How to Reuse Screw Top Wine Bottles for Making Wine

How to Reuse Screw Top Wine Bottles for Making Wine

Reusing screw top bottles to make homemade wine is a great way to save money and use up old wine bottles. Here’s what you need to know in order to successfully reuse a screw top wine bottle for making your own batch of homemade wine.

Step 1: Clean and Sterilize the Bottle

Start by cleaning your old wine bottle with warm soapy water. Rinse it well and then dip it in a solution of one part chlorine bleach to ten parts water. Dry the bottle with a clean cloth and let it sit for a few minutes to make sure it is completely sterile.

Step 2: Test the Seal

Once the bottle is clean and sterilized, test the seal to make sure it is still strong enough to keep your homemade wine fresh after bottling. To do this, fill the bottle three-quarters of the way with water and place the cap back on the bottle. Turn the bottle upside down and give it a gentle shake. If the water remains in the bottle, the seal is still good.

Step 3: Prepare the Bottle

Once the bottle has passed the seal test, you can start to prepare the bottle for use in making wine. Remove the label from the bottle, rinse it with warm water and remove any residue. Then disinfect the lip of the bottle by wiping it with a sanitized cloth.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry the Bottle

Rinse out the inside of the bottle with warm water one last time and let it dry. Make sure there are no water droplets on the inside of the bottle, as this will contaminate your wine later.

Step 5: Fill and Cap the Bottle

Once the bottle is ready, you can fill it with your homemade wine. Fill the bottle to the shoulder and cap it tightly. Make sure that the cap is secure, as an airtight seal is essential for a good-tasting wine.

Step 6: Store the Bottles

Place the filled and capped wine bottles in a cool, dark place to store. Check on the bottles every few weeks and if you notice any signs of spoilage or oxidation, discard the bottle.