Winemaker's and Brewer's Newsletter
Winter 2010
Weyermann Grain Price Reductions
Weyermann has reduced their grain prices for 2010 and we are more than happy to pass the savings on to you! Large 55 lb. sacks of Pale Ale and Pilsner malt have been reduced to $49.95, ten pound bags of base malts (Pale Ale, Pilsner, Munich, Vienna and Light Wheat) are now $12.95; one pound base grains are $1.79 and most one pound specialty grains are $1.99.
Winter Wine Kit Sale
Take advantage of reduced prices on existing stock of selected wine kits from RJ Spagnols and WINExpert:
- Orchard Breezin' Citrus Ice, $54
- Grand Cru International Ontario Sauvignon Blanc, $72
- Grand Cru International California White Zinfandel, $72
- Selection White Merlot, $82
- Cellar Classic Gewurtztraminer, $89
- Cellar Classic Harvest Collection Spanish Tempranillo, $98
- Selection Raspberry Chocolate Port, $98
Lower Hop Prices for 2010
Hop prices have fallen significantly for 2010, almost to pre-shortage levels. For example, one ounce packages of Hallertau and Willamette pellets are now $1.80. The Wine Smith stocks more than 25 varieties of domestic and imported pellet hops, as well as several popular varieties in one ounce whole leaf and one pound pellets. Special orders are also available by request!
WineMaker Magazine 2010 Conference and Competition
WineMaker Magazine has announced the 2010 Conference and International Amateur Wine Competition, to be held May 21-22 in Stevenson, Washington. The entry deadline for the competition is March 15 and the entry fee is $25 per wine entered. Details on the conference and competition, entry and registration forms are available at the store or online at WineMaker Magazine.
Meadmaking Ingredients In Stock
The Wine Smith now stocks locally produced wildflower honey for making Mead. A 3 1/4 pound jar is $8.95 and will produce one gallon of mead. We also carry yeast and additives as well as recipes for Mead, Melomels and Pymels. Buy Local!
The Wine Smith 2010 Spring Open House and National Homebrew Day - Together at Last!
The Wine Smith is planning our 2010 Spring Open House to coincide with National Homebrew Day on May 1, 2010! Watch this space for more details and plans soon!
Vacation Store Closing
The Wine Smith will be closed for our Spring Vacation April 11-20, 2010, We will resume normal store hours Wednesday, April 21.
2010 Restricted Quantity Wine Kits!
RJ Spagnols has has begun filling pre-orders for the 2010 Restricted Quantity kits:
German Ehrenfelser, $110
Argentine Malbec-Syrah, $114
Argentine Torrontes, ships late February 2010, $110
Portuguese Trio do Vinho Tinto, ships late March 2010, $128
South African Cabernet Franc Merlot, ships late April 2010, $128
Availability is limited to stock on hand, unless you placed a pre-order reservation in December. Details on these once-in-a-lifetime offerings are available at The Wine Smith or at RJ Spagnols. Each kit makes 6 gallons and includes bottle labels.
Blichmann Engineering and Polar Ware
The Wine Smith is proud to now offer the complete lines of quality brewing and winemaking equipment from Blichmann Engineering and Polar Ware. These companies feature high quality stainless steel brew pots, fermenters and accessories. Our in-stock selection is limited but we can get next day service on almost any item shown in the online catalogs for Blichmann and Polar Ware.
Make Better Fruit Wines with Grape Concentrates
You may have noticed that many fruit wine recipes call for the addition of red or white grape concentrate to the must. The amount is small, usually around a pint of concentrate per gallon of must. The purpose of this is to improve the body and mouthfeel, as well as to enhance the natural fruit flavor of the wine. The Wine Smith stocks Red and White Grape Concentrate in a one liter size, perfect for a five gallon batch of wine. Try it in your next fruit wine and taste the difference!