Recently, I tried a new kind of wine—Honeysuckle wine—and instantly fell in love with its unique flavor. Naturally, it got me wondering, “What exactly is Honeysuckle wine?”
I don’t know about you, but as a kid, I remember spotting honeysuckle bushes from afar, often catching that sweet, irresistible scent before seeing the delicate flowers. I’d rush over, pick a bloom, and carefully pinch the tiny green tip at the base to savor a drop of its delicious nectar—if I was lucky! Those were such fun, memorable moments. So, imagine my excitement when I discovered honeysuckle wine—I couldn’t wait to give it a try.
First, what exactly is honeysuckle? According to Pixie Pocket, honeysuckle is an invasive plant known for its beautiful, delicate flowers. Their heavenly fragrance makes them a perfect ingredient for crafting this unique and aromatic wine.
Even though honeysuckle is considered an invasive species, I’m genuinely glad it made its way to our country. I’ve always loved its sweet scent and delicate flavor, so I have no doubt that I’ll enjoy honeysuckle wine just as much.
According to Southern Living, “Honeysuckle has long, tubular blooms that give off a sweet scent and come in shades of yellow, white, orange, and pink. They’re a perfect planting if you’d like to attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, as the tiny blooms are filled with nectar and draw garden visitors from near and far.”
Culinary Uses for Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle flowers are wonderfully versatile—they can be brewed into teas, infused into vinegars, or transformed into jams, jellies, and flavorful fruit curds. Why not try quince and honeysuckle or peach and honeysuckle curd for a unique twist? These delicate blooms also make beautiful edible decorations for cakes and desserts, and they’re a key ingredient in making traditional country wine.
During a visit to one of my new favorite wineries, WoodBine Vineyards, I spotted Chardonel on the wine list and decided to make it my drink of the day. Rocky, however, opted for the honeysuckle wine. While I enjoyed my Chardonel, the moment I tasted his honeysuckle wine, I knew what my next glass would be—it was absolutely delicious.
Here are a few facts about honeysuckle wine…
- Honeysuckle extract may be added.
- Honeysuckle blooms may be added.
- Six cups of flowers will make a gallon, according to one wine maker.
- Always remove the green tips because they would make the wine bitter.
- The berries, on the plant stem, are not used because they are poisonous.
