Walnut Wine from the Dordogne

Here is the recipe for Dordogne Walnut Wine, just as my dear father passed it down to me.

Walnut wine is the quintessential traditional country aperitif. Prepared according to tradition and with high-quality ingredients, this walnut wine is far superior to any store-bought aperitif!

In late June, the harvested walnuts are very tender and can be pierced with a needle or cut into pieces without resistance, because the shell has not yet formed inside the husk and the kernels are still in their gelatinous stage.

It is said that the best walnuts are those harvested on Saint John’s Day (June 24), but this varies by region and weather conditions. From one place to another, and from one year to the next, the ideal harvest date falls between June 24 and mid-July.

If the walnuts have started to harden and you have to use force to pierce or cut them, they are already too old. There’s no point in trying, as the wine will be bitter!

I hope this recipe for Dordogne Walnut Wine inspires you to give it a try—you’ll impress your guests at cocktail hour 🙂