Home Winemaking the Right Way

Kenneth Hawkins has produced home-made wines, beers and liquers for over 20 years and has taught at evening classes. Here are 55 of his favourite recipes, many of which have won awards.

As well as covering the basics, he includes a detailed analysis of how and why various types of wine differ; he also shows how to train your palate to judge their relative qualities. This is the key to the mastery both of what to do when in trouble, and of the subtle adjustments which can transform a moderate wine into an award-winner.

More than that, Kenneth Hawkins sees home winemaking as an ancient rural craft, steeped in traditional folklore. In fascinating asides to the recipes, he delves into the customs, legends and stories which link individual wines to the celebration of special days and events.