If you've never seen a wine kit before, you might be wondering what exactly it contains. The contents can vary depending on the kit, but there are a few common elements that you can take a peek at here. Check your kit before starting to make sure you have all the components listed in your instructions.

• Juice base – the main event! This will make up the base of your finished wine.

• Yeast – hard-working organisms that turn sugar (in the must) into alcohol (in the finished wine).

• Bentonite – sterilized clay that is a fining agent, binding with suspended particles in the wine to aid in clearing.

• F-pack (depending on kit) – the “f” stands for flavour

• Oak chips, powder or cubes (depending on kit) – adds flavor and tannin to certain wine kits.

• Potassium Metabisulphite – a stabilizer that prevents spoilage and stops fermentation.

• Potassium Sorbate – a stabilizer that is used in tandem with sulphite to inhibit further yeast growth.

• Kieselsol (key-sel-sol) – a fining agent that binds with suspended particles in the wine to aid in clearing.

• Chitosan (ky-toe-zan) – a fining agent that binds with suspended particles in the wine to aid in clearing.

• Isinglass (eye-sing-las) - a form of collagen used as a fining agent to aid in clearing.