Sanitizing with Metabisulphite (or Metabisulfite)

I have fun at the store with male winemakers (when they are accompanied by their wives) by telling them that women make better winemakers then men because there are only two rules for making good wine. First, you need to read and follow the directions. Second, you need to keep your equipment clean. Women are better at both of these then men! The wives have a good time with this!

On a more serious note, keeping that equipment clean is an absolute must (no pun intended) when making wine.

There are several ways to approach sanitizing your equipment and we will cover just one today: using Potassium Metabisulphite (or Metabisulfite) powder to sanitize your equipment.

To make a final rinse solution for your equipment and if bottling, for your wine bottles, from Potassium Metabisulphite powder simply mix one teaspoon of Potassium Metabisulphite powder in a quart of water. For your wine equipment, just rinse the surfaces with this solution to sanitize. If bottling, you can make the solution and then pour it into your bottles (cover all the inside surface of the bottle) and then drain. If you have a bottle tree with a rinse attachment (called a vinator), fill the basin with solution and then rinse the inside of the bottles with the vinator. Do not rinse with water! Allow the wine bottles to drain. This will not only sanitize your bottles but it will also help add shelf life to your wine.

As always, all winemaking and homebrewing items mentioned are available on our website at www.bluestemwine.com. Take a look! We offer prompt, friendly and knowledgeable service.