How Much Sodium Metabisulfite Per Gallon of Wine?
The general guideline for adding sodium metabisulfite to one gallon (3.8 liters) of wine is as follows:
- Sanitizing equipment: Use 2 to 4 teaspoons per gallon of water for sanitizing, not for adding directly to wine.
- Wine preservation (adding to wine): Add 1/4 teaspoon of sodium metabisulfite per gallon of wine. This provides approximately 50 parts per million (ppm) of free SO2, which is suitable for most wines.
- Always dissolve sodium metabisulfite in a small amount of water or wine before adding to your batch for even distribution.
Note: The exact amount needed can depend on your wine’s pH and style—sweet wines and low-acid (higher pH) wines may require more. Always measure carefully, as excessive sulfite can impact flavor and safety.
