Do Wine Kits Get Better with Age? (And How Long Should You Wait?)

One of the most common questions new winemakers ask is: does wine from a kit actually improve with age?

The short answer is yes — but not all wine kits age the same way.

Some wines are meant to be enjoyed right away, while others can improve significantly over time.

Do Wine Kits Improve with Age?

Yes, most wine kits benefit from aging — especially higher-quality kits.

As wine ages, flavours become smoother, more balanced, and more complex. Harsh edges soften, and aromas develop.

However, how much improvement you get depends on the type of kit you start with.

How Aging Affects Different Wine Kits

4–5 Week Wine Kits (Drink Early)

Faster kits are designed to be enjoyed soon after bottling.

Browse RJS Orchard Breezin 4 Week Wine Kits

Browse RJS Cru International 5 Week Wine Kits

What to Expect:

• Light body
• Simple flavour profile
• Best consumed within a few months

These wines don’t typically improve much with long aging — they are made for quick enjoyment.

6 Week Wine Kits (Some Aging Potential)

Mid-range kits offer better structure and can benefit from short aging.

Browse RJS Cru Select 6 Week Wine Kits

What to Expect:

• More body and balance
• Improves over 3–6 months

These wines often taste noticeably better after a bit of patience.

8 Week Wine Kits (Best for Aging)

Higher-end kits are designed to age and develop more complex flavours.

Browse RJS En Primeur 8 Week Wine Kits

What to Expect:

• Full body
• More tannins and structure
• Improves over 6–12+ months

These wines come closest to traditional winemaking and reward patience.

Why Some Wine Kits Age Better Than Others

The key difference is how much real grape juice and structure the kit contains.

• Shorter kits produce lighter, simpler wines.
• Longer kits contain more juice, tannins, and complexity.

More structure means the wine has the ability to evolve over time instead of simply fading.

How Long Should You Age Wine from a Kit?

Here’s a simple guideline:

• 4–5 week kits: Drink within 1–3 months.
• 6 week kits: Age for 3–6 months.
• 8 week kits: Age for 6–12 months or longer.

Red wines typically benefit more from aging than whites.

Does Aging Always Make Wine Better?

No — and this is important.

If a wine is light and simple, aging it too long can actually make it worse.

Good aging depends on starting with a wine that has enough body and structure.

Common Beginner Mistake

Many new winemakers either:

• Drink their wine too early.
• Try to age wines that aren’t meant to age.

Understanding your kit type helps you avoid both problems.

So… Is It Worth Waiting?

If you’re using higher-end kits, the answer is almost always yes.

A few extra months can dramatically improve flavour, smoothness, and overall quality.

The better the kit, the more you gain from aging.

Final Thoughts

Wine kits can absolutely improve with age — but only if they’re designed for it.

If you want quick results, go with shorter kits. If you want better wine, choose longer kits and give them time.

Patience is one of the easiest ways to turn a good wine into a great one.