Dartmoor, with its sweeping moorlands and rugged landscapes, harbours a treasure trove of natural wonders. Among its many hidden gems is the humble gorse flower, which blooms profusely across the moors, adorning the landscape with vibrant splashes of yellow. Gorse is pervasive in the landscape, you can even see it from our our holiday rental properties, and while often overlooked, these delicate flowers hold a secret waiting to be discovered—a secret that unfolds in the form of Dartmoor Gorse Flower Wine.

Crafted with care and tradition by local artisans, Dartmoor Gorse Flower Wine is a testament to the region’s rich heritage and the ingenuity of its people. For centuries, Dartmoor has been a place where communities have thrived in harmony with nature, harnessing its resources to create unique and distinctive products. Gorse flower wine is just one such example, born out of a deep appreciation for the land and its bounty.

The process of making Dartmoor Gorse Flower Wine is a labor of love, requiring patience, skill, and a keen understanding of the natural world. It begins in the early spring when the gorse bushes burst into bloom, carpeting the moors with their golden blossoms. Harvesting the flowers is a delicate task, requiring careful selection to ensure only the freshest and most aromatic blooms are chosen.

Once gathered, the gorse flowers are gently infused in a base of white wine, allowing their delicate flavour and fragrance to permeate every drop. This infusion process can take several weeks, during which time the wine slowly takes on the essence of the gorse flower, transforming into a golden elixir that captures the very spirit of Dartmoor.

The result is a wine unlike any other, with a delicate floral aroma and a subtly sweet flavour that dances on the palate. Dartmoor Gorse Flower Wine is a celebration of springtime on the moors, evoking memories of sunny days spent wandering through fields of golden blooms. Its golden hue mirrors the landscape from which it springs, a testament to the natural beauty of Dartmoor and the craftsmanship of those who call it home.

But Dartmoor Gorse Flower Wine is more than just a drink—it’s a symbol of community and connection, a reminder of the importance of preserving and cherishing the land that sustains us. Each bottle tells a story, not just of the flowers that went into its making, but of the people and the traditions that have shaped Dartmoor’s identity for generations.

In recent years, Dartmoor Gorse Flower Wine has gained recognition beyond the borders of the moors, finding its way onto the tables of connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike. Its unique flavour profile and artisanal craftsmanship have earned it a place among the finest wines produced in the region, showcasing the diversity and richness of Dartmoor’s culinary heritage.

Here’s a recipe for Dartmoor Gorse Flower Wine:

Ingredients:

– 1 litre of water

– 1 kg of sugar

– a lemon, thinly sliced

– an orange, thinly sliced

– 150 g of gorse flowers (freshly picked, ensuring they are free from pesticides or other contaminants)

– 1 teaspoon of wine yeast (or bread yeast as an alternative)

– 1 teaspoon of yeast nutrient (optional, but recommended for better fermentation)

Instructions:

1. Begin by preparing the gorse flowers. Carefully remove any stems or leaves, ensuring only the yellow blossoms are used. Rinse them gently under cold water to remove any dirt or insects, then place them in a clean bowl.

2. In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, remove it from the heat and pour it over the gorse flowers in the bowl. Allow the mixture to steep for 24 hours, allowing the flavours of the flowers to infuse into the water.

3. After 24 hours, strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean, sterilised fermentation vessel, discarding the gorse flowers. Be sure to press down on the flowers to extract as much liquid as possible.

4. Add the sugar to the strained liquid, stirring until it is completely dissolved. Then, add the thinly sliced lemon and orange, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

5. Sprinkle the wine yeast (or bread yeast) over the surface of the liquid, followed by the yeast nutrient if using. Stir gently to combine.

6. Cover the fermentation vessel with a clean cloth or lid fitted with an airlock to allow gases to escape during fermentation. Place the vessel in a cool, dark place, maintaining a temperature between 18-24°C (64-75°F) for optimal fermentation.

7. Allow the mixture to ferment for approximately 1-2 weeks, or until fermentation activity begins to slow down and the liquid clears. During this time, you may notice bubbles forming on the surface and a slightly yeasty aroma.

8. Once fermentation is complete, carefully siphon the wine into clean, sterilised bottles, leaving behind any sediment at the bottom of the fermentation vessel. Seal the bottles with cork or screw caps.

9. Store the bottles in a cool, dark place for at least 3-6 months to allow the flavours to mature and develop. The longer you allow the wine to age, the smoother and more refined its flavour will become.

10. After aging, serve the Dartmoor Gorse Flower Wine chilled and enjoy its unique floral aroma and delicate sweetness. 

Whether enjoyed on a warm summer evening or shared with friends around a roaring fire, Dartmoor Gorse Flower Wine is a taste of Dartmoor’s past, present, and future. It’s a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us and the bounty that nature provides, a toast to the spirit of Dartmoor and all who call it home. So raise a glass and savour the taste of tradition—Dartmoor Gorse Flower Wine awaits, ready to transport you to the heart of the moors with every sip.

Cheers to the taste of Dartmoor’s natural bounty!

PS. Wine is not the only use for gorse flowers