Quick answer
- #1 Coarse pads remove heavier haze and are often used for reds.
- #2 Fine (polishing) pads are the best all-round choice for most wine kits.
- #3 Sterile pads remove yeast cells. Use them for sweet, low-alcohol wines, after a #2 pass.
Most wine you buy has been filtered at some point. Filtering removes leftover fruit particles, fining agents and yeast cells that could otherwise settle in the bottle. It improves taste, appearance and shelf life, and adds a noticeable sparkle.
Only Filter Clear Wine
Filtering polishes a wine that is already clear. It won’t rescue a cloudy one. Cloudy wine clogs the pads quickly and can damage the motor of an electric filter. If your wine is hazy, see Why Is My Homemade Wine Cloudy? first.
Choosing Filter Pads
| Pad | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Coarse | Heavier haze, fruit wines, many reds | You may need a second pass with #2 pads for full clarity. |
| #2 Fine (polishing) | Most wine kits, whites and lighter reds | The best all-round pad. |
| #3 Sterile | Sweet, low-alcohol wines that might referment | Fine pores clog easily, so filter with #2 first. |
Pads come in several sizes and shapes, so choose the size that fits your filter: #1 Coarse, #2 Fine, #3 Sterile, and all filter pads and filters.
Setting Up a Manual Filter
- Clean and sanitize the filter, hoses and tubing.
- Place the pads with their rough sides facing each other and the smooth sides against the plastic plates. Wine goes in through the rough side and out through the smooth side.
- Assemble the unit with dry pads. If you wet them first, they swell too much to fit.
- Pump several litres of clean water through to flush out paper fibres.
- Tighten the wing nuts a little more to reduce leaks.
Most manual filters leak a little. Set yours on a baking sheet to keep the counter clean.
Setting Up an Electric Filter
- Electric filter pads have two slightly offset “ears” so they only go in one way.
- Soak the pads in clean water before fitting them, unless your manufacturer says otherwise.
- Once assembled correctly, the pads and plates sit even and level across the top.
- Clean the filter right after use, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Leftover residue can contaminate your next batch and gum up the filter.
Filter Into a Carboy, Then Wait
Filter into a clean carboy and let the wine sit for a day or two before bottling. This lets any air picked up during filtering escape, which lowers the risk of oxidation. With a manual filter you can filter straight into bottles, but we prefer the carboy method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to filter my wine?
No. A well-cleared wine can be bottled without filtering. Filtering adds polish and sparkle and reduces sediment in the bottle.
Which filter pad should I use for a wine kit?
#2 Fine pads suit most wine kits.
Why does my filter leak?
A little leaking is normal with manual filters. Check that the pads are seated properly, then tighten the wing nuts after flushing with water.
Need a hand with your batch? Call us toll-free at 1-877-668-6160 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern) or send us a message.
This guide is adapted from the ABC Crafted Series booklet Wine From Kits: What the Instructions Don’t Always Tell You. Always follow the instructions that come with your kit.