From recipes scribbled on a copybook page or passed on by word of mouth, to possibly closely guarded secret ingredients or techniques, making homemade wines using our local fruits, plants, barks and flowers is a treasured pastime.
Homemade wines made from local fruits, plants, barks, and flowers have been a treasured pastime for centuries. These wines are often made from recipes that have been passed down through families or shared between friends, and are considered a cherished part of cultural heritage. From elderflower champagne to blackberry wine, the flavors and aromas of homemade wines reflect the unique terroir of the region and the creativity of the winemaker. While making homemade wines may seem simple, it is a process that requires skill, patience, and attention to detail.
The recipe must be carefully crafted, ingredients must be sourced and prepared, and fermentation must be closely monitored. The wine must then be aged for the appropriate length of time, with frequent tastings to ensure that it is maturing properly. Despite the challenges, the satisfaction of creating a delicious wine from local ingredients is a reward in itself and a testament to the rich culinary traditions of the region.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Course: Drink
Cuisine: Caribbean
Servings: 6 to 7
Ingredients
- 25 five finger star fruit, carambola
- 1 1/2 pk yeast 16.5 g
- 12 lbs sugar granulated
- 2 1/4 gal of water i.e. 2 gallons and 4 cups
- 1/2 lb raisins
Instructions
- Wash and slice the five finger. Add the five finger to water (that was boiled and cooled) in a large bucket. Add the yeast and 6 pounds of sugar and stir. Cover the container and leave in a cool dry place for 21 days.
- Pour out and sweeten the wine with the remaining 6 pounds of sugar. Strain using a clean cloth Pour out in sterilized bottles add raisins and leave for ten days.
- Note: Adding the raisins and leaving for the ten day period helps make the wine clearer. DO NOT COVER THE BOTTLES TIGHTLY.
- After the ten day period strain the wine again. Bottle the wine and store in a cool dry place.
- Serve chilled or with ice.
Notes
5 oz per serving.
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Recipe © Simply Trini Cooking. All rights reserved
Five Finger Wine
Ingredients
- 25 five finger star fruit, carambola1
- ½ pk 1/2 pk yeast
- 16.5 g 12 lbs sugar granulated
- 2¼ gal of water i.e. 2 gallons and 4 cups
- ½ lb 1/2 lb raisins
Instructions
- Wash and slice the five finger. Add the five finger to water (that was boiled and cooled) in a large bucket. Add the yeast and 6 pounds of sugar and stir.
- Cover the container and leave in a cool dry place for 21 days. Pour out and sweeten the wine with the remaining 6 pounds of sugar. Strain using a clean cloth Pour out in sterilized bottles add raisins and leave for ten days.Note: Adding the raisins and leaving for the ten day period helps make the wine clearer. DO NOT COVER THE BOTTLES TIGHTLY.After the ten day period strain the wine again. Bottle the wine and store in a cool dry place.Serve chilled or with ice.