Time for some Homemade Wine

Last summer I made it a goal for myself to learn how to make great homemade wine. Nothing fancy or to much work. I just wanted a basic yummy wine that would be fun to share with friends and family. After a few tries (and a fruit fly incident we won’t get into right now!!) I finally have a fun & easy recipe to share.

First you’ll need a clean 1 gallon jug ,2 pitchers, funnel, rubber band, balloon, safety pin, 2 cups sugar, 2 frozen containers of 100% grape juice -defrosted, & 1 active dry yeast packet.

Mix active dry yeast with 2 cups VERY warm water in a separate pitcher. Let sit for 5 to 10 mins. In the mean time, empty the 2 defrosted containers of 100% juice into a pitcher. Add the 2 cups sugar & mix well until sugar is mostly dissolved. Using funnel pour juice sugar combo into the clean gallon jug. Then add the active dry yeast water combo to the jug. Place the lid on top & SHAKE very well!! Add water to fill the jug the rest of the way leaving aprox. 3 inches at the top. SHAKE WELL again.

Now poke a few holes in the balloon. Remove lid from jug & place the balloon on top. Secure balloon with the rubber band. Place jug in a cool dark place where it won’t be disturbed. A closet or the basement work great!

As the fermenting takes place over the next 15 to 20 days the balloon fill & will allow air to escape & nothing will be able to get in. After 2 weeks check to see if the balloon had deflated. If it has, its ready for the next step. If not, wait & check every couple of days. If its been 20 days & its still not deflated go ahead & start the next step.

Now pour the jug into a pitcher. It might take 2 pitchers to empty the jug. Be careful to pour slowly to keep the sediment at the bottom. Place the pitchers in the fridge for about 1 week & pour into a clean pitcher once again. The wine should be clear & sweet! This is a very strong wine & works well in punches too! You can use red or white grape juice or even mix the two.
Enjoy!!!