Home wine makers - a question please!

[MaureenMLove]

We've made our first batch of homemade wine this year and it has just been sent out to various family members for testing! Reports back so far are good, but someone wanted to know today, how strong it is. Does anyone know if there is a gadget we can buy that will tell us the alcohol content or do we just go with 'knock ya socks off'!

[LittleB]

Hi I make my own wine - have done for a few years - its great isn't it. There is a gadget, I was given one but never managed to work it out - ours is labelled accordingly from tasteing when I bottle it e.g Elderflower wine with a kick!

[wrinklygran]

You need a hydrometer which measures the specific gravity of the wine. You need to measure the SG before and after fermentation, then do a calculation. Consult a winemmaking book there will be plenty in your local library, or a winemakers shop is usually very helpful and will probably give you a taste of their latest brew.