Best Before dates on wine kits

[Scubabe]

Hi all,

I've found a California Red wine kit which I've had sat on a shelf for some time now... the "best before" date on it is May 2008... do you think I could still use it? Or would it have gone off or not ferment or something?

Cheers!

Ness

[Hilary B]

You might need to replace the yeast. If the 'main ingredient' is in a tin, it should be OK, but the yeast may have 'died'.

[Scubabe]

Thank you!

[Flummery]

I think best before dates are just back-covering by the sellers. Most things are fine well beyond that date.