How to Make Wine Using Fresh Concord Grapes

Ingredients and Supplies:

- Fresh Concord grapes (about 10-12 pounds)

- White sugar (1-2 cups, depending on sweetness preference)

- Wine yeast

- Yeast nutrient

- Campden tablets

- Glass fermentation container (or food-grade plastic bucket) with a lid

- Airlock

- Hydrometer

- Thermometer

- Stirring spoon or paddle

- Cheesecloth

- Funnel

- Wine bottles

- Bottle caps or corks

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

- Clean and sanitize all your equipment (fermentation container, airlock, etc.) with a no-rinse sanitizer or a mixture of water and bleach (1 tablespoon bleach per gallon of water).

- Check that your grapes are ripe and healthy. Remove any damaged or rotten grapes.

- Crush or mash the grapes using a grape press or a food processor. (Note: You don't need to remove the skins as Concord grape skins contribute to the color and flavor of the wine.)

2. Primary Fermentation:

- Pour the crushed grapes into the fermentation container, leaving a few inches of headspace at the top.

- Add sugar and stir well. The amount of sugar added depends on your desired sweetness level.

- Add the wine yeast and yeast nutrient to the must (grape juice). Follow the instructions on the yeast package for the recommended amount.

- Add a crushed Campden tablet to prevent oxidation and kill any wild yeasts.

- Cover the container and let it ferment at around 70-80°F (21-27°C) for 5-7 days. Stir occasionally to ensure even fermentation.

3. Secondary Fermentation:

- After primary fermentation, strain the wine through cheesecloth into a clean fermentation container, leaving behind the solids.

- At this stage, taste the wine and adjust the sweetness level by adding more sugar if desired.

- If you want a clearer wine, you can let it sit in a cool place for a few days to let any sediment settle down. Then carefully rack (transfer) the wine into another clean container, leaving the sediment behind.

- Attach an airlock to the container and let it undergo secondary fermentation for another 4-6 weeks. This will help smooth out the flavors and make the wine more mellow.

4. Clarification:

- After secondary fermentation, you can clarify the wine further using a clarifying agent such as bentonite clay or gelatin. This step is optional and depends on your preference.

- Follow the instructions on the clarifying agent's packaging for proper usage and dosage.

5. Bottling and Aging:

- Once the wine has cleared and is ready, siphon or carefully transfer it into sterilized bottles.

- Leave a small amount of headspace in each bottle to allow for expansion.

- Seal the bottles with corks or bottle caps.

- Label the bottles with the type of wine, grape variety, and bottling date.

- Allow the wine to age for at least a few months before enjoying it. Store the bottles in a cool, dark place to age gracefully over time.

Remember, patience is key when making wine. The aging process can greatly improve the flavor and complexity of your homemade Concord grape wine. Enjoy!