5 Gallon Elderberry Wine Recipe for Perfect Homemade Wine

There’s something truly magical about crafting your own wine at home, and elderberry wine is a delightful choice for beginners and seasoned vintners alike. Bursting with rich, dark fruit flavors and a hint of natural tartness, elderberry wine offers a unique taste experience that’s both refreshing and deeply satisfying.

Making a 5 gallon batch is perfect for sharing with friends, gifting, or simply enjoying throughout the year. Plus, homemade elderberry wine carries the charm of tradition and the joy of creating something truly your own.

In this detailed recipe, we’ll walk you through every step of making your own 5 gallon elderberry wine—from selecting ripe elderberries to bottling your finished product. Whether you’re a hobbyist or someone looking to dive into the world of winemaking, this recipe provides clear, easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips to ensure your wine turns out beautifully.

Let’s raise a glass to your next delicious homemade vintage!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This elderberry wine recipe stands out for its balance of sweet and tart flavors, making it incredibly versatile for pairing with meals or sipping on its own. Elderberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, adding a healthful edge to the indulgence.

Making your own batch allows you to control the ingredients, avoiding additives and preservatives found in commercial wines.

Additionally, this 5 gallon recipe is scaled to be manageable for home brewers but enough to keep you well-stocked or share with loved ones. The process is rewarding and educational, perfect for anyone wanting to explore fermentation and natural beverages.

Plus, homemade elderberry wine makes a charming gift that showcases your craftsmanship!

Ingredients

• 10 lbs fresh elderberries (stems removed)
• 8 lbs granulated sugar
• 5 gallons water
• 1 packet wine yeast (Lalvin EC-1118 or similar)
• 2 teaspoons yeast nutrient
• 1 teaspoon pectic enzyme
• 1 campden tablet (crushed, optional for sterilization)
• 1 teaspoon acid blend
• 1 teaspoon tannin powder

Equipment

• 5 gallon fermentation bucket with lid
• Airlock and bung
• Large stainless steel pot (at least 6 gallons capacity)
• Fine mesh straining bag or cheesecloth
• Hydrometer
• Sanitizer (such as Star San)
• Plastic or glass stirring spoon
• Glass carboy or secondary fermenter (5 gallons)
• Siphoning tube with clamp
• Wine bottles and corks or caps
• Corker or bottle capper

Instructions

1. Prepare your elderberries: Rinse the elderberries thoroughly, removing any stems or leaves. Place the berries into a fine mesh bag or cheesecloth for easy removal later.
2. Sanitize all equipment: Use a no-rinse sanitizer to clean your fermentation bucket, stirring spoon, airlock, and any tools to prevent contamination.
3. Make the must: In the large pot, bring 2 gallons of water to a boil. Add the elderberry bag and simmer gently for 15 minutes to extract color and flavor. Remove the pot from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Add sugar and water: Remove the elderberry bag, squeezing it to extract as much juice as possible. Stir in the granulated sugar gradually until completely dissolved. Add the remaining 3 gallons of cold water to cool the mixture to about 70°F (21°C).
5. Add additives: Stir in the pectic enzyme, acid blend, tannin powder, and yeast nutrient. If using, crush and add the campden tablet now to sterilize the must. Cover and let the must sit for 24 hours.
6. Pitch the yeast: After 24 hours, sprinkle the wine yeast over the surface of the must. Do not stir—allow it to rehydrate on the surface for 15 minutes, then mix gently.
7. Primary fermentation: Attach the lid and airlock to the fermentation bucket. Store in a dark, cool place (65-75°F) and let ferment for 7-10 days, stirring daily to break up the fruit layer.
8. Transfer to secondary fermenter: After primary fermentation slows (specific gravity near 1.020), siphon the wine off the sediment into a sanitized glass carboy. Attach airlock and allow wine to ferment and clarify for 4-6 weeks.
9. Racking and aging: Rack the wine (transfer off the lees) every 4-6 weeks as needed until the wine clears and fermentation fully stops (specific gravity stabilizes around 0.990-1.000).
10. Bottling: Once the wine is clear and stable, siphon into sanitized bottles, leaving sediment behind. Cork or cap the bottles and store in a cool, dark place. Age for at least 6 months for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

“Patience is key with elderberry wine — the longer you age it, the smoother and more complex the flavor becomes.”

• Adjust sweetness: Use a hydrometer to check sugar levels and adjust to taste before bottling. You can back-sweeten with sugar or grape juice if desired.
• Try different yeasts: Experiment with different wine yeasts like Montrachet or Red Star Premier Blanc for subtle flavor variations.
• Add spices: For a seasonal twist, add cinnamon sticks, cloves, or orange zest during primary fermentation for warm spice notes.
• Use frozen elderberries: If fresh berries aren’t available, frozen elderberries work well and may yield even deeper flavors.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Elderberry wine is a versatile drink that pairs beautifully with a variety of foods. Its fruity, slightly tart profile complements rich cheeses like brie or gouda, roasted meats such as duck or pork, and even spicy dishes.

Serve chilled or at room temperature depending on your preference.

For a refreshing twist, mix elderberry wine with sparkling water and a sprig of rosemary for a delightful spritzer. It also makes a charming base for mulled wine when warmed with spices during the colder months.

Explore recipes like Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy to create elderberry-infused desserts or pairings perfectly suited for your homemade wine.

Conclusion

Making your own 5 gallon elderberry wine is a rewarding journey that combines nature’s bounty with the art of fermentation. This recipe provides a comprehensive guide to crafting a flavorful, smooth wine that you can proudly call your own.

With patience and attention to detail, you’ll produce a beverage that not only tastes incredible but also carries the satisfaction of homemade craftsmanship.

Whether you’re sharing with friends or enjoying a quiet evening, elderberry wine enriches the experience with its rich color, deep flavor, and subtle complexity. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations and explore new flavor profiles.

For more inspiration on home cooking and creative recipes, check out Dassana Veg Recipes: Easy and Delicious Meals to Try and Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Guide.

Cheers to your brewing success and many delightful sips ahead!

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