5 Gallon Concord Grape Wine Recipe for Beginners

There’s something truly magical about crafting your own homemade wine, especially when it’s bursting with the rich, sweet flavor of Concord grapes. Making a 5 gallon batch of Concord grape wine is not only a rewarding project but also a fantastic way to capture the essence of late summer and fall in a bottle.

Whether you’re a seasoned vintner or just starting out, this recipe will guide you through every step to create a smooth, delicious wine that you’ll be proud to share with friends and family.

Using fresh Concord grapes, combined with simple ingredients and equipment, you can ferment your own wine right at home. This process takes patience, but the payoff is worth every moment.

Ready to dive into the world of winemaking? Let’s get started with this detailed, easy-to-follow 5 gallon Concord grape wine recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for both beginners and experienced home winemakers. Using Concord grapes, known for their bold color and intense flavor, ensures a classic American-style wine that’s fruity and robust.

The step-by-step instructions make the complex process approachable, and the 5 gallon batch size is ideal for those wanting to produce enough wine to enjoy for months without overwhelming storage.

Plus, making your own wine allows you to customize sweetness, acidity, and alcohol content to suit your taste. With natural ingredients and a hands-on approach, you’ll feel connected to the craft and develop a new appreciation for the art of winemaking.

Ingredients

• 36 lbs fresh Concord grapes (or frozen if fresh are unavailable)
• 5 gallons filtered water
• 8-10 lbs granulated sugar (adjust based on desired sweetness and potential alcohol)
• 1 tsp yeast nutrient
• 1 campden tablet (crushed, for sterilization)
• 1 packet wine yeast (Lalvin EC-1118 or Montrachet)
• 1 tsp pectic enzyme (helps break down fruit pulp for clearer wine)
• 1 tsp acid blend (to balance tartness)
• 1 tsp tannin powder (optional, for added structure)

Equipment

• 5 gallon primary fermenter (food grade bucket with lid)
• 6 gallon glass carboy (for secondary fermentation)
• Airlock and rubber stopper
• Hydrometer (to measure sugar levels)
• Fruit crusher or large bowl and potato masher
• Straining bag (for grape pulp)
• Siphoning tube
• Sanitizing solution (such as Star San)
• Thermometer
• Large stirring spoon (food grade)

Instructions

1. Prepare your workspace and sanitize all equipment. Cleanliness is critical to prevent contamination and spoilage.
2. Crush the grapes. Place the Concord grapes in a sanitized fermenter or large bowl. Use a fruit crusher or potato masher to gently crush the grapes, releasing their juice but leaving some pulp intact.
3. Add water and campden tablet. Pour 5 gallons of filtered water over the crushed grapes. Crush and add 1 campden tablet to sterilize the must. Stir well, cover with a clean cloth, and let it sit for 24 hours to eliminate wild yeast and bacteria.
4. After 24 hours, add yeast nutrient, pectic enzyme, acid blend, and tannin. Stir gently to combine. These ingredients aid fermentation and improve flavor clarity.
5. Check temperature. Ensure the must is between 65-75°F (18-24°C) before adding yeast.
6. Pitch the wine yeast. Sprinkle the yeast evenly over the surface of the must. Do not stir immediately; let it rehydrate for 15 minutes, then mix gently.
7. Ferment in primary fermenter. Cover the fermenter with a lid and airlock or clean cloth. Stir the must daily to keep the skins moist and encourage fermentation. Within 2-5 days, you’ll notice bubbling and foam forming.
8. Monitor sugar levels. Use a hydrometer to check the specific gravity. When it drops to about 1.010 or below (usually after 7-10 days), it’s time to move to secondary fermentation.
9. Strain and transfer to carboy. Place the straining bag over a sanitized funnel and carefully pour the must through it into the 6 gallon glass carboy. Gently press the bag to extract juice but avoid pushing pulp through to reduce sediment.
10. Attach airlock and ferment further. Fit the rubber stopper and airlock onto the carboy. Store in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks. The wine will clear as sediment settles.
11. Siphon off sediment. After fermentation slows and wine clears, siphon the liquid into a clean carboy, leaving sediment behind. Repeat this process every 4-6 weeks until the wine is clear and fermentation is complete.
12. Sweeten and stabilize (optional). If you prefer sweeter wine, dissolve sugar in a small amount of wine and add potassium sorbate to prevent renewed fermentation.
13. Bottle your wine. Sanitize bottles and corks. Siphon wine into bottles, leaving about an inch of headspace. Cork and store bottles horizontally in a cool, dark place.
14. Age your wine. Allow the bottles to age for at least 6 months for best flavor. Patience is key to developing depth and complexity.

Tips & Variations

“Consistency in sanitation and temperature control are the pillars of successful winemaking.”

• Use frozen grapes if fresh grapes aren’t available—just thaw before crushing.
• Experiment with yeast strains such as Lalvin K1-V1116 for a fruitier profile or EC-1118 for a drier finish.
• Add oak chips during secondary fermentation for a subtle vanilla and spice note.
• Adjust sugar levels depending on desired alcohol content. Use a hydrometer to measure starting gravity.
• Consider blending with other fruit juices like blackberry or elderberry for unique flavors.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Concord grape wine pairs beautifully with a variety of foods. Its fruity sweetness complements sharp cheeses like aged cheddar or gouda.

Serve chilled during summer barbecues or slightly warmed in winter as a cozy treat.

Try pairing it with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even chocolate desserts to highlight its berry notes. For a simple yet elegant touch, garnish your glass with a fresh Concord grape or a sprig of mint.

Looking for more delicious recipes to enjoy alongside your homemade wine? Check out these fantastic options:

• Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious – Perfect for light bites with wine.
• Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide – A hearty soup to warm you up.
• Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping – For adventurous days out paired with your homemade wine.

Conclusion

Making your own 5 gallon batch of Concord grape wine is a fulfilling journey that combines patience, craft, and a love for natural flavors. With just a handful of ingredients and some basic equipment, you can transform fresh grapes into a flavorful, smooth wine perfect for any occasion.

The process connects you with tradition while letting you experiment and develop your personal touch.

Whether you’re gifting bottles to friends, celebrating a special moment, or simply enjoying a glass after a long day, this recipe offers a reliable path to delicious homemade wine. Remember, winemaking is as much an art as it is a science—embrace the process and savor each sip of your hard-earned creation!

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