Most amateur winemaking books tend toward one of two extremes. Simplistic introductory books omit important information necessary for crafting truly excellent wines, while more advanced instruction books read like doctoral chemistry dissertations.
Crafty Winemaking I is designed for the beginner to intermediate amateur winemaker who wants to create great wine without enrolling in chemistry classes.
Award-winning winemaker Wally Root guides readers through the fundamentals of basic winemaking theory, explaining the uses of different grape varieties, necessary entry-level equipment, and simple operating procedures. Each step is illustrated with informative photographs and easy-to-read tables covering everything from hydrometer use to bottle volume.
Learn how to set up and maintain equipment, sweeten wines, and change BRIX. Discover how to overcome problems as severe as stuck fermentation, and try your hand at crafting Wally's award-winning Concord wine recipe.
Following Wally's friendly, thorough guide to winemaking is like learning with an instructor at your side. If you're ready to increase your winemaking skills, Crafty Winemaking I is the book for you.
About the Author: Award-winning winemaker, writer, and photographer Wally Root enlisted in the US Air Force after graduating from Allegheny Community College with an AA in English. During the Vietnam War, he served as a writer contributing to such publications as Aviation News, The Sky-Writer and Stars and Stripes. Wally was the editor-in-chief of the Air Force Academy's prestigious Falcon News and the Peterson Air Base's Observer, winning top Air Force awards for photojournalism and editorial content, including the Air Force Commendation Medal.
Wally studied winemaking under Alexis Descaunets Hartung, a national authority on winemaking and officer of the American Wine Society. In 2007, Wally won a gold medal in the Country Wine Amateur Wine Competition and a silver medal in the Winemaker International Amateur Wine Competition with his sweet Concord wine.
Wally owns an amateur winery on ten acres in northern Pennsylvania where he crafts excellent wines, writes, studies jazz guitar, and enjoys time with friends and family. He is a life member of the Disabled American Veterans.
