Winemaking for the Holidays: 3 Easy Infused Wines You Can Start This Weekend
- Lauren Twitchell
- Dec 17, 2025
- 4 min read
The holidays have a way of sneaking up on us.
One minute you’re thinking, I should start something early this year, and the next you’re staring down a calendar full of gatherings, gift lists, and last-minute grocery runs.
When it comes to wine, that pressure usually shows up as:
grabbing a bottle on the way to dinner,
overthinking what pairs with what,
or wishing you had something just a little more personal to share.
Here’s the good news:
You don’t need months, fancy equipment, or deep winemaking experience to create something special this holiday season.
Infused wines are one of the easiest, most forgiving ways to step into winemaking—especially around the holidays. They’re approachable, customizable, and rooted in the same idea as everything we do here: taking something simple and making it meaningful.
These are three easy infused wines you can start this weekend—each one festive, flexible, and perfect for gifting or sharing.
Why Infused Wines Are Perfect for the Holidays
Traditional winemaking takes time. Infused wines meet you where you are.
They’re ideal for the holiday season because they:
Require minimal equipment
Use store-bought wine as a base
Infuse flavor quickly (days or weeks, not months)
Can be scaled up or down easily
Feel thoughtful without being complicated
They’re also incredibly forgiving. If you’ve never made wine before—or if your only experience has been drinking it—this is a great place to start.
Think of infused wine as a bridge between cooking, crafting, and winemaking.
What You’ll Need (Basic Setup)
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk basics.
Simple equipment:
Glass jars or bottles with tight-fitting lids
Funnel
Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
Labels or tags (optional but helpful)
Wine selection tips:
Choose dry to semi-dry wines
Avoid anything overly sweet or expensive
Aim for wines you’d happily drink on their own
You’re enhancing the wine—not masking flaws.
Infused Wine #1: Cranberry Orange Holiday Red
This one tastes like the holidays in a glass.
It’s bright, slightly tart, and pairs beautifully with winter meals. It’s also a great introduction to infused wine because the flavors are familiar and balanced.
Best wine base:
Dry red wine (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or a red blend)
Ingredients:
1 bottle red wine
½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries
Zest from 1 orange (avoid the white pith)
Optional: 1 cinnamon stick
How to make it:
Add cranberries, orange zest, and cinnamon (if using) to a clean glass jar.
Pour in the wine.
Seal tightly and store in a cool, dark place.
Let infuse for 5–10 days, tasting every few days.
Strain, rebottle, and label.
Flavor notes:
Tart, citrusy, lightly spiced
Excellent slightly chilled or at room temperature
Holiday tip:
This one makes a beautiful hostess gift—especially when bottled in clear glass so the color shines.
Infused Wine #2: Apple Cinnamon White Wine
If you’re hosting or attending a gathering where not everyone loves red wine, this is a crowd-pleaser.
It’s warm without being heavy and feels especially fitting for late fall and winter evenings.
Best wine base:
Dry white wine (Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc)
Ingredients:
1 bottle white wine
1 small apple, thinly sliced
1 cinnamon stick
Optional: 2–3 whole cloves (use sparingly)
How to make it:
Add apple slices and spices to a glass jar.
Pour in the wine.
Seal and store in the refrigerator or a cool space.
Infuse for 3–7 days, tasting frequently.
Strain and rebottle.
Flavor notes:
Subtle apple, gentle spice
Cozy without being overly sweet
Serving idea:
Serve slightly chilled or gently warmed (do not boil) for a mulled-wine-adjacent experience.
Infused Wine #3: Vanilla Honey Infused Red or White
This one is simple, elegant, and surprisingly versatile.
It works with both red and white wine, and it’s a great option if you’re short on time or ingredients.
Best wine base:
Red: Pinot Noir or light red blend
White: Chardonnay or Viognier
Ingredients:
1 bottle wine
½ vanilla bean, split lengthwise
1–2 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)
How to make it:
Add vanilla bean to a glass jar.
Pour in wine.
Stir in honey until dissolved.
Seal and infuse for 3–5 days.
Remove vanilla bean, strain if needed, and rebottle.
Flavor notes:
Soft, aromatic, lightly sweet
Feels luxurious without being heavy
Why this one shines:
It’s subtle enough to appeal to almost everyone—and feels very intentional.
How Long Should You Infuse Wine?
This is where people tend to overthink things.
General guideline:
3–5 days for lighter flavors
5–10 days for bolder infusions
Taste every couple of days. When it tastes good to you, it’s done.
Over-infusing can make flavors bitter or overpowering, especially with spices.
Bottling, Labeling, and Gifting
If you plan to gift your infused wines, presentation matters—but it doesn’t need to be elaborate.
Simple ideas:
Reuse clean wine bottles
Add handwritten tags
Include the infusion name and date
Tie with twine or ribbon
You can also pair infused wine with:
Handmade wood bottle tags
Wooden wine charms
Simple recipe cards
Small details turn a bottle into a gift.
Storage & Shelf Life
Infused wines should be treated a little differently than unopened store-bought bottles.
Storage tips:
Keep refrigerated once strained
Best enjoyed within 1–2 months
Always use clean equipment to avoid spoilage
Because these are infused—not fermented—you’re prioritizing freshness.
Why This Counts as Winemaking (Even If It Feels Simple)
There’s a misconception that winemaking has to be technical to “count.”
But at its core, winemaking is about:
Intention
Transformation
Patience
Sharing something made by hand
Infused wines teach you how flavors evolve, how time matters, and how small changes make a difference. They’re an entry point—not a shortcut.
And for the holidays, that’s exactly what many of us need.
A Final Thought
You don’t need to start a big project to create something meaningful this season.
Sometimes, it’s enough to:
pour a bottle into a jar,
add a handful of ingredients,
and let time do the work.
These infused wines are easy enough to start this weekend—and special enough to serve or gift with pride.
If this is your first step into winemaking, welcome.
And if it’s just one more way you’re choosing to slow down this season—then it’s already doing its job.
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