To start, you will need some ripe peaches. Choose peaches that are fragrant and have a slight give when you press them gently. It’s important to use fully ripe peaches to ensure you capture that perfect peach flavor in your wine. Aim for around 4-5 pounds of peaches for a gallon of wine.
Once you have your peaches, wash them thoroughly and remove the pits. You can choose to peel the peaches, but leaving the skin on will add some texture and color to your wine. Chop the peaches into small pieces and place them in a large fermenting vessel.
Next, you will need to dissolve some sugar in boiling water. The amount of sugar you need will depend on your personal taste preference and the sweetness of your peaches. Start with around 2 pounds of sugar for a gallon of wine, and adjust according to your taste. Slowly pour the sugar-water mixture over the peaches in the fermenting vessel, stirring gently to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved.
Once the sugar has dissolved, you will need to add some acid to balance the sweetness of the wine. Many home winemakers use tartaric acid, which can be found at brewing supply stores or online. Start with around 2 teaspoons of tartaric acid for a gallon of wine, and adjust according to taste.
At this point, you will need to add yeast to kickstart the fermentation process. Wine yeast can also be found at brewing supply stores or online. Simply sprinkle the yeast over the peach mixture and give it a gentle stir.
Now it’s time to let the magic happen! Cover the fermenting vessel with a clean cloth or lid with an airlock to allow gases to escape. Place it in a cool, dark space and let it ferment for about 7-10 days. During this time, the yeast will convert the sugars in the peaches into alcohol, creating the base of your wine.
After the initial fermentation period, strain the liquid from the peaches. You can use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any fruit solids. Transfer the liquid into a clean fermenting vessel, leaving some space at the top. Cover again and allow it to ferment for another few weeks, checking for clarity and taste along the way.
Once your peach white wine has reached the desired taste and clarity, it’s time to bottle it. Sterilize your bottles and transfer the wine using a siphon or funnel. It’s best to let your wine age for a few months in the bottles to develop its flavors, but if you can’t wait, it can be enjoyed immediately.
Making your own peach white wine may require some patience, but the end result is well worth it. The sweet, aromatic flavors of the peaches combined with the crispness of the white wine create a unique and refreshing beverage. So why not give it a try and raise a glass to your very own homemade peach white wine!