How to Make Wine From Grape Juice

A nice glass of wine is a delightful addition to any meal. Wouldn't it be fun at your next social gathering if you could point out that you, yourself, had made the wine? Making wine is a fun, economical and exciting hobby that will spice up your dinner and your dinner conversations for years to come.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1/2 gallon of grape juice
• 1 gallon of water
• Sugar
• 1/2 packet of yeast
• 2 2-gallon tupperware jugs with lids that fasten tightly
• Nail
• Hammer
• White coffee filter
• Thick rubber band
• Spoon

How to Make Wine From Grape Juice

1. 
   Using grape juice that has not been diluted with water or sugar will result in a better wine product.

   Pour the grape juice into a 2-gallon jug. It is best to use 100% grape juice instead of a mix from concentrate or a fruit drink that is only partly grape juice.

2. Mix the gallon of water into the grape juice. Use the spoon to stir up the mixture.

3. Add sugar until the mixture turns cloudy. Stir the mixture continuously while adding sugar. When no more will dissolve, the liquid will turn cloudy.

4. 
   Yeast is what causes the grape juice to ferment and become wine.

   Add the yeast. Stir this into the mixture also, then move the jug to the side.

5. Use the nail to make a hole in the lid of the jug. Do this before you have attached the lid to the jug to avoid jostling the wine. This hole will allow the carbonation to escape while the wine is fermenting.

6. Place the lid with the hole in it on the jug of wine. Seal it tightly so that the only way air can escape is through the nail-hole in the top of the jug.

7. 
   Bubbles rising in the fermenting wine. As long as these bubbles are visible, your wine is not done.

   Store the jug of wine in a cool, dark place for 3 to 7 days. During this time the yeast will cause the wine to ferment and become an alcoholic beverage. You will know your wine is done when bubbles stop rising to the surface of the liquid.

8. Remove the top of the jug holding the wine.Do this carefully. If you have removed the lid too soon, the liquid will smell terrible.

9. 

   Attach the white coffee filter to the top of the wine jug using the rubber band. Be sure to attach the filter firmly so that it does not fall off while you are straining out the extra sugar and yeast.

10. 
    Imagine the pleasure of pouring yourself and glass of delicious wine that is your own vintage.

    Pour the wine through the filter into the other 2-gallon jug. Now you are ready to enjoy your own homemade wine.

Tips & Warnings

• Different yeasts require that wine be stored at different temperatures during fermentation. Check the label to be sure that you are storing your wine at the correct temperature.
• Many people who make their own wine do not drink it immediately after straining it. They may let it age for months or even years. You will have to decide according to your tastes how you like your wine best.
• Any process involving fermentation can cause potentially dangerous chemical reactions if the mixtures are stored improperly. You should consult a wine-making equipment expert before attempting wine-making on a large scale.

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[Jeff619]

on 12/29/2008 I have used the balloon technique (balloon with a small hole in it over the bottle opening-eliminates frequent lid openings) vs the nail hole in the lid as it "saves" the lid. I did appreciate Step 9 (straining technique)which I haven't done before. This recipe seems to call for a lot of sugar, perhaps she likes a sweet wine. For those of us who prefer a Merlot or Cabernet, 1-1 1/2 cups of sugar per gallon will work well. Try making a double batch, one for quick drinking in a few weeks and one to let sit for months or years.

[Jeff619]

on 12/29/2008 I have used the balloon technique vs the nail hole in the lid as it "saves" the lid. I did appreciate Step 9 (straining technique)which I haven't done before. This recipe seems to call for a lot of sugar, perhaps she likes a sweet wine. For those of us who prefer a Merlot or Cabernet, 1-1 1/2 cups of sugar per gallon will work well. Try making a double batch, one for quick drinking in a few weeks and one to let sit for months or years.