First Steps in Winemaking

by Cyril J.J. Berry

With more than two million copies sold, this comprehensive guide is the ideal introduction to the fascinating craft of winemaking.

Genres: Wine, Nonfiction, Brewing, Cookbooks

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1968

About the author

Cyril J.J. Berry, widely cited as C.J.J. Berry, is best known as the author of the popular book First Steps in Winemaking, which has sold more than three million copies worldwide.

Reviews

[Bill Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every marathoner needs hydration along the race. So, it is with a long reading session. Some sessions call for a hot cup of coffee or tea. Some call for cocoa or a sparkling water or carbonated mix. Then there are times when a nice colorful glass of vino fit the occasion. I have always had an interest in chemistry and did quite well at it in school. This book was valuable to me as a newbie vintner. The author is English, and he takes the reader through the process while giving tips and recipes and showing the equipment needed to produce your own unique beverage. The book is packed full of information about competitions and where to get supplies and which wines to make during the calendar year. It is an older book and references companies in England, but I would recommend it to anyone who might long to try their hand at winemaking. I still practice what I learned from reading this entertaining and informative book. Goditi il tuo vino!

[Sarah Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is obviously a bit out of date now, but was a nice clear (and I believe fairly comprehensive) introduction to winemaking. It answered all my questions anyway.
Lots of recipes to try too (though I’m skeptical about some and don’t have any idea what some of the ingredients are!).
Includes everything you need to avoid problems with different measures systems.

[Jm Rollins · Rating 2 out of 5]

I remember reading this 20 years ago and was excited to see it again. However, the book hasn't held up and much of the advice is well out of date. The recipes too need updating- instant coffee wine, anyone? Had this been updated and revised it would have been worth putting out again.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid if somewhat dated introduction to wine making, lots of information and recipes here along with what you need to get going to make a full range of red, white, rose, country and various other wines. Should help a budding wine maker find their feet.

[Keven Shevels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

It’s the first time I’ve given a one word review and this explanation kind of defeats the point of it but there is simply no other way to describe this book.

For the winemaker I would describe this as an essential reference book.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A constant reference for ideas and recipes for my wine making.

[Starri Steindórsson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent execution but painful to read some of the winemaking suggestions. Minimal intervention has no place in this book.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twice I've bought this. Lost the first one. Bit outdated in measurements but still great to have.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

fascinating info. apparently you can make wine from just about anything.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was recommended to me as the go-to book for beginning winemaking at home, and it was good advice. It covers the basics very well, explains the things that you need to know and have, and the optional things you might want to know or use. The knowledge required isn't too complicated and is easy to follow.

The final half contains recipes for wines whose ingredients are in season every month of the year (northern hemisphere), with at least half a dozen each month. In addition, every month contains a couple of unorthodox-but-interesting alternatives, such as January's jam wine, February's tinned fruit wine, the summer rumpot, and December's Irish cream. Or you can buy a pre-made kit of ingredients and just add water and sugar - the choice is yours.

Measurements are in US, Imperial (UK) and metric, and advice is based on 1 gallon/4.5L (demijohn/carboy) quantities: 6 wine bottles. Inexpensive, easy to make, easy to store, and enough to try, enjoy and share.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A timeless classic that looks like it was first wrtten in the 1960s. It says 8th edition 1987-1991... but the photos are B/W and ancient--- as is the dress.

All that aside, it gives excellent advice and many good recipes for the home winemaker. But sometimes what was done years ago is done differently today. So for a rank beginner I would recommend "The Joy of Home Winemaknig" by Terry Garey as a better first book about winemaking. You need to have some basics nder your belt before realizing the benefits from this book. So if you have made more than a few wines than this book is the next step.

Written in Andover, Hampshire by an Englishman, the wording can sometimes leave the reader a bit confused. What is that saying??? "America and England, two peoples seperated by a common language". How true in this case.

[James Hurley · Rating 3 out of 5]

it's a decent book, but it's kind of hard to follow since it's a lot of explanation on why something is done rather than a step by step kind of book. It's made the subject kind of complicated, and I think I will stick to making beer, which is infinitely less time consuming if this book is to be believed.
But worth a read to understand what's what in winemaking.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perused this tonight, and it has A LOT of technical information. I suppose I should follow some of it, but I am going to wing it instead (hey, my dad used to make wine, and well -- if he could, i surely can) So, I snagged a few of the recipes (not the celery wine one tho...ewwww)

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that was handed to me by my Grandad when I started making my own homebrew and wine. Loads of great tips and pictures cover everything you need from start to finish. Loads of interesting recipes too can't wait to try some out!

[Scott Mansfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a hoot!

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must have book for any beginning wine maker interested in country wines.