How to make cherry wine

Cherry wine is a delightful and refreshing beverage that can be enjoyed on its own or used in cocktails and desserts. Making your own cherry wine can be a rewarding process that allows you to experiment with different flavors and techniques. With just a few basic ingredients and some patience, you can create your own homemade cherry wine that will impress your friends and family. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Ingredients:
– 5 lbs of fresh cherries
– 2 lbs of sugar
– 1 gallon of water
– 1 packet of wine yeast
– 1 teaspoon of yeast nutrient
– Campden tablets (optional for sterilization)
– Wine bottles and corks

Step 1: Preparing the Cherries
Start by washing the cherries thoroughly and removing the stems. If your cherries are too firm, you can gently crush them to release the juice. However, avoid breaking the seeds as they can add undesirable flavors to the wine.

Step 2: Extracting the Juice
Place the cherries in a large pot and pour in enough water to cover them. Bring the water to a simmer and let the cherries cook for about 20 minutes. This will help extract the juice and soften the cherries. Once done, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to separate the juice from the pulp.

Step 3: Fermentation
Transfer the cherry juice to a clean and sterilized fermenting vessel, such as a glass carboy or a food-grade plastic bucket. If you choose to sterilize your equipment, you can use Campden tablets according to the package instructions. Add the sugar to the juice and stir until it dissolves completely.

Step 4: Adding Yeast
Let the juice cool to room temperature before adding the wine yeast and yeast nutrient. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface of the juice and give it a gentle stir. This will initiate the fermentation process.

Step 5: Fermentation and Aging
Cover the fermenting vessel with cheesecloth or an airlock to allow gases to escape while preventing airborne contaminants from entering. Store the vessel in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature between 68-75°F. Allow the cherry wine to ferment for about a week, stirring gently every day to help release any gases trapped in the liquid.

After a week, transfer the wine to a secondary fermenting vessel, leaving any sediment behind. Fit the vessel with an airlock and allow the wine to continue fermenting for several more weeks. During this time, the flavors will develop, and the wine will clarify. It is recommended to age the cherry wine for at least six months to achieve optimal flavor and smoothness.

Step 6: Bottling
Once the wine is clear and fermentation has ceased, it is ready to be bottled. Sterilize your wine bottles and corks before transferring the cherry wine from the fermenting vessel. Use a siphon or turkey baster to carefully fill each bottle, leaving about 1 inch of headspace. Insert the corks firmly and store the bottles in a cool, dark place for an additional few months to let the wine further develop its flavors.

Step 7: Enjoying Your Cherry Wine
After the recommended aging period, your homemade cherry wine is ready to be enjoyed. Serve it chilled or at room temperature and savor its fruity, aromatic flavors. This wine pairs well with creamy cheeses, roasted poultry, or even a simple chocolate dessert.

In conclusion, making cherry wine at home is a rewarding and enjoyable process. With a few basic ingredients and some patience, you can create a delicious beverage that showcases the flavors of fresh cherries. So, why not give it a try and impress your friends and family with your very own homemade cherry wine? Cheers!