Elderberry Country Wine

Total timeline: 150 days (30 fermentation + 120 aging)

  1. Day 0

    Cook the berries

    If using fresh elderberries, never eat raw — gently cook 15 min in a pot. Add to bag.

  2. Day 0

    Add hot syrup

    Add raisins, cane sugar dissolved in hot water; cool to 70°F.

  3. Day 0

    Campden + wait

    Crush Campden, stir. Wait 24h.

  4. Day 1

    Pitch yeast

    Add pectic enzyme, acid blend, nutrient, yeast.

  5. Day 1-8

    Primary

    Punch down daily 7 days. Color goes deep purple-black.

  6. Day 8

    Press + rack

    Squeeze bag; rack to carboy.

  7. Day 8-100

    Secondary + age

    Bulk age 3+ months for tannin to soften.

  8. Day 120

    Bottle

    Bottle. Improves dramatically over 1-2 years.