Skip to content
Consigli

How to bottle wine

Come imbottigliare il vino

How to bottle wine

Anyone who is passionate about wine and has made it a business knows how much the art of winemaking requires sacrifice, passion, and dedication at every step. After taking care of the grapes, harvesting them, and fermenting them as recommended, it's time to bring your creation to light: here is a practical guide on wine bottling. This is a truly important phase because only by performing it perfectly will you be able to preserve the beverage over time, making it even more enjoyable. In our guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the topic, from preparations to techniques, taking into account the wine bottling calendar and what equipment may be needed.

What to do before bottling wine?

There are some steps to take before proceeding with wine bottling. First, you need to ensure that the product is stable, clean, and ready to be transferred. Here are our tips:

  • Check clarity. The beverage must be free of residues and sediments, or if necessary, further filtration can be done using specific filter sheets;
  • Check acidity and alcohol content. A thorough and specific analysis is needed to ensure that the parameters are correct for long preservation;
  • Prepare bottles and corks. The former must be clean and sterilized, while corks or synthetic stoppers should be of excellent quality;
  • Choose the right time. Tradition dictates consulting the almanac to bottle at the most suitable time.

How to wash bottles before bottling wine

Cleanliness and hygiene are absolutely fundamental, and for this reason, one of the tasks we need to undertake is washing the bottles. This step preserves consumers' health, preventing alteration of the beverage. Start by rinsing with hot water to remove dust and residues. Then, clean and sterilize them before bottling using a specific solution. Rinse with clean water and finally let the containers dry before proceeding.

What is the right time to bottle wine?

According to popular traditions and beliefs, the moon influences the quality of the product, which is why even today we follow the calendar to carry out this delicate operation:

  • When to bottle wine to make it sparkling. In this case, it is suggested to follow the period associated with the waxing moon, specifically the first quarter;
  • When to bottle red wine. As for the months, the calendar suggests spring for sparkling and young wines, while autumn is for those intended to mature and evolve. With a full moon, any type can be bottled, including reds.
  • When to bottle wine in a demijohn. According to tradition, the recommended period is from January to April, preferring humid, windless days during the "old" moon phase.
  • When to bottle white wine. As mentioned for reds, between March and May is the best range for younger wines, trying to choose sunny and not too windy days.

When is the moon good for bottling wine?

According to traditions, lunar phases can influence wine quality. It is a common belief that the waxing moon favors re-fermentation, making it an ideal option for producers of sparkling wines, while the waning moon is indicated for still wines, aiding sedimentation and improving stability over time. This is why many choose to follow the lunar calendar for bottling; it's not just historical winemakers but also young entrepreneurs who embrace and carry on this tradition. But what happens if you bottle under the wrong moon? In reality, nothing catastrophic; science explains that there is no actual evidence of chemical processes being directly influenced. Therefore, it's more a matter of popular tradition which, if not followed due to force majeure, will certainly not affect the final result.

What do you need to bottle wine?

As mentioned, it's important to get everything you need to bottle wine. We recommend:

  • Corks. Choose cork or synthetic, as long as they are of good quality, depending on the type of wine and storage time;
  • Filter sheets. To be used to remove impurities before bottling;
  • Packaging supplies. Ideal for ensuring bottle safety during transport;
  • Filling machines. Facilitate filling, available in both manual and professional versions;
  • Corking machines. To seal and prevent further oxidation of the beverage.

Now that you know all the secrets of wine bottling, all you have to do is put our advice into practice. With products from Vivi in Campagna, the result will be professional and sustainable. Discover the entire catalog.

Previous Post Next Post
We're here to help!

Do you need help with your next project?

Our team of professionals is at your disposal to find the most suitable product for you within our catalog or to evaluate a custom project!

Contact us