Transforming an old kegerator into a wine-on-tap fridge is a rewarding and environmentally friendly project for wine enthusiasts. This guide will walk you through every step of the process, from the initial setup to troubleshooting common issues. We’ll also dive into customization tips to enhance your system and help you achieve the best performance possible. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a fully functional wine-on-tap system that allows you to enjoy wine straight from the tap, just like a craft beer.

Tools Required

• Screwdriver
• Drill and drill bits
• Adjustable wrenches
• Teflon tape
• Tubing (food-grade vinyl or silicone)
• Wine faucet (perlick or similar)
• Keg coupler (suitable for wine kegs)
• CO2 tank (with regulator)
• Pressure gauge
• Keg connector (for wine)
• Wine keg(s)
• Kegerator conversion kit (specific for wine)
• Silicone sealant
• Bucket (for cleaning purposes)

Preparing Your Old Kegerator

Before you start the upcycling process, ensure that your old kegerator is thoroughly cleaned. The presence of residual beer or carbonation in the lines could affect the taste of your wine. Here’s how to prepare the kegerator:

1. Unplug and empty the kegerator: Remove all beer kegs, CO2 tanks, and other accessories from the kegerator.
2. Clean the kegerator: Thoroughly clean the interior of the kegerator using a mild detergent or white vinegar solution. Pay special attention to the taps, drip tray, and internal shelving. This ensures no beer residue is left behind.
3. Check the cooling system: Inspect the cooling system to ensure it’s functioning properly. Wine requires a stable temperature range of around 50°F–55°F (10°C–13°C), which is similar to beer storage.

Installing the Wine Dispenser System

Converting your kegerator to a wine dispenser requires the installation of a few key components. These include a wine faucet, keg coupler, CO2 tank, and wine lines.

Step 1: Install the Wine Faucet

The wine faucet is a crucial component of this setup, as it will deliver wine directly from the keg. It’s essential to use a faucet designed for wine to prevent oxidation and preserve wine quality. To install it:

1. Choose a location for the faucet on the kegerator door.
2. Drill a hole in the door, ensuring it is slightly smaller than the faucet size for a tight fit.
3. Attach the faucet to the door using the provided mounting hardware. Use silicone sealant around the faucet edges to create a seal and prevent any leaks.

Step 2: Install the Keg Coupler

The keg coupler connects the CO2 tank to the wine keg and regulates the pressure to ensure a smooth pour. You’ll need a coupler that’s designed for wine kegs.

1. Connect the keg coupler to the keg’s valve.
2. Attach the gas line to the CO2 tank. Ensure that the connections are secure and use Teflon tape on threaded parts to prevent leaks.
3. Set the regulator pressure. For wine, the recommended CO2 pressure is typically between 2-3 psi, but this may vary depending on your specific setup.

Step 3: Set Up the Wine Lines

Connect the wine keg to the faucet using food-grade tubing. This tubing should be rated for both liquid and gas to avoid contamination.

1. Cut the tubing to the appropriate length, ensuring it’s long enough to reach from the keg to the faucet without being too tight.
2. Connect the tubing to both the keg coupler and the faucet. Use hose clamps to secure the tubing to the fittings, ensuring there are no leaks.

Step 4: Install the CO2 Tank

The CO2 tank is used to pressurize the wine keg, ensuring that the wine flows properly through the lines.

1. Position the CO2 tank outside the kegerator, or in a well-ventilated area within the unit.
2. Attach the CO2 tank to the regulator and set the pressure to the desired level (typically 2-3 psi).
3. Connect the gas line to the keg coupler and ensure there are no leaks in the system.

Customization and Optimization

While the basic setup will allow you to start serving wine from your kegerator, several adjustments and enhancements can improve the system’s performance.

Temperature Control

Wine should be stored at a specific temperature to maintain its flavor profile. Most kegerators are designed to chill beer, which is often colder than wine needs to be.

• Adjust the temperature settings on your kegerator to maintain a temperature range of 50°F–55°F (10°C–13°C).
• If your kegerator doesn’t have precise temperature controls, consider installing an external thermostat that can regulate the internal temperature of the unit.

Pressure Adjustment

Proper pressure is crucial for a smooth pour. Too much pressure can result in over-carbonation and foamy wine, while too little pressure can lead to weak pours.

• Set the regulator to low pressure. Wine generally requires much lower pressure than beer, so aim for 2-3 psi.
• Experiment with the pressure depending on your specific wine and keg setup to find the optimal flow rate.

Wine Keg Compatibility

Not all kegs are the same. Wine kegs typically use a different coupler than beer kegs, so it’s important to choose a compatible system.

• Choose a wine keg that is designed for your system. Many wine kegs are available in sizes like 5L or 20L.
• Ensure the coupler is compatible with your chosen keg. The most common coupler for wine kegs is the “Euro” style, but there are other options depending on the keg model.

Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues

Despite your best efforts, you may encounter a few common issues during the installation and use of your wine-on-tap fridge. Here are some solutions:

Issue 1: Wine is Pouring Too Slowly or Not at All

• Cause: This could be caused by low CO2 pressure, a clogged wine line, or an issue with the keg coupler.
• Solution: Ensure the CO2 tank is properly connected and set to the correct pressure. Check the tubing for any blockages, and clean it if necessary. Also, inspect the keg coupler for any defects.

Issue 2: Wine Tastes Flat

• Cause: Incorrect pressure settings or an improperly sealed keg coupler could lead to flat wine.
• Solution: Adjust the pressure to the correct level (typically 2-3 psi). Check for leaks and reapply Teflon tape to any threaded connections.

Issue 3: Excessive Foam When Pouring

• Cause: High CO2 pressure or over-carbonation may cause foamy pours.
• Solution: Lower the pressure on the CO2 tank to a level suitable for wine (2-3 psi). Additionally, check the faucet for any obstructions that might cause excessive foaming.

Comparison with Similar Products

When it comes to setting up a wine-on-tap system, there are several other products you might consider, such as:

• Wine Dispensers vs. Kegerators: Wine dispensers designed specifically for wine are often more expensive but offer better temperature control and less maintenance. Kegerators can be a more cost-effective solution but may require additional modifications to suit wine dispensing.
• Dual-Tap Systems: If you’re interested in serving both beer and wine, a dual-tap kegerator can be a versatile option. These systems allow you to serve both types of beverages from the same kegerator, though they may require more space and configuration.

Conclusion

Upcycling your old kegerator into a wine-on-tap fridge is an excellent way to enjoy wine from a keg with minimal waste and maximum convenience. By following this guide, you can easily convert your kegerator and optimize it for wine service. With the right setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting knowledge, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable wine-on-tap experience.