FAQ's
THIS IS MY FIRST TIME USING A MOBILE BOTTLING LINE, WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
No worries, we have a Customer Packet that we can send you with all the information you need. We also highly recommend you attend one of our bottling at a winery near you to see first hand how things work. We can give you some options when you schedule.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO MOVE MY DATE?
We understand that things happen. We will do our best to fit you in on another date without additional charges.
DO YOU HAVE A MINIMUM CHARGE?
Yes. We require a 500 case minimum. You may bottle less than that but you will be charged for 500 cases.
WHAT ABOUT FILTERS?
Your filters are yours and yours only. We use 20" AB Code 7 cartridge filters. You may order them or ask us to order them for you and we can provide them on bottling day. Properly stored, they will last you many bottlings.
WHEN SHOULD I FILTER MY WINES
We have a document we can send you on request outlining the do's and don'ts but the general rule is plate and frame or lenticular filtering should be done within 48 hours of bottling day. Crossflow should be done the day before.
WHAT IF MY FILTERS CLOG DURING BOTTLING
We always try to keep a couple of extra sets on the truck for this reason. If you consistently have problems with filters clogging we will refer you to the filtering specialists at Scott Labs.
HOW DO I STORE MY FILTERS?
We supply you with instructions for making PVC containers to store your filters in in our Customer Information Packet. The solution for each container should be 1 teaspoon citric acid and 1/2 teaspoon KMS with water to fill. Filters should be pulled and checked every couple of months and solution changed as needed.
CAN MY BOTTLES BE STORED OUTSIDE PRIOR TO BOTTLING?
Bottles need to be kept dry and covered but can be stored outside prior to bottling for a non-extended time period. If the bottles are cold on a hot, humid day they will sweat no matter what temperature your wine is (see the specifications tab for wine temperature requirements). Consequently, if the wine is cold on a hot, humid day the bottles will sweat.
DO I NEED TO FILTER ON THE TRUCK IF I FILTERED BEFORE BOTTLING?
As winemaker that is your call. We offer the service in-line as a fail-safe to catch anything that might be in the wine. It is not guaranteed to be 100% sterile, nor is it intended to fix a problem you might have with your wine.
IS THE BOTTLING LINE STERILE?
We clean and sterilize to industry standards, or better. All parts of the equipment that come in contact with your wine are steam sterilized every morning and rinsed with an industry approved cleaning solution at the end of the day. We take every precaution we can, but no mobile line can be guaranteed sterile. We are not responsible for bottles, corks, outside contamination sources or the condition of the wine as it enters the bottling line.