Our strawberry wine recipe is a fresh and crisp wine perfect for relaxing on a summertime afternoon. You will get splashes of mouth-watering strawberries bursting with flavor. Strawberry wine is an excellent alternative to traditional grape wines. You can never go wrong pairing strawberry wine with some rich and delicious chocolate. Try our strawberry wine recipe below.
If you would like to try a wine kit, we have a list of the best strawberry wine kits available.
Strawberry Wine Recipe
Homemade strawberry wine has a sweet, fruity taste with subtle notes of earthy berry. It can range in its sweetness, depending on the amount of sugar added to the recipe. The taste is similar to a sweet white wine, but with a hint of strawberry flavor.
Ingredients
- 16 pounds (7.3 kg) fresh strawberries
- 10 pounds (4.5 kg) sugar
- 5 teaspoons (23 g) yeast nutrient
- 1¼ teaspoons (3.4 g) grape tannin
- 6 teaspoons (30.6 g) acid blend
- 10 drops (0.5 mL) pectic enzyme liquid
- Water enough to make 5 gallons (19 L)
- 1 package (5 g) Wyeast Mead (Sweet) yeast
- 5 Campden tablets or ½ teaspoon (3.1 g) potassium metabisulfite powder
Instructions
- Sanitize all equipment.
- Crush the fruit and put it into the primary fermentation container.
- Put the sugar, yeast nutrient, grape tannin, acid blend, pectic enzyme, and enough warm water to make 5 gallons (19 L) on top of the fruit in the fermentation container. Stir well to dissolve sugar.
- When the must cools to 70°F (21°C), sprinkle the yeast into the container and stir. Cover the container.
- Stir the must daily. In 5 to 7 days, the specific gravity should read 1.040 or lower. When it does, press out the fruit pulp and strain the wine.
- Place 2½ crushed Campden tablets or ¼ teaspoon (1.4 g) of potassium metabisulfite powder in the carboy and siphon the new wine into the jug. Add enough water to fill the jug and insert an airlock.
- Rack in a month, using the same procedure as in step 6, and let sit for 3 more months.
- Your wine should be clear and ready for final preparations. Taste, make adjustments, and let sit for another month.
- Bottle the wine, then wait 3 months before tasting.
Tips for Making the Best Homemade Strawberry Wine
The taste of summer may be enjoyed all year long with homemade strawberry wine. Here are some recommendations for the greatest strawberry wine you can make.
Use the freshest, ripest strawberries you can locate first. Overripe or rotting strawberries should not be used since they might cause the wine to taste odd. Utilizing high-quality wine yeast will also help to achieve the greatest possible fermentation.
You must secondly get the fruit ready for fermentation. Strawberries should first be crushed before being added to a water-filled fermenting tank. Add the yeast after that, along with any additional flavor-enhancing ingredients like fruit juice, spices, or honey.
Thirdly, you must let the mixture ferment. As the fermenting process might take many weeks, keep a constant eye on it. You might need to rack the wine as the fermentation develops, which is moving it to a different container to remove it from the sediment that has developed.
The wine has to be bottled in the fourth step. Use airtight containers if you want to avoid oxidation. Use cork-stopped bottles if you intend to age the wine.
Finally, you must keep the wine in a chilly, dark location. This will ensure that the wine ages correctly and keep it from becoming bad.
You may create the greatest homemade strawberry wine by using these suggestions. Enjoy!
Common Questions About Making Strawberry Wine At Home
What equipment do I need to make strawberry wine?
You will need a primary fermenter, an airlock, a hydrometer, a carboy, an auto-siphon, a bottle filler, and bottle caps. Additionally, you will need a large pot for boiling, a straining bag, and a funnel. Finally, you will need basic ingredients such as sugar, yeast, and of course, strawberries.
How long does it take to make strawberry wine?
Strawberry wine typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to make, depending on the recipe and method used. After the initial fermentation, the wine is usually allowed to age for at least three months before it is ready to be enjoyed.
What type of yeast should I use to make strawberry wine?
You should use a wine yeast, such as Lalvin 1118 or 71B-1122. These are specifically designed for winemaking and will yield the best results in your strawberry wine.
How much sugar should I add to make strawberry wine?
The amount of sugar needed to make strawberry wine depends on a few factors, including the amount of natural sugar in the strawberries and the type of yeast used. Generally, you should add between 1 and 1 1/2 pounds of sugar per gallon of strawberries. However, it is best to consult a recipe or a winemaking guide to determine the exact amount of sugar needed for the wine you are making.
What type of container should I use to store my strawberry wine?
Glass or plastic bottles with a tight-fitting cap are the best containers for storing strawberry wine.
Is it necessary to purchase special ingredients to make strawberry wine?
No, it is not necessary to purchase special ingredients to make strawberry wine. All you need is strawberries, water, yeast, and sugar.
How much alcohol can I expect to have in my finished strawberry wine?
The amount of alcohol in your finished strawberry wine will depend on the type and quantity of yeast used, the ripeness of the fruit, and the specific fermentation process used. Generally, a good rule of thumb is that homemade strawberry wines average between 8-12% alcohol by volume (ABV).
Is there a specific temperature I should maintain while making strawberry wine?
The recommended fermentation temperature for strawberry wine is between 68-72°F (20-22°C). Keeping the temperature steady at this range is important for a good fermentation. If the temperature gets too high, above 76°F (24°C), the yeast can become stressed and produce off-flavors. If the temperature gets too low, below 64°F (18°C), the yeast can become sluggish and the fermentation process can be slowed down.
Conclusion
This strawberry wine recipe is easy to make and has a delicious flavor. It is a great way to make homemade wine that will be sure to please everyone. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a delightful, sweet beverage that will be enjoyed by all. Whether you are serving it at a dinner party or just sipping it by yourself, this wine is sure to make any occasion special. Enjoy!
