What is walnut wine?

Walnut wine is a traditional French beverage made from green walnuts harvested at the beginning of summer. This artisanal drink, often passed down through ancestral recipes, is loved for its beautiful amber color, delicate walnut notes, and slightly sweet taste.

Typical of the countryside, it is now increasingly popular among amateur gardeners and lovers of authentic drinks. Let’s discover everything you need to know about walnut wine, and follow our traditional recipe to make this delicious homemade aperitif yourself!

What is Walnut Wine?

Walnut wine comes from macerating walnuts in fruit alcohol and red wine. It is usually made with green walnuts harvested around July, when the nuts have not yet developed their hard shell, allowing for the full extraction of flavor and unique aromas.

Walnut wine is highly appreciated for its intense color, ranging from mahogany brown to golden amber. Its moderate alcohol content makes it a perfect choice for a gentle aperitif or a digestif. Regional variations include the famous Vin de Noix Dauphinois or Vin de Noix du Limousin, each reflecting the local terroir and traditions.

Basic Ingredients for an Authentic Recipe

40 green walnuts, picked during walnut season (late June to early July)
4 liters of red wine (robust varieties like Marcillac or Flars Marcillac AOP)
500 grams of granulated or cane sugar
1 liter of fruit alcohol or 40% proof alcohol
Spices of your choice: cinnamon, cloves, vanilla pods, etc.

? Some traditional recipes also add a little walnut milk to soften the preparation, this is optional.

How to Make Walnut Wine, Step-by-Step

Harvest green walnuts while the skin is still tender and soft.
Cut the walnuts into halves or quarters to facilitate maceration.
Place the walnut pieces in a large container.
Add the red wine, alcohol, and sugar. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Add your chosen spices.
Cover the container and macerate in a dark place for at least 3 months, stirring occasionally.
After maceration, filter carefully and bottle. The result is a beautiful amber wine, perfect served chilled.

Tips for Successfully Making Walnut Wine

Use fresh, unblemished green walnuts for rich color and delicate aromas.
Don’t rush the process, an extra month after filtering can enhance the flavor profile.
Choose a quality red wine, as it forms the backbone of your recipe.
Filter thoroughly for a clear, elegant result without sediment.

Properly stored away from light and heat, walnut wine can age gracefully for several years, developing deep walnut and caramel notes.

When and How to Enjoy Walnut Wine?

Walnut wine is best enjoyed as an aperitif, served chilled between 8 and 10°C (46-50°F). It also pairs beautifully with:

Foie gras
Strong cheeses like Roquefort or Fourme d’Ambert
Desserts made with chocolate or dried fruits

Its warm color and fruity aromas also make it ideal for convivial gatherings. For a twist, try it in a cocktail, mixed with other sweet liqueurs.

A Handmade Beverage to Rediscover

Making your own walnut wine is a rewarding and flavorful experience that connects you with centuries-old rural traditions. Every bottle is an artisanal treasure, rich with history, taste, and personal touch.

Whether you're a home gardener, DIY enthusiast, or simply a lover of new flavors, give this southern French recipe a try and enjoy its one-of-a-kind character!

Our Sweet & Dessert Wines Selection : Extend the sweetness with our sweet wines, chosen straight from independent winemakers at estate prices. See the selection →

FAQ - Walnut wine

What kind of wine is used to make walnut wine?

The traditional base is a robust red wine, such as a Marcillac AOP, combined with fruit alcohol and sugar. The quality of the red wine shapes the aromatic richness of the final drink.

When should you pick walnuts for walnut wine?

Walnuts are harvested green, between late June and early July, before the shell hardens. At this stage the fruit releases its aromas more easily during maceration.