Prepare the Raisins

• Chop the Raisins: Begin by chopping the dark raisins into small pieces. This step enhances the flavour and body of your wine as more of the raisins’ sweetness and nutrients are released during fermentation.

Mix the Ingredients

• Combine Raisins, Sugar, and Lemon: In a large glass or ceramic jar, mix the chopped raisins, sugar, and lemon. These ingredients form the base of your homemade raisin wine.

Add Boiling Water

• Pour Boiling Water: Carefully pour 5 litres of boiling water over the raisin mixture. This step helps to extract flavours from the raisins. Allow the mixture to sit for 12 hours. This is a crucial step, much like the method I use in my Homemade Dates Wine.

Activate the Yeast

• Activate the Yeast: Dissolve the yeast in warm water, adding 5 teaspoons of sugar to help kick-start the yeast activation. Wait until the yeast becomes foamy and active.

Add Yeast to the Mixture

• Combine Yeast with Raisin Mixture: After 12 hours, add the activated yeast to the raisin mixture. Yeast is the key to the fermentation process, transforming sugars into alcohol.

Optional Flavour Enhancers

• Add Sugar and Cinnamon (Optional): For additional sweetness and depth of flavour, you can add extra sugar and cinnamon sticks at this stage. This step is optional but highly recommended if you prefer a richer, spicier wine.

Stir Daily

• Daily Stirring for One Week: Stir the mixture every day for a week. This helps distribute the yeast evenly and promotes fermentation, which is vital for developing the flavour and alcohol content.

Strain and Bottle

• Strain and Bottle the Wine: After a week of stirring, strain the mixture, pressing the juice out thoroughly. Bottle the liquid, sealing the bottles tightly to avoid contamination and evaporation.

Store for a Month

• Ageing the Wine: Store the bottles in a dark, dry place for one month. This is when the wine begins to mature and develop its rich flavours.

Re-Bottle and Filter

• Re-Bottling After a Month: After a month, carefully pour the clear wine into new bottles, leaving behind any sediments that have settled at the bottom. Repeat this process for another month to ensure a clean, clear wine.

Taste and Adjust

• Taste the Wine: After two months, taste the wine. If needed, adjust the sweetness or flavour by adding more sugar or cinnamon. This step ensures the wine meets your personal preference.

Continue the Filtering Process

• Final Filtration: Continue filtering the wine every month until no more sediments are present. This ensures your raisin wine is smooth and free of any unwanted particles.

Store and Age for Best Results

• Store the Wine for Ageing: Once fully filtered, store the wine in clean, dry bottles. Allow the wine to age in a cool, dark place for the best results. The longer you let it age, the richer and more refined the flavour will become.

If you’re a fan of different wine flavours, this Homemade Ginger wine recipe is worth a try.

Notes & Tips for Making the Perfect Homemade Raisin Wine

• Chop Raisins for More Flavour: Smaller raisin pieces release more sweetness and enhance the body of the wine.
• Raisins Are Naturally Sweet: Adjust the amount of sugar based on your taste preferences, especially if using different types of raisins.
• Experiment with Raisin Types: I used dark brown raisins, but you can experiment with white or golden raisins for a lighter wine.
• Substitute Wine Yeast: If available, use wine yeast for more authentic results. I used normal yeast, but either works well.
• Daily Stirring is Key: Stirring the mixture every day is crucial for a successful fermentation process.
• Store in a Moisture-Free Place: Always store your bottles in a cool, dry, and moisture-free environment to ensure the wine brews properly.
• Tropical Climates Brew Faster: Since I live in a tropical region, my wine fermented faster. However, I strictly followed the recommended timeframes for the best results.
• No Artificial Additives: I didn’t use any artificial colours, preservatives, or flavour enhancers in this recipe. The natural flavours achieved were more than satisfying.

The Perfect Brew Takes Time

    By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to create a delicious and satisfying homemade Traditional Raisin Wine that improves with age that not only tastes amazing but also improves with age. Perfect for celebrations or as a special homemade gift, or simply to enjoy at home, this raisin wine is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Raise a Glass to Your Homemade Raisin Wine!

    Congratulations! You've unlocked the secret to crafting your very own rich, flavourful Homemade Raisin Wine —smooth in texture and guaranteed to impress.  The patience and care you’ve put into brewing it will pay off with each glass.  So why wait? Start your wine-making journey today and enjoy the fruits of your labour in a few months. Trust me, it’s worth every step!

Ready to Try More Homemade Wines?

    If you enjoyed making this raisin wine, check out Essence of Life - Food for other Homemade Wine Recipes for more delicious ideas. From grape to ginger wines, there’s something for every palate.   Love making homemade creations? Subscribe to my blog - Essence of Life- Food, and never miss a new recipe. You’ll receive tips, tricks, and mouthwatering recipes straight to your inbox.