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BACKUP WINE
A 6-gallon plastic pail of fresh red grape juice on a wooden floor
Juice

Fresh Red Grape Juice Pail (6 gal)

The seasonal upgrade. Real juice, harvest-fresh, no concentrate.

Russ-approvedBest for big batchesBest for redsEditor's choice

Available a few weeks a year, usually September–October. Most home brew shops bring in pails of fresh-pressed juice from California or local growers. You buy, ferment, and end up with wine that tastes more like wine.

Russ does at least one fresh-juice batch every harvest. Worth the schedule juggling.

Where to buy

We don't sell this — these links go to retailers who do. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Find at Local Home Brew ShopBest option — local & freshMusto Wine Grape (East Coast)Brehm Vineyards (West Coast)

Why we like it

The single biggest jump in quality you can make without changing technique.

Who it's for

Anyone past their second kit who wants to taste what 'fresh' means.

What's in the box

  • 6-gallon pail of fresh-pressed grape juice
  • Yields ~30 bottles
  • Seasonal: typically Sept–Nov
  • Order ahead from local home brew shop

Goes well with

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A 6-gallon white plastic pail of fresh white grape juice with green grapes
Juice
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Fresh White Grape Juice Pail (6 gal)

The harvest-fresh white. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio — what's around.

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