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Award Winning Elderberry Wine

A delightful homemade elderberry wine that captures the essence of elderberries, delivering a balanced sweetness and tartness.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 14 days
Total Time 14 days
Servings: 5 bottles
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 quarts fresh elderberries
  • 1 gallon water
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon acid blend
  • 1/4 teaspoon tannin
  • 1/4 teaspoon yeast nutrient
  • 1 packet wine yeast like Lalvin EC-1118

Equipment

  • Large glass fermentation container (carboy)
  • Airlock
  • Glass bottles with corks
  • Strainer or cheesecloth
  • Large pot for boiling
  • Spoon for stirring
  • Hydrometer (optional, for measuring specific gravity)

Method
 

  1. Start by rinsing the elderberries thoroughly to remove any dirt or insects.
  2. Place the elderberries in a large pot and cover them with 1 gallon of water. Boil for about 30 minutes to extract the juices and flavors.
  3. After boiling, strain the mixture using a strainer or cheesecloth into a fermentation container.
  4. To the strained liquid, add the sugar, acid blend, tannin, and yeast nutrient. Stir well until the sugar dissolves.
  5. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before adding the yeast.
  6. Sprinkle the wine yeast over the cooled mixture.
  7. Seal the fermentation container with an airlock.
  8. Let the wine ferment for 4-6 weeks, checking periodically.

Notes

This wine is best enjoyed in moderation and can be paired with cheese platters or roasted meats.