Did you know you can make wine from dandelions? The golden spring flower is not just beautiful – it can also be turned into a floral, fresh, and truly unique wine. Here's a classic recipe for dandelion wine, perfect for beginners or anyone curious to try something different for spring picnics or summer dinners.
When spring arrives and dandelions burst into bloom, many people see weeds – but the wine lover sees ingredients. Dandelion wine is an old-fashioned homemade recipe that’s making a comeback among DIY winemakers and nature enthusiasts. The flavor is light, citrusy and surprisingly elegant.
Dandelion Wine
Yields approx. 4 liters
Ingredients:
• 3 liters of dandelion petals (only the yellow parts)
• 4 liters of water
• 1.5–2 kg of sugar (adjust to taste)
• 2 organic lemons (juice + zest)
• 1 orange (optional – for rounder flavor)
• 1 tsp freshly grated ginger (optional)
• 1 packet wine yeast
• Optional: 1 tsp yeast nutrient
Instructions:
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Pick & prepare:
Pick dandelions on a sunny day when they are fully open. Use only the yellow petals – the green parts can make the wine bitter. -
Pre-fermentation:
Boil the water and pour it over the petals in a large pot or fermentation bucket. Cover and let sit for 2 days, stirring occasionally. -
Strain & flavor:
Strain out the petals. Gently heat the liquid with the sugar, lemon juice + zest, optional orange and ginger. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Let cool to room temperature. -
Fermentation:
Add the wine yeast (and optional yeast nutrient) to the cooled liquid. Pour into a fermentation vessel with an airlock. Let ferment in a cool, dark place for 2–4 weeks. -
Bottling & aging:
When fermentation is complete, transfer to clean bottles. Age for at least 3–6 months. The wine only improves over time!
Serving tips:
Dandelion wine pairs beautifully with light spring and summer dishes. Try it with goat cheese salad, fresh greens or simply serve as a floral aperitif. Best enjoyed chilled in small glasses.
Want to give it as a gift? Print a custom label, tie a cork to the bottle with string – and you have a thoughtful, handmade gift full of charm.
Why not save one of the corks (if you use natural cork) in a Corkframe? It becomes a wine memory just as personal as the wine itself.
