Quick answer
- Sweeten only after fermentation is finished and the wine has been stabilized with potassium sorbate.
- A wine conditioner adds sweetness and already contains sorbate.
- Start small. You can always add more, but you can’t take sweetness out.
When to Sweeten
Sweeten at the clearing stage, after the stabilizers have gone in. Sugar added to wine with live yeast can restart fermentation in the bottle. That means fizzy wine, pushed-out corks or even broken bottles. Potassium sorbate prevents this. See Wine Kit Additives Explained.
Taste First
At this stage, the wine will taste young and a little harsh, or “green”. Some people mistake that for bitterness. It mellows as the wine ages, so don’t overcorrect.
Using a Wine Conditioner
A wine conditioner is a sweetener with sorbate already added. Even in a dry wine, a small amount can take the harsh edge off and make the wine smoother without making it taste sweet.
| Goal (23 L / 6 US gal carboy) | Wine conditioner |
|---|---|
| Smoother, still dry | 30 to 90 ml (1 to 3 oz) |
| Off-dry | 180 to 240 ml (6 to 8 oz) |
| Medium-sweet | 300 to 360 ml (10 to 12 oz) |
Add a little, stir gently, taste, and repeat. You can always add more. You can’t take it out.
Other Options
- Sweeten by the glass: some people keep the wine dry and sweeten individual bottles when they open them.
- Glycerin: glycerin adds body and smoothness rather than sweetness. Stir it in just before bottling, and don’t overdo it.
- Just wait: if you normally age your wine for 6 months or more, you may not need conditioner at all. Time smooths wine too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sweeten wine with table sugar?
Yes, dissolved in a little wine, but only after adding potassium sorbate. Without it, the sugar can restart fermentation.
Does sweetening change the alcohol content?
Not if fermentation is stopped with sorbate. It slightly dilutes the wine but adds no alcohol.
Should I take my final hydrometer reading before sweetening?
Yes. Sweetener raises the S.G., so take your final reading first.
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.