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BACKUP WINE
A glass hydrometer floating in a clear test jar of dark red wine
Testing

Hydrometer + Test Jar

The glass stick that tells you when fermentation is actually done.

Russ & Todd approvedBeginner top pickBuy onceEditor's choice

≈ $14–$16price range

A hydrometer measures sugar in your wine. You take a reading at the start (around 1.090 for most reds), and a reading at the end. When it reads ~0.995, fermentation is done and you can move on.

Get the hydrometer with the test jar — you need both. The jar holds about 8 oz of wine sample, the hydrometer floats in it.

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.

AmazonPrimary pick$14Northern Brewer$16MoreWine$15

Why we like it

The only honest answer to 'is it done yet?' Don't trust your eyes, trust the stick.

Who it's for

Every batch. Don't skip this one.

What's in the box

  • Triple-scale hydrometer (SG, Brix, potential alcohol)
  • Tall plastic test jar
  • Easy to read meniscus

Goes well with

An adhesive liquid crystal thermometer strip on the side of a glass carboy of dark wine
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Russ-approvedBeginner top pickBuy once

Stick-On Thermometer Strip

Slap it on the carboy. Read the temp. Done.

See where to buy →priced 2025-11-20
A clear plastic auto-siphon next to coiled clear vinyl transfer tubing
Transfer$18–$20
Russ & Todd approvedBeginner top pickBuy once

Auto-Siphon + Transfer Tubing

Moves wine from one container to another without a mouthful of sediment.

See where to buy →priced 2025-11-20