellar Craft showcase to be of a better quality than Sadler's Reserve or just on a similar par but more expensive?

I've been thinking about trying one of them, they have a great range of varieties to choose from..

Luke

[Oh Crap]

HBW - would you consider the Cellar Craft showcase to be of a better quality than Sadler's Reserve or just on a similar par but more expensive?

I've been thinking about trying one of them, they have a great range of varieties to choose from..

Luke

I've just opened a couple of bottles of cc showcase Washington merlot..... Leave it breath for about 30/40 mins and it is one serious wine. Mine was bulk aged for 13mths then bottled.

[Simon_]

Mine was bulk aged for 13mths then bottled.

Are you a buddist monk? Do you not suffer from earthly temptations and impatience? 

[Oh Crap]

Mine was bulk aged for 13mths then bottled.

Are you a buddist monk? Do you not suffer from earthly temptations and impatience? 

I kept meaning to bottle it but I either brewed another beer or forgot to save bottles then I decided the best way to collect them was to enjoy the contents first which led me to forgetting where I left the good stuff but I gathered more then enough bottles and now have another one on the go. 
Joking aside I kept it in the back of the firm chamber out of sight, I didn't bottle as I would have sampled too many by the time it was ready. But I am glad I did as it is bloody fantastic

[HomeBrewWest]

HBW - would you consider the Cellar Craft showcase to be of a better quality than Sadler's Reserve or just on a similar par but more expensive?

I've been thinking about trying one of them, they have a great range of varieties to choose from..

Luke

Way better.

[LukeH]

Good to know - I will be making an order next payday!

[@geterbrewed]

That's a shame. I thought they were lovely. Which other brand would you recommend? Looking at doing a Cab Sav and a Sav Blanc

I'd recommend that you look at the following ranges as an alternative to Sadlers Reserve
Kenridge Classic, wine kits produce superb quality wines with distinctive flavours, bouquet and character using high quality varietal grape juices and premium concentrates, a well-respected 10 litre wine kit that comes complete with professional labels for your wine bottles
http://www.geterbrewed.ie/kenridge-classics-wine-kits/
http://www.geterbrewed.com/kenridge-classics-wine-kits/
Vintners Reserve, the industry's first 28 day wine kit that contains 100% pure varietal juice. These 10 litre wine kits yield wines of excellent quality flavour and aroma, can be enjoyed within one month of bottling.
http://www.geterbrewed.ie/vintners-reserve-wine-kits/
http://www.geterbrewed.com/vintners-reserve-wine-kits/
Selection International with Grape Skins, boasting excellent varietal character, bold flavours, aromas and full bodied tannins, all in a wine that drinks well young. 18 Litres of juice which includes 1.6 litres of grape skins
http://www.geterbrewed.ie/selection-international-wine-kits/
http://www.geterbrewed.com/selection-international-wine-kits/

I added the links to show you the ranges I brew these wines myself and can genuinely recommend them as a premium quality wine kit, they will surpass many folk's expectations, we have them priced at real UK pricing too. The Selection International are the pick of this three but they are significantly more expensive, I think you'll be impressed with a Kenridge or Vintners wine kit

[Simon_]

Many thanks. Just what I was looking for