HOMEMADE FRESH GRAPE MUST – A TASTE OF OCTOBER HARVEST

October marks the start of the grape harvest season! Gathering grapes is a refreshing outdoor activity filled with the scent of ripe grapes and forest air, shared with family. After picking, we relax on the hilltop with a slice of cozonac and a glass of țuică. Then, we head home to make must—the fresh grape juice that will turn into rich mulled wine by Christmas. The day ends with a hearty meal of chicken soup, sarmale, and pastries.

If you miss these moments but are far from the vineyard or family, you can still enjoy a glass of fresh must at home. The easiest method is with a juicer, but if you don’t have one, follow this simple manual process.

🥄 Ingredients

Fully ripe, sweet, and juicy grapes

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Rinse the grapes thoroughly.
Remove the grape berries from the stems.
Crush the grapes using a food processor or a potato masher.
Place the crushed grapes in a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or muslin.
Press and squeeze to extract as much juice as possible.
Store the fresh must in clean bottles, refrigerated to prevent fermentation.
To keep must longer, either freeze it or add one aspirin tablet per bottle as a preservative.

💡 Tips

Use the sweetest and juiciest grapes for the best flavor.
Always keep the must refrigerated and consume within a few days for freshness.
Freezing preserves the must without altering flavor.
Adding aspirin helps delay fermentation but always use food-safe amounts.

🎉 Perfect For

Enjoying traditional Romanian harvest flavors anywhere
Making homemade mulled wine for winter holidays
Sharing nostalgic moments with family and friends

📝 Final Thoughts

Making your own grape must is a beautiful way to connect with autumn traditions and enjoy fresh, natural flavors even far from the vineyard. Whether for sipping fresh or transforming into wine, this homemade must brings the harvest spirit to your table.