Homemade Grape Wine Delicious Cravings At Vania's Kitchen Recipe in from www.pinterest.com
Introduction
Wine is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world. It is made from fermented grapes and has been around for thousands of years. Making homemade grape wine is a great way to enjoy this beverage without spending a lot of money. In this article, we will share a step-by-step recipe for making homemade grape wine that you can try at home.
Ingredients
To make homemade grape wine, you will need the following ingredients:
5 pounds of fresh grapes
1 gallon of water
2 cups of sugar
1 package of wine yeast
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Grapes
When it comes to choosing grapes for making wine, there are two main types: table grapes and wine grapes. Table grapes are the ones you usually find in the grocery store and are meant to be eaten fresh. Wine grapes, on the other hand, are specifically grown for making wine and have a higher sugar content. For this recipe, you can use either type of grape, but we recommend using wine grapes if possible.
Wine Yeast
Wine yeast is a type of yeast that is specifically designed for making wine. It helps convert the sugar in the grapes into alcohol and carbon dioxide. You can find wine yeast at most homebrew stores or online.
Instructions
Step 1: Clean the Grapes
The first step in making homemade grape wine is to clean the grapes. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 2: Remove the Stems
Once the grapes are clean, remove the stems. You can do this by gently pulling them off with your fingers or using a pair of scissors.
Step 3: Crush the Grapes
Next, you will need to crush the grapes to release their juice. You can do this by using a grape crusher or simply by mashing them with your hands or a potato masher.
Step 4: Add Water and Sugar
After the grapes are crushed, transfer them to a large pot and add one gallon of water and two cups of sugar. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves.
Step 5: Add Wine Yeast
Once the sugar has dissolved, sprinkle one package of wine yeast over the top of the grape mixture. Let the yeast sit for a few minutes to activate.
Step 6: Add Lemon Juice
After the yeast has activated, add one tablespoon of lemon juice to the grape mixture. This will help balance the acidity of the wine.
Step 7: Cover and Let Ferment
Once all the ingredients are added, cover the pot with a lid or cheesecloth and let it ferment for about a week. During this time, the yeast will convert the sugar in the grapes into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
Step 8: Strain and Press
After a week of fermenting, strain the grape mixture through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer to remove any solids. Then, press the remaining grape pulp to extract as much juice as possible.
Step 9: Transfer to a Carboy
Once the juice is extracted, transfer it to a glass carboy. Make sure to leave some space at the top for the wine to ferment further.
Step 10: Add an Airlock
Attach an airlock to the top of the carboy to allow gases to escape during fermentation. You can find airlocks at most homebrew stores or online.
Step 11: Let Ferment for Several Weeks
Let the wine ferment in the carboy for several weeks, or until the airlock stops bubbling. This indicates that the fermentation process is complete.
Step 12: Rack the Wine
After fermentation is complete, it's time to rack the wine. This means transferring it to a clean carboy to separate it from any sediment or solids.
Step 13: Let Age
Once the wine is racked, it's time to let it age. You can age the wine in the carboy or transfer it to bottles. The longer you age the wine, the smoother and more complex the flavor will become.
Nutrition
One serving of homemade grape wine (5oz) contains approximately:
125 calories
3.5g of carbohydrates
0g of fat
0g of protein
Conclusion
Making homemade grape wine is a fun and rewarding experience. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and refreshing beverage that you can enjoy with friends and family. Follow the steps above to make your own homemade grape wine and let us know how it turns out!