The preferred aperitif in the Dordogne region of France is Walnut Wine. This sweet dark wine is made from green walnuts picked between La Fete de St. Jean (June 24th) and Bastille Day (July 14th). These are immature walnuts that haven’t yet developed hard shells. This wine’s unique flavor is due to the walnut’s smooth green skin and soft interior. The longer the wine ages in the cupboard, the better the flavor - it’s definitely worth the wait! 

Here we share the typical recipe for making Vin de Noix, but we’ve also added some of our own suggestions to make your wine extra special.

Remember: green walnuts are normally ONLY available to purchase for a few weeks between the end of June and mid-July (or early December to early January in Australia).

 

green walnuts

Green walnuts. Photo © Marco Verch CC-BY 2.0 

 

We have done a quick Google search and found the following suppliers in the US, UK and Australia. We have no affiliation with these suppliers, so you may prefer to do your own search e.g. "buy green walnuts USA".

Buy green walnuts in the US

Buy green walnuts in the UK

Buy green walnuts in Australia

Santé!

 

Ingredients:

  • 40 young quartered green walnuts
  • 5 quarts (4.74 liters) dry red wine
  • 2 pounds (1 kg) sugar
  • 1 quart (1 liter) brandy

 

Optional:

  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 4 cloves
  • 1 vanilla bean, split in half
  • Zest of one small mandarin

 

Vin de Noix

Vin de Noix (Walnut wine) Photo ©Marianne Casamance CC-BY SA 3.0

 

 

Instructions:

  • Put quartered walnuts in a large glass container and add the red wine and sugar. 
  • If you’re using the optional ingredients, add the nutmeg, clove, vanilla beans, and zest now. Do not add too much spice or it will overpower the flavor of the wine.
  • Seal the container completely and store it in a cool dark place for around six weeks. 
  • Then strain the mixture and add the brandy. 
  • Pour this delicious elixir into bottles and make sure they are tightly sealed. 
  • Let the walnut wine rest for at least six months. 
  • Serve in small aperitif glasses before enjoying a hearty meal.

Bon Appétit!

France Just For You

Experts in self-drive tours in France

Travelers Reviews

5.0
Ben & Family
This company is amazing!!! You will not be disappointed. We did our trip with them in the summer of 2015. It was fabulous. A wealth of information and such incredible Customer service. We now compare everything to France Just For You....and there is really no one quite like them! I wish they could plan all our international travel!!!!
Joel
We highly recommend Emilie’s services. She put together an excellent itinerary. She made all the arrangements and the guides she retained for us where top notch. The B&B accommodations were very good, the hosts were terrific and we enjoyed the other travelers we met at breakfast. We did two table d'hote dinners which were excellent and her …
Kim
So helpful and thoughtful! We had an amazing trip thanks to their planning and insights. Highly recommend, especially if you don’t have time to research places on your own. All the b&bs were beautiful, restaurant recommendations fantastic, great suggestions of routes and stops on our longer drives and having the cell phone with our guide book …
Shelley & Andy
We feel lucky that we found Emilie online! Usually, we like to plan our own trips, but we did not have the language capabilities or confidence to plan this vacation alone. Emilie to the rescue! She listened to our concerns and wishes and planned the perfect trip. Loved the small boutique hotel in the perfect part of Paris, and all the bed and …
Robert & Karen
Anyone planning a trip to France, whether for the first time or for the twelfth (like me), will benefit from the fabulous itinerary that Emilie can craft for you. My husband and I just returned from 2 1/2 weeks in the Medoc and the Loire Valley that Emilie planned for us: top-notch historic B&Bs with character, charming friendly hosts and sumptuous …
Steve
We normally craft our own trips or join a small group tour. This time, we decided to try Emilie and Guillaume's tailored holiday service to enjoy southern France in a way we wouldn't have otherwise done. It was an excellent experience in every way and we recommend them highly. The BnB's chosen , the sightseeing and dining suggestions made as well …