In my experience as a sommelier and brewer, I have found that swing top bottles can be a great option for bottling homemade wine. They are not only affordable, but also very convenient to use when cooking with wine. The ability to easily open and re-seal the bottles can be particularly useful if you only need a small amount of wine for a recipe and want to keep the rest for later use.
One of the first steps in bottling your homebrewed wine is to ensure that your bottles and bottling equipment are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. This is absolutely crucial to prevent any contamination that could negatively impact the flavor and quality of your wine. I cannot stress enough the importance of proper sanitation in winemaking, as it can make or break the final product.
To clean your swing top bottles, start by rinsing them with hot water to remove any leftover residue. Then, use a bottle brush and a mild detergent to scrub the inside of the bottles, paying close attention to the neck and the swing top closure. Rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue. Once the bottles are clean, it's time to sanitize them.
There are various sanitizing solutions available on the market specifically designed for winemaking. Follow the instructions provided with your chosen sanitizer to properly prepare it and sanitize your bottles. Make sure to thoroughly rinse the bottles with sanitized water after the sanitizing process to remove any remaining sanitizer residue.
Now that your swing top bottles are clean and sanitized, it's time to fill them with your homemade wine. Using a siphon or a bottling wand, carefully transfer the wine from your fermentation vessel or aging container into the bottles. Be mindful not to disturb any sediment that may have settled during the aging process. Leave a small amount of headspace in each bottle to allow for expansion and contraction of the wine as it ages.
Once the bottles are filled, securely close the swing top closure to ensure a tight seal. This will help to preserve the freshness and flavors of your wine. It's important to note that swing top bottles are not meant for long-term storage of wine, as they may not provide the same level of airtightness as traditional cork or screw cap closures. However, for short-term storage or for use in cooking, they are perfectly suitable.
Label your swing top bottles with the type of wine, vintage, and any other relevant information. This will help you keep track of your homemade creations and add a personal touch to your bottles. Store your bottled wine in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. This will help maintain the quality and flavor of your wine.
Swing top bottles can be a great choice for bottling homemade wine, especially if you plan to use it for cooking or short-term storage. However, if you are looking for long-term aging and storage, it may be best to consider other closure options that provide a more airtight seal. Ultimately, the choice of bottle closure depends on your specific needs and preferences as a winemaker.