Elderberry Wine Recipe

An elderberry wine recipe that is not only easy to make but also yields a delicious and fragrant wine that can be enjoyed by all.

Elderberries have a unique taste that is tart yet sweet, which makes them perfect for winemaking.

Elderberry wine is a delicious and versatile beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries.

Not only does this wine have a unique taste, but it also packs a nutritional punch.

Health Benefits of Elderberry

Before we delve into the recipe, let's discuss the health benefits of elderberry.

Elderberries are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, fibre, and antioxidants.

They have been shown to boost the immune system, aid in digestion, and reduce inflammation.

Additionally, elderberry has been used for centuries to treat colds and flu.

Makes up to 1 Gallon of Wine or 6 bottles.

Step 1: Preparing the Elderberries

If you have the time freeze the berries overnight, as this makes it easier to remove the stems.
This also helps to break the skin of the berries, allowing the juice to run more freely.
After you have removed the elderberries from the stems give them a thorough rinsing.
Put the berries in a sanitized fermenting bucket and begin crushing them to squeeze out as much juice as you can.
There are a few solutions for this step such as using a fruit press, food blender or potato masher.
Alternatively, place the berries in a muslin bag and gently squeeze by hand, being careful not to crush the seeds inside

Step 2: Adding the Sugar and Water

Add in your brewing sugar and pour over 1 litre of boiling water, stirring until the sugar has fully dissolved.
If your fermentation vessel is not heatproof, we suggest using a food-grade jug to dissolve the sugar.
Once the sugar has dissolved, add the acid blend, pectic enzyme, and yeast nutrient.
Give the mixture a thorough stir to ensure everything is fully dissolved.

Step 3: Fermenting the Wine

Allow the elderberry wine to cool to room temperature 18-24°C
Once cooled, add the wine yeast packet to the fermenter and stir well.
Cover the primary fermenter with a sanitized lid and airlock.
Let the wine ferment for approximately 5-7 days, or until the hydrometer's specific gravity drops to around 1.010.

Step 4: Racking the Wine

After the primary fermentation has finished, rack the wine into a sanitized glass demijohn.
Allow the wine to age for at least 3 months, or until the specific gravity has stabilized around 0.998.
Rack the wine again as needed until it is clear and free of sediment.

Step 5: Bottling the Wine

Once the wine has cleared and reached a stable specific gravity, it is ready for bottling.
Sanitize your bottles and siphon the wine into them.
Cork the bottles and let them age for at least 6 months to a year before drinking.

Elderberries are in season from late August to September, so plan accordingly if not we also have dried elderberries available.
Make sure all of your equipment is clean and sterilized before beginning.
Use a hydrometer to measure the specific gravity of the wine throughout the fermentation process.
Store the wine in a cool, dark place while it ages.
Consider adding spices like cinnamon or cloves for added flavour.

Making elderberry wine is a rewarding and delicious hobby.

Follow these steps carefully, and you will have a fantastic homemade wine that you can be proud of.

If you need any further guidance, feel free to check out our website for more wine-making tips and tricks.