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If you enjoy drinking wine, knowing how much effort goes into crafting your favorite bottle makes it even more enjoyable. The family that owns and operates Hidden Lake Winery, located in Aviston, IL, has been producing their own wine since 2004 and use the best, local ingredients. Here, they explain the stages of the winemaking process.

The Steps to Create a Perfect Bottle of Wine

1. Harvesting

Delicious wine starts with fresh grapes. Difference species contain natural tannins and acids to create the unique flavor combinations found in your favorite bottle. Harvesting occurs from August to October, with the white grapes picked first and the red ones picked last.

2. Crushing the Grapes

WineNext, the grapes must be crushed to prepare them for fermentation. Before the advent of mechanical pressing machines, winemakers used to stomp the grapes with their feet. They referred to this as a harvest dance. These days, mechanical pressing machines do most of the work, ensuring that the juice is separated from the grape skins. 

3. Fermentation

During this process, the sugar in the grapes turns into alcohol. Although fermentation occurs naturally, winemakers usually add yeast to speed up the process. After yeast is added, it takes 10 days to one month to fully ferment.

4. Clarification

Solids are then removed. The wine is poured through multiple coarse and fine filters that pick up excess yeast and tannins. 

5. Aging & Bottling 

The wine is now ready to drink. However, the winemaker can still decide to age it for a longer period in the bottles, tanks, or barrels. Afterward, machines seal the bottles with corks.

If you wish to taste some extraordinary wine in the comfort of a cozy wood cabin, take a visit to Hidden Lake Winery. With a myriad of dry, semi-sweet, and sweet wine choices, you’ll find a new favorite. For more information about cabin rentals or private event planning, visit them online or call (618) 228-9111.

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