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Perfect with charcuterie and cheese boards, this Merlot Wine Jelly is super easy to make - no canning skills needed! It also makes a wonderful glaze for shrimp, chicken pork, lamb..., a gourmet PB&J, a fabulous salad dressing and will transform everyday toast into an epicurean delight!
Although we have a zillion jam and jelly recipes in the Café archives, I'm always on the lookout for new ideas. When I stumbled upon a display of Merlot Wine Jelly at a fancy gourmet shop recently, I knew I'd need to explore this intriguing concept. Turns out there were lots of wine jelly recipes and I settled on a super easy one on the AllRecipes website. I was delighted with the first delicious taste!
How to make this Merlot Wine Jelly?
If you've never made jam or jelly before, this recipe would be a perfect place to start. It's easier than most recipes because you don't even have to measure or crush fruit. These are the super simple steps:
- Open up a bottle of Merlot Wine. It doesn't have to be a pricey wine, just something you'd enjoy drinking.
- Pour the wine into a large pot.
- Add fresh lemon juice and a box of powdered pectin.
- Stir and heat. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add sugar, stir and boil for 1 minute.
- Ladle your delicious new creation into clean jars.
- Voila! You've just become a gourmet jelly maker! Just like that, easy, ridiculously easy!
Ridiculously Easy
If you're a Café long-time-follower, just skip to the next section. But if you're new here, you might not be aware that the term "Ridiculously Easy" is one of our most beloved trademarks. We specialize in super easy recipes that look (and taste) impressive but, in reality, are super simple to make.
You can read more detail about our Ridiculously Easy recipes in this post and see the whole collection here, but my condensed, nutshell definition of this category is this: "These are the recipes that make you look like a kitchen rock star with minimal effort on your part." See why our readers love these recipes?
No canning skills needed... but you can can!
As with many of our jams and jellies, this recipe can be preserved to make it shelf-stable with a traditional water bath. But, it doesn't have to be. I love the fact that most jam recipes can also be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks or in the freezer (for up to a year).
So, if the thought of canning with a hot water bath is intimidating or too time-consuming, no worries! Just make the jam, pop it in the refrigerator or freezer and you're good to go!
What to do with this Wine Jelly
Wondering what to do with this Merlot Wine Jelly? Here are a few ideas:
- Serve it with cheese and crackers for a delicious appetizer.
- Combine with whole grain Dijon mustard and use it as a glaze for beef, lamb, pork, chicken, salmon or shrimp.
- Spoon it over goat cheese and serve with crostini.
- Whisk together with oil and vineagar for a delicious salad dressing.
- Use it as a spread for grilled panini sandwiches.
- Serve it on toast, biscuits or scones.
- Serve over vanilla ice cream with a shortbread cookie on the side.
- Make a gourmet PB&J.
- Give it as a gift!
Give it as a gift!
Need a fun little gift for a new (or old) neighbor, a favorite teacher, a co-worker, hairdresser...? A jar of this Merlot Wine Jelly on its own or with a box of gourmet crackers and a log of goat cheese would be a delightful gift for just about anyone.
And if you like your homemade gifts to look beautiful - and a little fancy, we've got a set of free printable labels that we're happy to share. Simply scroll to the bottom of this post and request the labels in the comment section. We'll email you a set of PDFs and instructions on how to print them up at home.
Put "Merlot" on your shopping list. Maybe two bottles, one to make this delicious Merlot Wine Jelly with and the other to enjoy with your cheese and/or charcuterie board. Everyone will be impressed and we'll just keep the Ridiculously Easy part to ourselves. Deal?
Cafe Tips for making this Merlot Wine Jelly
- This recipe calls for powdered pectin. I use the original SureJell which is available at most larger grocery stores. It's usually stocked with other canning supplies like jars and lids. If you can't find it, ask someone at the front desk. Sometimes it's tricky to find. You can also find powdered pectin online.
- This is a super easy recipe but be sure to follow the directions as written to ensure success.
- It's also important to measure the ingredients carefully. There are lots of recipes that you can adjust the measurements to your taste. Not so with jams and jellies made with pectin. It's important to be precise.
- Lots of people ask if they can reduce the sugar in jam/jelly recipes. If you prefer less sugar, it would be better to go with a different recipe that calls for low-sugar or no-sugar pectin, not this recipe. To ensure a good set use the quanities specified.
- You'll note in the directions that it says to bring the mixture to a "full, rolling boil" for one minute. That means a boil that cannot be stirred down. If you stir the mixture and the bubbles settle down, you're not quite there yet. Wait for the full, rolling boil to start then time for the one minute.
- As mentioned above, this recipe can be put through a hot water bath to make the jelly shelf stable until opened. The jars can also be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks or in the freezer for up to a year. It's your choice. If you're giving it away, let the recipient know how to store it.
- You might wonder why there's a smidge of butter in this jelly recipe. A half teaspoon of butter will prevent the jelly from developing a layer of foam on the surface while it's boiling. The butter is optional but does make a difference!
Thought for the day:
Lift up your eyes on high
And see who has created these stars,
The One who leads forth their host by number,
He calls them all by name;
Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power,
Not one of them is missing.
Isaiah 40:26
What we're listening to for inspiration:
If you enjoy this recipe, please come back and leave a star rating and review! It's so helpful to other readers to hear your results, adaptations and ideas for variations.
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Ridiculously Easy Merlot Wine Jelly
Ingredients
- 750 ml Merlot wine, 1 25.4-ounce bottle
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1.75 ounces powdered pectin, 49g
- 4½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon butter, I use salted butter
Instructions
For wine jelly that WILL NOT be put through a hot water bath:
- Determine the number of jars/lids you will need (number will depend on the size of your jars) and wash them in hot, soapy water or run them through the dishwasher. (The recipe makes 42 ounces of jelly.)
- Combine wine, lemon juice, and pectin in a large saucepot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
- Add the sugar and butter. Stir until dissolved.
- Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil (a boil that cannot be stirred down). Boil for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Remove from the heat. Skim any foam off the top with a spoon.
- Ladle into clean jars, leaving ½-inch headspace.
- Tighten the lids and allow the jars to sit at room temperature until completely cooled and the jelly is set.
- Refrigerate or freeze until ready to use. Keep refrigerated or frozen when not in use.
For wine jelly that WILL be put through a hot water bath:
- Determine the number of jars and 2-piece lids you will need (the number will depend on the size of your jars) and sterilize them by submerging the jars in boiling water for 10 minutes. (The recipe makes 42 ounces of jelly.)
- Combine wine, lemon juice, and pectin in a large saucepot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
- Add the sugar and butter. Stir until dissolved.
- Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil (a boil that cannot be stirred down). Boil for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Remove from the heat. Skim any foam off the top with a spoon.
- Ladle the hot jelly into hot, sterilized jars, leaving ½-inch headspace.
- Tighten the 2 piece lids. Process for 5 minutes in a boiling water bath.
Notes
Nutrition
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please may I have the labels - these all look delicious - cannot wait to start - or maybe - I should try the ingredients for clarity and make sure they will make your recipe "sing"!!
Hi Glynis, The labels are on the way to your inbox. Hope you enjoy the jelly and the labels!
Please send the labels. Thanks
Love all of your recipes!!
Thanks for the kind comment, Judy! The labels are on the way to your inbox - hope you enjoy this recipe and the printable labels!
I would really appreciate the labels, please. I so enjoy your recipes and have made both the vanilla sugar and the maple pistachio granola for staff gifts at my school. Thanks so much!
Hi Julie, Thanks for taking the time to let us know about other Café recipes that you've enjoyed and used as gifts at your school, what a great idea! The labels are on the way to your inbox - Enjoy!
May I get the labels for the Easy Merlot Wine Jelly? My daughter will Love this!!
Hi Annette, Thanks for the excellent review! The labels are on the way to your inbox - Enjoy!
I made this wine jelly over the weekend and love it! Super simple. Please forward labels for the jars. Thanks.
Hi Don, Thanks for letting us know how much you liked this recipe! The labels are on the way to your inbox - Enjoy!
This wine jelly sounds so easy to make I am sure I will love it! I plan on making this soon. Please forward labels for the jars. Thank you .
Thanks for your kind comments, Gary! The labels are on the way to your inbox - Enjoy!
Just bought the Merlot wine to make this mmm
Please would you send me the labels
Hi Flower, Thanks for letting us know how much you appreciate our recipes! The labels are on the way to your inbox - Enjoy!
Just love the reciprs
I just finished making this jelly. The color is beautiful! So pretty for Christmas. I ate the last few spoonfuls straight from the pan…. Delicious!!
I’d love to have the printable labels, please. Thank you so much.
Thanks for the review, Tonya!
Could you please email the labels for the Merlot jelly. Thanks
I'd like the label pdf, please.
I'm also wondering if this recipe could be halved. Many of my friends and neighbors have turned into teetotalers, or have passed, so I don't need such a large quantity.
Many thanks, as always. Blessings to all, and I hope y'all are staying warm!
Hi Terry, it's not recommended to half or double jam and/or jelly recipes but this jelly does keep very well in the freezer so it might not be a bad idea to make the whole recipe.
I love it!
I would like to receive the labels to print. If possible, I would like some that read Red wine and some that say White wine.
I plan on gifting a red and a white together.
Thank you!
Hi Jan, the labels are not customizable but we are happy to send the ones pictured. Enjoy!
Great recipe!!! Perfect for gift idea. We added some tiny cayenne pepper pieces, adds a nice zing.😊
Thanks for letting us know, Vicki!
I made this today using baco noir, it is wonderful. I'd like the labels please so I can gift it for Christmas.
Thanks, Jackie!
Love this recipe, Great idea for gifting! If you have printable labels for this recipe I would really appreciate it. Thank you!
Thanks, Colleen!
I know the wine jelly be perfect and easy because your other jam and jelly recipes are. I’ve made many for gifts. I could certainly use the lovely labels if you send me the pdf. Merci!
I’m allergic to Merlot. Can I possibly make this with another red wine? Like a Syrah, maybe? Without knowing what it’s meant to taste like, I don’t know about the substitution.
Hi Kerri, yes, you can use any red wine for this recipe. A Syrah would be great!
What a great idea and gift!! Thanks for sharing. Would love tghe labels! Thanks, Mecca
Please send me the labels for this wine jelly. I think it will make a fabulous gift.
I love this recipe. I would really like the labels too.
Thanks, Jeanette!
Please send the pdf for the labels. This will make Christmas gift giving so much fun.
Sure, Marian!
Good morning, ladies - for the 4th time (gasp)! I'm obviously in jam/jelly making mode, while fresh fruit is available, excepting this recipe, of course. It's all for friends and neighbors, for Christmas. I'd truly appreciate the PDF for these labels, also. Thanks - I appreciate the work y'all put into this beautiful site!
That's great, Terry! Happy to send the labels.
Hi Marian, the labels could not be delivered; it says they were blocked due to spam content. You may need to update your email settings to receive them.
I am teaching my granddaughters to can. This was the perfect recipe to start. We would love the PDF file for labels as they want to gift. the result. Thank you
That's great, Alyn! Sending them your way.
Hi!
I made this and it is delicious! I added blackberries because I had blackberries from my garden that we’re going to spoil so mine is more like jam, but it’s wonderful. I can’t wait to give jars to people for Christmas. I would really love the labels if you could send those to me, please.!
Thanks for the recipe and the labels!
Ranee
Thanks, Ranee! Sending them your way.
Can't wait to try this recipe it looks delicious and also a great gift idea. Could I get the PDF for the labels please?
Thank you,
Judy
Sure, Judy!
Hi Chris,
I can't wait to try this recipe. This sounds like a fantastic gift. Would you please send me the labels?
Thanks,
Liz
Sure, Liz!
Request Labels
Sure, Joan!
My husband's favorite wine! I can't wait to try this and surprise him. May I also have the file for the labels. Thanks in advance.
Sure, Mary Lou!
Hi Chris, please send me the PDF label. I'm hosting a wine party and I'm anxious to make this jelly so I can give each couple a jar.
Great idea, Susan! Sending them your way.
This jelly sounds delicious. May I please have the labels.
All the recipes that I have tried from you were ALL winners.
Thank you
Lila
So glad to hear that, Lila! Happy to send the labels.
Hi Cafe Sucre farine, I’d like to tequest labels for Merlot Jam and Pumpkin Jam. If it’s no trouble of course.
Thank you
Sure, Sue!
This merlot wine jelly looks like a delicious addition to a charcuterie board. And thank you for your ideas on other ways to serve it. This will be a great hostess gift. I would appreciate receiving the pdf for the printable labels.
Sending them your way, Elaine!
What a delightful recipe. Anxious to try for gifts. Would love labels.
Thanks, Deb! Happy to send the labels your way.
My husband and I made this recipe - very easy and very delicious! We would love it if you could share that beautiful label so we can make more and share with family and friends. Thank you much! 🙂
That's great, Angela! We are happy to send the labels.
We live in a community of folks who enjoy wine. Would love to make this recipe and give as gifts. Could you send PDF of labels and instructions for printing?
You have some fabulous recipes!
Thanks, Sandy! We are happy to send the labels.
Hi Chris- please send me the labels for the Merlot Wine Jelly. The recipe sounds wonderful!
Thanks in advance.
Sending them your way, Pat!
I have never tasted this but loved it. Could I have the labels
Sure, Kaye!
I made this using Sangria and canned in 3 oz jars to use for gifts. It is yummy! Also used as ice cream topping! Just heat it up to thin it to syrup. Amazing!
That's great, Ricki!
Please send the labels for this wonderful jelly.
Sure, Marian!
Hi Marian, it says the labels were blocked due to spam content. You may need to update your email settings to receive them.
Love the recipe may I have labels please.
Sure, Cassandra!
i just made mine yesterday afternoon and I did the water bath it didn’t set up it’s still liquid. How do I fix it Thanks
Hi Donna, I'm so sorry you had trouble with this recipe. It's difficult to determine why it didn't set without having been right there in the kitchen with you. You could try refrigerating it then wait 24 hours and see if it thickens. If you don't see results from that, you may want to check out this article: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/sp-50-604-remaking-soft-spreads
Absolutely love this wine jelly, I have made it more than a few times. I now want to elevate my handwritten labels to your lovely label, may I please have a copy of yours. Thank you for sharing your recipe and labels.
That's great, Kelly! Happy to send the labels your way.
Could I please have a pdf of your 'Labels Set' to use on jars.
By the way, do you have a LINK where I can buy those lovely jars.
THANKS.
Hi Diane, we will email you all that info!
I'm making this jelly as "thank you" gifts for the twelve guests coming to my tea party. I would love for you to please send me labels.
Thank you so much!
Sending them your way, Janie!
These are next on the list of wonderful recipes that I will try now. I'm armed with a great bottle of Merlot wine left over from our wedding and the rest is history. The merlot jelly labels will be a nice touch to add to the jars. What a great idea for gift giving!! Thanks again Chris for all of your inspiration. I have such fun with all of your recipes. Looking forward to spring. 😉
That's great, Linda! Enjoy!
This pure genius! So easy, and so good! Am going to try using Zinfandel next...then maybe Petite Syrah....both more fruity flavor. Thank you, thank you!
Thanks, Sue! So glad you enjoyed this!
I’m making this again it was such a hit with all our friends. I didn’t keep the PDF for the labels, can you send it to me again? Thank you!
Sure, Martie!
Paired the red wine jelly with Brie and crackers…so good! Also makes a very sophisticated PB&J. Please send the labels. They are lovely.
That's great, Bridget! Sending the labels your way.
Please send the PDF for the Merlot Wine Jelly! It is delicious and the labels on the hexagon jars will make it a perfect gift. Thank you for all your recipes.
Happy to send them, Larry!
Hi Larry, it says the labels were blocked due to spam content. You may need to update your email settings to receive them.
May I have the labels please. Thanks
Sure, Dotti!
I was so excited to see that you had a merlot wine jelly recipe. Please send the labels. They look so beautiful 😉 Thank you very much, Stay warm 😉 Linda
Thanks, Linda! Sending them your way.
May I have the labels, please? I usually just write on the lid with a sharpie, but labels will look so much classier 🙂
Please send those beautiful labels!
Sure, Paula!
Happy New Year, Chris. I love your Ridiculously Easy recipes. I would appreciate it if you would email me the labels for your Merlot Wine Jelly. Thanks!
Thanks, Debby! Sending them your way.
I must have goofed up somehow--Could you please send me the free printable labels for the Merlot Wine Jelly--They will be for Christmas gift giving for next year.
Sure, Marian!
Hi Marian, the labels could not be delivered. It says they were blocked due to spam content. You may need to update your email settings.
The Merlot Wine Jelly looks so good 🙂 Could you send the Ridiculously Easy Merlot Wine Jelly labels please. Thank you.
Sure, Yoland!
Happy New Year Chris!
Don’t know how you keep doing one winner recipe after another; and Your labels are beautiful! Going to try this apéritif, wine jelly.
Please send your gorgeous label!
Merci!
Eve
Thank you, Eve! Sending the labels your way.
Hi Chris,
I made the wine jelly. It was easy and delicious. Now, I need the labels!
Thank you and Happy New Year!
Vicky
Wonderful! Sending them your way, Vicky.
All labels that have been requested as of 12/31/24 at 10 AM (EST) have been sent out. If you requested labels before this and did not receive them, please reach out to us. Chris
Hi Chris,
I’ve made your Queen’s Jam and Christmas Jam, and can’t wait to make the Wine Jelly. Please send labels. Thank you for all your wonderful recipes!!
You have done it again, another Show Stopper. Hope you had a bit of a rest over the holiday season. Chris could I please have a copy of your labels to go with the jelly recipe.
Thank you, Meryl
This sounds terrific. Could you please send free labels. Thank you
Please send lables for the Merlot Wine Jelly.
Cant wait to give this jelly as gifts.
Thank you
I can’t wait to try this. Please send me the printable labels. These will make great hostess gifts!
HI, THIS SOUNDS DELICIOUS!
PLEASE SEND ME THE PRINTABLE LABELS.
THANKS 🙂
Please send labels. Thank you for a most interesting recipe.
Sounds wonderful, labels please!
I’ve been following you for a number of years now and love all your recipes! I have made many of your recipes with great success and always receive rave reviews from others. Thanks so much for all your inspiration!! I would love a copy of your Merlot Jelly labels.
Wow! This sounds like a wonderful gift idea. Please send me the free labels for the Merlot Jelly.
I would like to request the label for the merlot wine jelly. Thank you.
I'm looking forward to making the wine jelly and giving the jars away as gifts. Please send the free printable labels. Thanks!
This sounds so easy and rather yummy. Please send me labels. Thank you!
Thanks for another great recipe and Happy New Year -
looking forward to getting the printable labels
I so enjoy your blog and amazing recipes. I’m looking forward to trying this jelly recipe and agree with a previous post that this will make a lovely Valentine gift. With that in mind, may
I please have a set of the labels?
Thank you for sharing your amazing talents in the kitchen with us.
Cannot wait to try this recipe! Please send the free printable labels.
Please send the labels. Also, while water bath canning can be a pain--a steam canner makes it so much easier to organize gift giving earlier.
This sounds wonderful!! What a great hostess gift. Please send me the labels. Thank you for all of your fabulous recipes.
Please send me the labels
I would love a copy of your labels please what a wonderful gift idea
Hi. I’d love to have the labels! Thank you so much.
Looking forward to making this merlot jelly. It sounds delightful. I would appreciate receiving the labels. Thank you
Thank you for all your work in sharing your great recipes. Merlot wine labels please
May I please have your labels for the Merlot Wine Jelly? Many thanks, Love your recipes!
May I have the labels please? Thankyou 🤗
Hello!
Another beautiful recipe <3 Please send the labels for gift giving......Thank you!
Looks wonderful. Would appreciate the labels. They are beautiful
Please send PDF Merlot wine labels. Thank you!
Love all your recipes. This also will be delicious.
Please send Merlot wine labels.
Excited to try this!
I would love to attach the lovely label, thanks in advance!
Please send me the labels for the Merlot Wine Jelly.
Sp happy to receive another gift idea from you.
Please send me the adorable labels for this jam. I’m looking forward to making this a hostess gifts, welcome to the neighborhood gifts, and I can think of a dozen ways to share this. Thank you so much. I love your blog, one of the best on Pinterest.
Please send the labels for this jelly. It will make a great "valentine"!
Thank you!
Going to make some to keep on hand as hostess gifts...thank you for another creative winner! Please send me the labels to make the jars pretty...thanks!
A fabulous hostess gift. I can't wait to make. May I please have the labels? Thank you.
So happy to find a new hostess gift idea, thank you! The labels are great. Happy New Year.
PLEASE SEND FREE PRINTABLE LABELS. I CAN'T WAIT TO MAKE THIS JELLY! THANK YOU!
What a wonderful hostess gift! Kindly send the pdf for the pretty jar labels.
Wow, what a great hostess gift this would be! What tip do you have for measuring 1/2 teaspoon of butter? I’d love to have the labels. Thanks! By the way, the jars are beautiful.
Hi Chris, I would love to have the labels for the Merlot Jelly. It sounds delicious and can be used in so many ways! Will make a great fancy gift for our B & B guests. Thank you !
Please send label format. So fun! Looking forward to making! Blessings to you and your family this new year.
I sent you a request for labels, thanks so much for that. I was wondering if you have a source for the jars. They look perfect and now we want to make gifts of the jelly, cheese and crackers. We all want to be like CHRIS!
Please send the labels Going to give it as a New Years gift! Thank you
Definitely making this! Gifts for next Christmas?!?
Please send labels-thanks so much!
Wishing you and your family a healthy, happy New Year
I make many of your recipes with neighbors and friends, then we have coffee and chats, what fun!
Now, another fun recipe to make together. Thanks so much. I do have some jars and now the labels will be perfect. So please send my way.
Many thanks,
Sandra Lee
Please send me the printable labels. Great hostess gift for next year.
Looking forward to trying this interesting
jelly. Please send instructions for labels
Can't wait to try this recipe...please send labels.
Thank you !!
Please send me the printable labels for Merlot wine jelly. Thank you
Please send me the printable labels for Merlot wine jelly. Thank you
May I please have the pdf for labels?
Thank you
What a fabulous idea for gift giving !
Please send pdf labels.
Thank you!
I would love these labels please. Already planning for next Christmas!