How to Activate Yeast For Wine

Reviewed by Sander Raav

Last Updated: January 28, 2023

There are only a few ingredients needed to make wine, and yeast is one of the most important. Yeast provides the enzymes needed for the fermentation process of turning sugar into alcohol. You must begin with the proper kind of yeast, such as "Saccharomyces," which can be purchased as "active dry yeast," a form that has been dried to preserve it.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source

Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations
Specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for leading international efforts to end world hunger and improve nutrition

Go to source} The yeast must then be rehydrated or "activated" before introducing it into the wine mixture or "must" (crushed grapes, skins and sugar). The yeast can be activated with or without the help of a yeast starter, which is essentially "yeast food".

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Activating Yeast without a Starter

Download Article

Some grocery stores may have it as well.
Pour the contents of the package of yeast into a container of tepid tap or spring water (100 to 105 degrees F; 37.7 to 40.6 degrees C); do not use distilled water.

Advertisement
If bubbles appear, cover and allow to stand for 6 to 12 hours. If yeast is not viable, start over with fresh ingredients.("Viability" refers to the yeast being alive and able to reproduce.)

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Alternate Method: Using a Yeast Starter

Download Article

If yeast is not viable, start over with fresh ingredients.
^{[2]
X
Trustworthy Source

University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Division of the University of Georgia focused on research and community education

Go to source}

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How do I make wine out of fruit?

Community Answer

In the simplest sense, extract juice from your fruit, pitch the yeast onto it and allow it to ferment.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 16

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

There is no way to know how long or under what kinds of conditions the active dry yeast has been stored. Check the culture within 1/2 hour to ensure that it is viable before leaving it for the remainder of time. A viable culture will have a layer of bubbles on top of the liquid. This will save you time if you need to start over.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Any wine-making store and some grocery stores can supply the correct type of yeast for your needs.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
If using a starter, at the end of the second 4 hours, you can add more juice or must and let stand to produce even more yeast; however, this is not necessary.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1