How to make homemade wine with strawberry grapes

Strawberry are a delectable variety that is perfect for making homemade wine. With their unique flavor and aroma, they create a delightful and refreshing beverage that can be enjoyed on any occasion. Making wine at home may seem like a complicated process, but with the right steps and a little patience, you can create your own delicious grape wine.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you make homemade wine with strawberry grapes:

1. Gather the ingredients:
– 3 pounds of strawberry grapes
– 6 cups of water
– 2 ½ cups of sugar
– 1 packet of wine yeast

2. Prepare the strawberry grapes:
– Thoroughly wash the grapes to remove any dirt or debris.
– Remove the stems from the grapes.
– Place the cleaned grapes in a large bowl and crush them with a potato masher or your hands. Avoid using a blender or food processor, as it can destroy the grape seeds.

3. Create the grape juice:
– Transfer the crushed grapes into a fermentation vessel, like a glass fermenting jar or a food-grade plastic bucket.
– Add 4 cups of water to the crushed grapes and mix well.
– Cover the vessel with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours. This will allow the natural yeasts on the grape skins to activate and initiate fermentation.

4. Strain the grape juice:
– After 24 hours, strain the grape juice through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to separate the liquid from the solids.
– Gently press the grape pulp to extract as much juice as possible without forcing the solids through the strainer.

5. Add sugar and yeast:
– In a saucepan, combine the strained grape juice with the sugar and 2 cups of water.
– Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Do not bring the mixture to a boil.
– Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
– Once cooled, sprinkle the wine yeast over the juice and let it sit undisturbed for about 15 minutes to activate.

6. Fermentation:
– Pour the juice into a fermentation vessel, leaving about 1-2 inches of headspace at the top. This will allow room for the fermentation process.
– Attach an airlock to the vessel to release the carbon dioxide produced during fermentation. If you don’t have an airlock, cover the vessel with a clean cloth secured with a rubber band and pierce a small hole in it.

7. Aging and bottling:
– Store the fermentation vessel in a cool, dark place where the temperature remains 60-70°F (15-21°C).
– Allow the wine to ferment for about 3 weeks, or until the bubbling stops and sediment starts to settle at the bottom.
– Carefully siphon the clear wine off the sediment into clean, sterilized bottles.
– Seal the bottles with corks or screw caps and allow the wine to age for at least 6 months to improve its flavor and aroma.

Creating your own homemade wine with strawberry grapes can be a rewarding and exciting experience. With a little bit of effort and patience, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor by savoring a glass of your very own strawberry grape wine. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on the journey of winemaking right in the comfort of your own home! Cheers!