What type of wine should I make?

For the beginner, selecting the type of wine to make for your first can be daunting. The simplest advice to someone in this predicament is—make the type of wine that you like to drink. If you like Merlot, then make Merlot. If you like Pinot, then make Pinot, etc…

Realistically, the type of wine that you make may be largely determined by what types of grapes and / or juice are available locally. Additionally, cost may be a factor in selecting the type of wine. Some tips on wine variety selection:

• Look for varieties of juice and grapes that are available locally. Some of the best wines that I have made are lesser-known varieties that thrive locally. For example, living in Upstate NY I have had great success with making wine with the little-known Cayuga White grape.
• When buying locally grown grapes or juice from a local vineyard, consider that you are getting the ‘best’ quality juice or grapes available from that region or vineyard. It is often the lesser quality grapes and juice that are shipped out of the region or made into concentrate.
• When buying grapes or juice that is not grown locally, remember that the vineyards tend to save the best quality grapes and juice for themselves and their local customers. Also, juice or grapes that is shipped long distances can degrade during shipping.
• Be very cognizant concerning the cost of your grapes or juice. Prices for fresh juice can vary by up to three or four times per gallon. I have found through experience that the higher priced juices and grapes do not necessarily make better wines.
• As you get more experienced with making wine, you may want to consider blending grapes.