Instructions

1. Select a cool, windowless space that is away from heating units -- heat causes the wine to oxidize. The area selected should be large enough to store the amount of wine desired and should keep a constant temperature. Constant changes in temperature will cause wine to deteriorate.

2. Place a thermometer in the storage area to determine the temperature. Ideal temperatures range between 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Bottle the wine in colored glass to reduce light sources. Label the wine bottles if desired to easily distinguish between the bottles.

4. Soften the corks with steam by boiling water in a pot, taking it off the stove and dropping the corks in the water for three to four minutes. The softened corks will be easier to fit into the bottle.

5. Set a bowl of water on the ground in the storage area selected. The water will make sure the area always remains damp and humid to stop corks from drying out. Moist corks will expand, which keeps oxygen from entering the wine bottles.

6. Place the wine bottles upright. They should remain this way for the first few days after production to allow the corks to form and dry into the neck of the bottle for an airtight seal.

7. Arrange wine racks in the storage area, and place the bottles horizontally on the racks. The wine should stay in contact with the cork to keep the cork moist.

8. Allow the homemade wine to rest. Do not move the wine constantly because this will interrupt the wine's maturing process.