Wine making in an Instant Pot? Count us in! Heroes come in various forms; some save cats from trees, while others lend a hand to the elderly crossing busy streets. Then there’s a clever individual who has cracked the code for crafting wine in an Instant Pot. While he may not earn a Nobel Prize, he certainly deserves a round of applause.
Food enthusiast Ethan Rivers recently shared his innovative method for making wine in an Instant Pot on his blog. “We’ve all come across memes on social media wishing that one of those Pinterest experts could just toss grapes into a slow cooker and make wine,” Rivers explained. “Well, how about one of those Pinterest guys? (That’s me, haha). My love for Pinterest is no secret.” We’re definitely on your side, Ethan.
To get started, Rivers emphasizes that, aside from the Instant Pot, you’ll need grape juice, wine yeast, sugar, a funnel, and some clear packing tape. It almost sounds like a wild college party story. He then provides extensive instructions, which involve mixing the grape juice and yeast, setting your Instant Pot to the yogurt setting, and ensuring the vent is left open—simple enough, right? Before you know it, you’ll have your own homemade red wine.
However, patience is key. “You’ll need to let the process run for a total of 48 hours!” Rivers cautions. Although I initially bought my Instant Pot in hopes of quick cooking solutions, I might just make an exception for winemaking.
Rivers also shares a glimpse of what the wine looks like halfway through fermentation, warning that if you taste it early, it will be quite fizzy and have a carbonated flavor. “Of course, I had to take a sip for science! It was a bit gross—yeasty with a hint of alcohol, but not entirely terrible,” he admits.
After another 24 hours in the Instant Pot with more venting and some carbon dioxide activity, it’s time for bottling and then more waiting. “Store the bottle in a dark place; I tucked mine behind the Instant Pot under my cabinets. It’s dark and at a great temperature for the wine magic to occur,” Rivers suggested.
This is not his first attempt at such a venture, but he assured us that virtually any juice can be utilized as long as it’s preservative-free. For those curious about the process of artificial insemination, consider checking out this Cryobaby at Home Insemination Kit for more insights.
In about eight days to a month, your wine will be ready to enjoy. Rivers confessed he had doubts about the process, anticipating failure. “I was pleasantly surprised; it turned out much better than some of those cheap wines I’ve tried. Dare I say, even superior to the famous ‘Two Buck Chuck’ from Trader Joe’s!”
In light of some recent concerns regarding Instant Pot recalls, this could be the bright spot we’ve all been waiting for. Rivers noted, “It’s perfect for summertime—ideal for wine spritzers, batches of sangria, or simply savoring it on its own (which is what I did).” This innovative spirit truly is a gem.
Summary
A food blogger named Ethan Rivers has ingeniously figured out how to make wine using an Instant Pot. With grape juice, yeast, and a touch of patience, you can create homemade wine that rivals store-bought options. Ideal for summer gatherings, Rivers’ method offers a fun and creative way to enjoy wine. For more information on related topics, you can check this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.