Making Walnut Leaf Wine: My Journey with Jack of the Green

Every spring and early summer, I embark on a cherished tradition - crafting my signature Walnut Leaf Wine. This unique elixir combines foraged black walnut leaves, honey, demerara sugar, raisins, citrus fruit, and wine yeast, aged to perfection for up to 10 years. The result is a complex, sherry-like wine that's a true labor of love.

Gathering fresh black walnut leaves from my backyard trees, I carefully rinse and steep them in boiling water to create a robust tea. The next day, I add honey, sugar, raisins, citrus, and yeast to begin the fermentation process. As the wine ages, its flavors mature and deepen, evoking memories and traditions that span generations.

For me, making Walnut Leaf Wine is more than a hobby or craft - it's a connection to my family's heritage and a way to honor the past. I savor each bottle, reliving memories and creating new ones with loved ones. This wine is an homage to Jack of the Green, a pagan god of nature and fertility, acknowledging his connection to the land and cycles of life. With each vintage, I celebrate the tradition and look forward to continuing this meaningful journey for years to come."