Elderflower wine is a delightful, fragrant homemade wine that embodies the essence of spring. I think without fail, unless you are a non-drinker, most of us when we first move onto acreage or opt for the offgrid lifestyle, make wine or champagne as one of our first adventures into the world of homemade!
Our journey with elderflower wine began when we moved from Brisbane, bringing with us cuttings of our old elderflower bush, This small shrub had been ornamental in our suburban garden so I bought the cuttings for sentimental reasons, not expecting much. To our delight, (and soon dispair) the cuttings thrived in the cooler, sub-tropical climate of Maleny, on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland.
The Perfect Climate of Maleny for Elderflowers
Maleny, with its mild climate and rich soil, proved to be an ideal environment for our elderflower cuttings. This region, known for its red clay-rich soil, vivid green hills and stunning indigenous flora, nurtured our plants far more than we could have imagined, allowing them to flourish beyond our expectations.
It’s a joy to see plants that we brought from our previous home in Brisbane adapt so well, but I was about to learn a tough lesson. Just a word of advice, when moving to a new area, check the climate, growing conditions, pests etc. Then check what the plant requires and what its growth will potentially be. We are, 15 years later, still pulling up runners from those original cuttings. Talk about ‘Day of the Triffids’, these elderflowers would have completely taken over given the chance! But we were new to the land and new to the region. We certainly ended up on the fast track learning what would thrive in our new climate.
Elderflower Wine: A Delightful Use of Homegrown Produce
Finding a purpose for what we grow was always part of the plan when we moved to our 40 acres of paradise. Elderflower champagne is a perfect example of this, turning the beautiful blooms of our garden into a delightful beverage seemed so romantic at the time. This process of transformation from flower to wine is not just about the end product but about the journey – the care in growing, the anticipation of the blooms, and the satisfaction of creating something truly unique. It was so satisfying seeing the beginning of this journey with our baby cuttings ending as Champagne within 2 years. Needless to say everyone was gifted Elderflower champagne as part of their Christmas gift that year!
The Recipe: Elderflower Wine
Ingredients
- 4 quarts of fresh elderflowers (ensure they are pesticide-free)
- 1 gallon of boiling water
- 8 cups of sugar
- 2 lemons (juice and zest)
- 2 oranges (juice and zest)
- 1 packet of wine yeast
- 1 teaspoon yeast nutrient
Equipment
- Large fermentation bucket
- Muslin cloth or fine strainer
- Demijohn (fermentation vessel)
- Airlock
- Bottles for storage
Method
- Preparing the Elderflowers: Gently rinse the elderflowers to remove any dirt or bugs. Place the flowers in a large fermentation bucket.
- Making the Base: Pour boiling water over the elderflowers. Add the sugar, and stir until dissolved. Allow this mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Adding Citrus and Yeast: Once cooled, add the lemon and orange juice and zest. Stir in the yeast and yeast nutrients. Cover the bucket with a clean cloth and let it sit in a warm, dark place for 24 hours. *Side note, depending on your climate and how much rain youve experienced in your area around harvest time, you may not need to add yeast. Elderflowers come with natural yeast, but I’ve added it here for safety. You may need to gauge how much you need based on your weather conditions.
- Primary Fermentation: After 24 hours, strain the liquid through a muslin cloth or fine strainer into a demijohn. Fit the demijohn with an airlock.
- Fermentation Process: Allow the wine to ferment for 4-6 weeks in a cool, dark place. The fermentation is complete when the bubbling in the airlock stops.
- Bottling: Once fermentation is complete, siphon the wine into clean bottles, avoiding the sediment at the bottom of the demijohn. Seal the bottles and store them in a cool, dark place.
- Maturing: Elderflower wine is best enjoyed after it has matured for a few months, allowing the flavors to develop fully.
The Joy of Home Brewing
The process of making elderflower wine is as rewarding as tasting the final product. It’s a celebration of nature, a testament to the joy of gardening, and a delightful way to use the bounties of your garden. The elderflowers that grew so well in the Maleny climate have not only beautified our garden but have also provided us with the raw material for this exquisite homemade wine.
Conclusion
Elderflower wine, with its delicate floral notes and refreshing taste, is a perfect way to celebrate the fruits of your labor in the garden. The journey from Brisbane to Maleny, with our elderflower cuttings in tow, has been a journey of discovery, growth, and joy. The process of making this wine is a beautiful blend of art and science, a testament to the wonders of nature and the joy of creating something with your own hands.
This wine is not just a beverage; it’s a story – of adaptation, growth, and the pleasures of home brewing. As we sip this delightful wine, we’re not just tasting the elderflowers; we’re experiencing a piece of our journey, our love for gardening, and the magic of Maleny.