How To Make Cherry Wine

Welcome to the world of cherry wine – a fruity, delightful concoction that's perfect for sipping on a warm summer day or for pairing with decadent desserts. Whether you're new to wine-making or you've been perfecting your craft for years, making cherry wine is a fun and rewarding experience. Ready to embark on this fruity adventure with us? Let's dive right in!

What You'll Need to Make Cherry Wine

To get started, you'll need the following essentials:

• Fresh, ripe cherries (approximately 15-20 pounds)
• Granulated sugar (5-7 pounds, depending on desired sweetness)
• Filtered or spring water (approximately 5 gallons)
• Wine yeast (1 package, or follow the package recommendations for 5 gallons)
• Yeast nutrient (follow package recommendations)
• Wine tannin (optional, follow package recommendations)
• Acid blend (optional, follow package recommendations)
• Equipment: cherry pitter, primary fermentation container, stirring utensil, mesh bag, airlock, siphon, hydrometer, sterilizing solution, and bottles with corks

Step 1: Preparing Your Cherries

Begin by washing and pitting your cherries, making sure to remove all stems and leaves. Once the cherries are pitted, place them in a sanitized nylon mesh bag and gently crush the cherries with your hands to release the juices.

Step 2: Creating the Must

In your primary fermentation container, combine the crushed cherries with the sugar and any desired additives (tannin or acid blend). Then, add enough water to bring the mixture to a total volume of 5 gallons. This will create the wine "must" – a mixture of cherry juices, sugar, and water, which is the wine's base.

Step 3: Adding the Yeast

In a separate bowl, rehydrate the wine yeast by following the package instructions, and then stir it into your cherry must. Cover the container with a loose-fitting lid or clean towel and let it sit for 24 hours. This allows the yeast to acclimate and begin fermentation.

Step 4: Fermentation

After 24 hours, it's time to add the yeast nutrient and secure the airlock onto your fermentation container. Over the next few days, you should begin to see signs of fermentation, such as bubbles and a frothy foam forming on the surface of the must. Primary fermentation typically takes around two weeks. To ensure healthy fermentation, stir the must daily and check the fermentation progress using your hydrometer.

Step 5: Racking Your Wine

Once primary fermentation is complete, siphon your cherry wine into a sterilized glass carboy, leaving the sediment behind. This process is called "racking." Attach the airlock once more and allow the wine to continue fermenting and clarifying for roughly three to six months.

Step 6: Bottling and Aging

After the cherry wine has significantly cleared, it's time to bottle! Siphon the wine into sterilized wine bottles and cork them securely. Store the bottles in a cool, dark place to age for at least three months – although many cherry wines improve with even longer aging times.

How To Make Cherry Wine Example:

Imagine an intimate late-summer gathering with friends, surrounded by twinkling fairy lights as the sun sets. As the conversation flows effortlessly, you pour each guest a glass of your homemade cherry wine. The deep red hue casts a warm glow, and the burst of fruity flavor is breathtaking. From the initial cherry prep to the final bottling, the entire process has been a labor of love, culminating in this memorable gathering and shared experience.

Congratulations, you're now equipped with the knowledge to create your very own delicious cherry wine! Feel free to experiment with different cherry varieties or sugar levels and make the recipe truly your own. As you dive deeper into the world of homemade wines, don't forget to explore other exciting articles and guides here at Black Wine Club. And, of course, don't keep your newfound expertise to yourself – please share this how-to guide with other aspiring winemakers and help spread the cherry wine joy!