How does wine turn into vinegar?

Vinegar is created by a chemical change called fermentation. During fermentation, the sugar in the wine or juice is transformed into alcohol and gas. When the gas evaporates, it leaves only the alcohol and a fruity taste.

The next step in the fermentation process is called oxidation, when oxygen in the air is mixed with certain bacteria in the alcohol, it is changed into vinegar.

Fermentation takes place when the liquid is found in large wooden barrels. These barrels have holes to allow air circulation. Since the alcohol in the juice or wine is lighter than the rest of the liquid, it rises to the top of the barrel.

At the top, the alcohol comes into contact with the air and forms acetic acid. This acid increases the weight of the alcohol, taking it to the bottom of the barrel in the form we know as vinegar.

It may take one to two years for a barrel of wine or juice to ferment naturally into vinegar.

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