First Steps in Winemaking [Paperback]

C. J. J. Berry (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1994

Over 2 million beginners have been happily launched into the fascinating hobby of winemaking by the previous editions of this practical little book, which had a phenomenal success and is now the accepted introduction to the craft. It provides over 130 detailed recipes, all arranged in the months of their making, so that you can pursue your winemaking all year round. Wines from fruits, flowers, vegetables, foliage, dried fruit and wine kits, notes on using the hydrometer, and showing wine, and judging -- you will find it all in this book, and your fingers will itch to start winemaking right away!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

<DIV>C. J. J. Berry is the author of 130 New Winemaking Recipes and Home Brewed Beers and Stouts.</DIV> --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: G. W. Kent, Inc. (September 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0900841834
• ISBN-13: 978-0900841835
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #174,547 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This classic guided three generations from crop to wine., June 18, 1998

By 

Jack B. Keller, Jr. - See all my reviews

This review is from: First Steps in Winemaking (Paperback)

C.J.J. Berry is a legend to winemaking hobbiests worldwide as the man who had a winemaking recipe for just about any ingredient. For literally tens of thousands of home winemakers, this is the only reference book they ever had or needed.

When it first appeared, the layout of "First Steps in Winemaking" was quite unique. After an admirable discussion of the basic principles of home winemaking, Berry then presented his recipes on the basis of the month in which the principal ingredients are readily available at market or are typically harvested in the British home garden. There are three things wrong with this format.

Firstly, citing harvest months for various ingredients geographically limits the accuracy of the format. Harvest times for any crop will vary greatly around the world, but they can differ from Britain's calendar by six months for gardeners in, say, Australia. Berry's treatment works fine in the British Isles and many other places, but certainly this is not universally so. In his later books, Berry abandoned the calendar-month format of "First Steps...."

Secondly, at least in developed countries, there is no longer a need to be tied to calendar-month availability of ingredients. Advances in cargo transport and refrigeration over the past 50 years have made dependency on local crops a thing of the past. Almost any ingredient can be found in the modern supermarket or produce center at any time.

Thirdly, Berry's presentation of recipes by month results in dependence on the index in order to find recipes for a particular ingredient. This is perhaps the greatest shortcoming of the book's layout. An alphabetical listing of recipes, as he used in subsequent books, would have been more convenient.

In defense of the author, however, I must point out that Berry never anticipated his book would have worldwide appeal. Nor, it would seem, that it would remain popular for so long. Certainly he would not have quoted prices for ingredients and supplies had he suspected as much.

Are these shortcomings fatal? Not in the least! This is still the classic reference to the subject and ought to be in every winemaker's library. Indeed, if you could only buy one book on the subject, only Terry Garey's "The Joy of Home Winemaking" could challenge "First Steps...." to a coin toss.

Buy it. Read it. Make wine. You'll love yourself for it.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Too brief to give the beginner any confidence, February 10, 2003

By 

Robert Huffstedtler (Cary, NC United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: First Steps in Winemaking (Paperback)

The book is essentially divided into two sections. The first covers the basic principles of wine making: the science behind it, the key ingredients, and the necessary tools and techniques. The second half is a pretty substantial list of recipes, concentrating heavily on country wines.

Sadly, the coverage of the principles and techniques was too brief, particularly with regard to timing. I am still at a bit of a loss as to how long one should allow the aerobic ferment to take place, how long for the anaerobic format and so on. I think I'll be getting another book that focuses more on technique before I make my first attempt.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book for the Beginner and Expert Alike!, July 27, 2004

By 

Donald Ravenowski - See all my reviews

This review is from: First Steps in Wine Making (Paperback)

This book has many, many recipes that can inspire even the most seasoned winemaker, yet it is simple enough for the beginner. A must-have, in my opinion.