Rose Petal Wine
Rose Petal Wine has been enjoyed for centuries throughout Europe and the Middle East, where fragrant roses have long been prized for both culinary and medicinal uses. Home winemakers discovered that the same delicate perfumes could be preserved in a beautifully aromatic wine. The finished wine combines floral elegance with subtle notes of honey, citrus and tropical fruit, producing a drink that is remarkably sophisticated. Depending on the variety of rose used, the wine may range from pale straw to a delicate blush, making each batch unique. Few flower wines capture the essence of an English summer garden as successfully as Rose Petal Wine.
At a glance
About this wine
Rose Petal Wine has been enjoyed for centuries throughout Europe and the Middle East, where fragrant roses have long been prized for both culinary and medicinal uses. Home winemakers discovered that the same delicate perfumes could be preserved in a beautifully aromatic wine.
The finished wine combines floral elegance with subtle notes of honey, citrus and tropical fruit, producing a drink that is remarkably sophisticated. Depending on the variety of rose used, the wine may range from pale straw to a delicate blush, making each batch unique.
Few flower wines capture the essence of an English summer garden as successfully as Rose Petal Wine.
Ingredients
- Approximately 2 litres loosely packed rose petals (around 180–220 gm)
- 2.0–2.25 lb (900 g–1.0 kg) white sugar
- Water (to make up to 1 UK gallon (4.5 L))
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Juice of 1 orange
- Finely pared zest of 2 lemons
- Finely pared zest of 1 orange
- 100 g raisins
- 1 tsp yeast nutrient
- 1 Campden tablet (optional)
Wine yeast (half packet recommended)
- Lalvin QA23 (highly recommended)
- Lalvin 71B
- EC-1118
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tbsp light honey
- 1 tsp glycerine after fermentation
Equipment
- The following equipment is recommended to make this 1 Gallon.
- Sanitising fluid,
- 2 gallon Fermenting bucket,
- Demijohn,
- Hydrometer,
- Syphon tube,
- Air lock,
- Rubber bung,
- Measuring cups,
- Muslin bag,
- Thermometer,
- Extra long stirring spoon,
- Kitchen scales.
Preparation
- Harvest flowers during a dry morning.
- Remove the petals carefully.
- Trim away the white base of each petal if practical.
- Shake gently to remove insects.
- Use immediately after harvesting.
Method
- Dissolve the sugar into the warm infusion.
- Add: Lemon juice Orange juice Raisins
- Top up with cool water to reach 1 UK gallon (4.5 L).
- Allow to cool below 25°C (77°F).
- Add: Yeast nutrient Crushed Campden tablet (if using)
- Wait 24 hours if using Campden.
- Add the yeast and stir thoroughly.
- Siphon carefully into a sterilised demijohn.
- Fit an airlock.
- Top up if required.
Fermentation notes
Primary Fermentation
Ferment for 5–7 days.
Stir gently once daily.
Maintain 18–22°C.
The room soon fills with an exquisite floral aroma as fermentation begins.
Secondary Fermentation
Continue fermentation for approximately 3–5 weeks.
Rack whenever sediment reaches approximately 1–2 cm.
Clearing & ageing notes
Once fermentation has finished
Leave to clear for 2 months
Rack again if necessary.
Bottle when brilliantly clear.
Rose Petal Wine matures exceptionally well.
Minimum aging: 9 months
Ideal aging: 12–24 months
Peak drinking: 2–4 years
Tips & notes
Tips for Better Rose Petal Wine
- Use only highly fragrant roses.
- Remove the white petal bases where practical.
- QA23 beautifully preserves delicate floral aromas.
- Raisins improve body without masking the perfume.
- Mature for at least one year before opening.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using florist roses.
- Harvesting sprayed flowers.
- Including leaves or stems.
- Over-steeping the petals.
- Drinking before sufficient bottle age.
Serving suggestions
- Serve well chilled (8–10°C)
- Excellent as an aperitif
- Pairs beautifully with goat's cheese, Brie and Camembert
- Complements grilled chicken and seafood
- Wonderful with lemon tart, rose-flavoured desserts, macarons and fresh berries
Storage & ageing
- Best consumed within 4 years
- Store in a cool, dark place
- Best drinking window: 1–4 years
- Continues to develop greater complexity during its second and third years.
FAQs
Can I use any garden rose? Only if it is strongly scented and has not been treated with pesticides or fungicides. Old garden roses are generally far superior to many modern varieties.
Why remove the white base of the petals? The white base can contribute bitterness. Removing it results in a cleaner, more elegant wine, although it is not essential if time is limited.
Can I freeze the petals? Yes. Fresh petals freeze extremely well and can be collected over several days.
Can I dry the petals? Yes, but fresh petals generally produce a richer, more vibrant aroma.
How long should I age Rose Petal Wine? It is usually at its finest after 12–24 months, when the floral bouquet has softened into a beautifully integrated wine