Quick answer
- Racking means siphoning wine off the sediment (lees) into a clean container.
- Set the full container about 1 m (3 ft) higher than the empty one.
- An auto-siphon starts the flow with a pump, so there is no need to suck on the hose.
Racking is one of the most important jobs in winemaking. Sediment, called lees, can give wine off flavours, so you always rack the wine off it.
The Equipment
- A racking cane: a rigid plastic tube with a bend at the top to hook over the fermenter, and an anti-sediment tip at the bottom, so it can rest on the sediment without drawing it up. See racking canes.
- A siphon hose: food-grade tubing, about 1.5 to 1.8 m (5 to 6 ft) long. Soften the end in hot water and push it onto the short end of the cane.
- A shut-off clamp: lets you stop the flow. See shut-off clamps.
How to Start the Siphon
Option 1: Auto-Siphon (Easiest)
An auto-siphon is a racking cane inside a cylinder. Put it in the full container, pull up and push down once, and the siphon starts. It is quick, clean and sanitary.
Option 2: Pre-Fill With Water
- Run water slowly into the hose until the hose and cane are full.
- Fold over the last few centimetres of hose to seal it.
- Put the cane in the full container, then release the hose into the empty one. Gravity takes over.
The bit of water won’t affect a 23 L batch.
Option 3: The Old “Sip and Spit”
Some people start the flow by mouth. It works, but it is the least sanitary method. We recommend an auto-siphon instead.
Racking Tips
- Set the full container about 1 m (2 to 3 ft) higher than the empty one. A counter and the floor work well.
- A racking tube holder clips the cane in the carboy neck, so you can start siphoning from the middle and lower it slowly as the level drops.
- At the first racking a little splashing is fine. It helps the wine clear. At later rackings and at bottling, keep the hose end under the surface to avoid adding air.
- Tilt the container slightly near the end to get more wine without the gunk.
- Clean the empty fermenter right away. Dried bentonite and lees are hard to remove.
When to Rack a Wine Kit
- From primary to carboy when the S.G. reaches 1.020 or lower, around day 7 to 10.
- Back to the primary for degassing, once the S.G. is 0.990 to 0.995. See How to Degas Wine.
- Off the sediment after clearing, before bottling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are lees?
The layer of dead yeast, fining agents and fruit particles that settles at the bottom of the fermenter.
How long should a siphon hose be?
About 1.5 to 1.8 m (5 to 6 ft) for racking between a counter and the floor.
Does racking cause oxidation?
A little air at the first racking is fine. Later on, keep splashing to a minimum.
Shop siphons and transferring equipment
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.