When it comes to heroes, they come in various forms. Some save cats from trees, while others assist elderly individuals across busy intersections. Then there’s the visionary who has figured out how to concoct wine in an Instant Pot. While he may not be in the running for a Nobel Prize, he certainly deserves recognition.
Food enthusiast Mark Thompson recently detailed his process for making wine in an Instant Pot on his blog. “We’ve all encountered memes on Facebook wishing that someone could just toss grapes into a slow cooker and create wine,” Thompson noted. “Well, how about someone who does it with an Instant Pot? (That’s me, haha). I adore Pinterest. That’s all I have to say.”
And honestly, Mark, we appreciate you more than you know.
Getting Started with Winemaking
To embark on this winemaking adventure, you’ll need an Instant Pot, grape juice, wine yeast, sugar, a funnel, and some clear packing tape—an odd list reminiscent of a date gone awry back in college. Thompson provides an extensive set of instructions involving the grape juice and yeast, setting your Instant Pot to the yogurt setting, and leaving the vent open on the lid. After a bit of preparation, you’ll soon find yourself with a batch of homemade red wine.
However, patience is crucial. “You’ll need to let it brew for a total of 48 hours!” Thompson cautions. While I tend to shy away from lengthy cooking times—often deciding what’s for dinner just 15 minutes before eating—I might make an exception for the sake of wine.
What to Expect During Fermentation
Thompson shares a mid-fermentation snapshot so users know what to expect. “If you take a taste, it may be fizzy and have that carbonated flavor,” he warns. “Naturally, I had to give it a sip, haha. It was a bit off—but not terrible, just a yeasty flavor with a slight kick.”
After another 24 hours in the Instant Pot, involving more venting and some bottling, the next step is patience. “Store the bottle in a dark place away from light. I tucked mine behind the Instant Pot, under my cabinets. It’s dark and perfect for the wine to develop,” he explained.
Final Thoughts on the Process
Thompson mentioned to a fellow blogger that he had never attempted winemaking in his Instant Pot before but noted that you can use any type of juice you enjoy as long as it’s free of preservatives. In the end, between eight days to a month, your creation will be ready to sip. Thompson admits he initially expected failure. “I was pleasantly surprised. Honestly, it turned out to be much better than some of the cheaper wines I’ve bought. I dare say, even better than the infamous 2 Buck Chuck!”
In light of some recent negative coverage surrounding Instant Pot recalls, this discovery might just be the silver lining we’ve been waiting for. Thompson adds, “It’s a fantastic option for summer gatherings, whether you’re making wine spritzers, batches of sangria, or simply enjoying it on its own (which is what I preferred).” This innovator is indeed a treasure.
Additional Resources
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In summary, Mark Thompson’s innovative method of crafting wine in an Instant Pot is a delightful exploration for those interested in home fermentation. With a simple set of ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a beverage that surprises with its quality, rivaling even some store-bought options.