Introduction

Watermelon wine, a delightful and refreshing beverage, is perfect for those warm summer days when you want to chill by the pool or relax on the beach. This fruity concoction allows you to enjoy the essence of watermelon in a tastier and more potent form. In this article, we’ll explore how to make watermelon wine at home using simple techniques and readily available ingredients.

Ingredients:

1. One large ripe watermelon (approximately 6-8 lbs.)

2. 2 lbs. granulated sugar

3. 1 tsp acid blend

4. 1 tsp yeast nutrient

5. 1 packet wine yeast

6. 1/8 tsp tannin

7. 1 Campden tablet (crushed)

8. Water, as needed

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Watermelon

To start, choose a ripe watermelon with its signature deep green color and a hint of yellow spot indicating its readiness for consumption. Wash the outer surface properly to remove any dirt or bacteria. Cut it open, remove and discard seeds if necessary, and scoop out the red flesh into a large container.

Step 2: Extract Juice

Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the watermelon flesh until smooth. Pour the puree through a fine mesh strainer into another container to separate the juice from any remaining solids. Press gently to extract as much juice as possible.

Step 3: Create the Must

In a large fermentation container, mix together the watermelon juice, sugar, acid blend, yeast nutrient, tannin, and crushed Campden tablet. Stir until all sugar is dissolved completely. At this point, you may need to add some water to reach a total volume of around one gallon.

Step 4: Add Yeast

After waiting about 12-24 hours for the Campden tablet to eliminate any potential wild yeast and bacteria, add the wine yeast to the mixture. Gently stir it in.

Step 5: Start Fermentation

Cover the container with a fermentation airlock to allow the release of carbon dioxide and prevent oxygen and other contaminants from entering. Place the container in a cool, dark place (ideally at a temperature around 68°F – 70°F) and let it ferment for approximately 7-10 days.

Step 6: Rack the Wine

Once primary fermentation is complete, carefully siphon the wine off the sediment (called racking) into another clean container, avoiding any remains at the bottom. Install an airlock on this new container and let it sit for another 30-45 days.

Step 7: Secondary Racking

Repeat the racking process again to help clarify your wine and remove any additional sediment. If necessary, rack the wine multiple times until it gains clarity.

Step 8: Bottle & Age

Once you’re satisfied with the clarity of your watermelon wine, you can bottle it using a siphoning hose and funnel. Cork or cap your bottles and store them in a cool, dark place.

Allow your watermelon wine to age for at least six months before consuming. However, allowing it to age for a year (or more) generally results in better-tasting wine.

Conclusion

Creating watermelon wine can be a fun and rewarding experience that takes you through various stages—from selecting suitable fruit to bottling the aged final product. The end result is a refreshing beverage that you can enjoy on balmy summer days or gift to friends and family. Whether you’re hosting an event or just experimenting with flavors at home, watermelon wine provides a unique taste sensation worth trying.