​How do I Start a batch?  The process of making wine on premise starts with choosing the type of wine you wish to make. The A.G.O. requires that the customer own (purchase) the ingredients and begin the process by pouring the necessary ingredients into the primary fermentor and sprinkling the yeast to begin fermentation (this only takes about 3 minutes).  After the batch is started the customer has no further obligations until the wine is ready to be bottled.

Bottling    Each 5 Gal. (23L) batch makes approximately 30 (750ml) bottles. When you arrive for your bottling appointment, you will then sterilize your bottles, fill, and cork them (under our supervision). The bottling and sanitation equipment is all automatic and simple to use. Labelling and shrink-sealing can also be done at this time.

Do I require an appointment to start a batch?  No. Not unless you wish to ensure the availability of certain kits.

Can I store my wine at The Homebrew Centre? Sorry, once your wine is ready to be bottled, it is to be bottled and removed from the premise as soon as possible. This assists us with availabilty of fermentors for us and space.

Is there any multiple order discounts or "frequent customer" promotions such as "make 10 batches, get one free"?  No. That is referred to as "promoting consumption" in our industry and is illegal. We feel that we maintain very competitive on-premise pricing and we do offer "wines of the month" - four selected discounted wine kits to make each month.

30 bottles is too much for me. Can I make 1/2 a batch?  No. We suggest to find a friend to go halves with. Each wine kit must produce 5 gallons.

 If I can't make my bottling appointment can I send my neighbour in to bottle it for me? - Sorry, but no. Legally the only way your wine can be bottled is with you, the owner, present. You may bring someone along to assist you, providing he/she is of legal drinking age. (19)

How can I have my wine sweetened to my liking, if I wish to?  You're permitted to taste a small sample of your wine prior to bottling in order to determine how much you wish to sweeten it.

How long, after bottling, should I wait to consume my wine?  This all depends on the type and style of wine you have made (and also up to the individuals taste...or desperation). Most premium 6 week wines you'd want to let mature for at least 2 months minimum. Whereas the average 4 week wine only requires a month resting period. Fruit-flavoured wines, being lighter in alcohol and sweeter, may be consumed instantly. (however we don't encourage "trunk-aging")