How to make homemade strawberry wine

Wine enthusiasts are constantly looking for new and exciting flavors to experiment with. One such flavor that is gaining popularity is homemade strawberry wine. The sweet and tangy taste of strawberries pairs perfectly with the rich and aromatic qualities of wine. If you’re ready to embark on this delicious journey, follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own batch of homemade strawberry wine.

1. Gather the necessary equipment:

Before diving into the winemaking process, ensure that you have all the required equipment. You will need a large pot, a fermentation vessel (such as a glass jug or carboy), a fermentation airlock, a mesh strainer, a fine-grain cheesecloth, glass wine bottles, wine corks, and a wine corker. It’s also crucial to have sanitation supplies, including a sanitation solution and brushes, to keep everything clean and sterile.

2. Select the strawberries:

For strawberry wine, you’ll need fresh, ripe strawberries. It’s essential to choose strawberries that are free from mold or decay. Roughly 15 pounds of strawberries will yield around 1 gallon of wine, so ensure you have enough for your desired batch size.

3. Prepare the strawberries:

Wash the strawberries thoroughly and remove the green stems. Crush the strawberries using a potato masher or a food processor until they are completely pureed. Note that leaving some chunks will add texture and depth to the wine.

4. Create the must:

In a large pot, add the pureed strawberries and 6 cups of water for every gallon of wine you plan to make. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring continuously. Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.

5. Add sugar and yeast:

Measure the specific gravity of the strawberry mixture using a hydrometer. This measure will determine the amount of sugar to add. In general, aim for a specific gravity of 1.08-1.10. Add sugar incrementally, stirring until fully dissolved after each addition, until the desired specific gravity is achieved. Next, add a wine yeast packet to kickstart the fermentation process.

6. Fermentation and aging:

Transfer the strawberry mixture (must) to a fermentation vessel using a mesh strainer lined with a fine-grain cheesecloth. Attach the fermentation airlock to the vessel, allowing carbon dioxide to escape while preventing oxygen from entering. Store the vessel in a cool, dark place with a temperature between 70-75°F. Allow the mixture to ferment for 7-10 days or until the fermentation process subsides.

7. Clarify and bottle:

After fermentation, you’ll notice sediment at the bottom of the vessel. Siphon the clear liquid into another container, leaving the sediment behind. To enhance clarity, you may repeat this process once more. Finally, bottle your strawberry wine and add sterilized corks using a wine corker.

8. Aging and enjoyment:

For optimal taste, let the strawberry wine age for at least 3-6 months. During this time, the flavors will develop and mellow. Store the wine bottles horizontally in a cool, dark cellar or wine storage area. Don’t forget to label your bottles and track the aging process. When the aging period is complete, your homemade strawberry wine is ready to be served and enjoyed!

Making homemade strawberry wine can be a fun and rewarding experience. As you experiment with different recipes and techniques, you’ll find your own unique twist on this delightful beverage. So, grab those strawberries and get ready to impress your friends and family with your very own homemade strawberry wine!