Can homemade wine with white mold spots still be consumed?

Feb 11, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
Homemade wine with white mold spots is generally not safe to drink. The appearance of white mold in homemade wine may result from unwashed grapes during the winemaking process, introducing bacteria through residual moisture. This can cause spoilage and promote the growth of acetic acid bacteria, which are harmful substances. Such contamination leads to loss of nutritional value and affects taste. It may also irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing discomfort, and in severe cases, lead to enteritis.

Homemade wine with white mold spots is generally not safe to drink.

If white mold appears in homemade wine, it may be because the grapes were not thoroughly washed during the winemaking process, allowing bacteria to mix with the moisture. This can lead to extensive bacterial growth and spoilage of the grapes, resulting in acetic acid bacteria—a harmful substance. This not only significantly reduces the wine's nutritional value but also affects its taste. Moreover, consuming such wine may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing discomfort symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it could even lead to enteritis; therefore, it should not be consumed.

During the winemaking process, it's essential to strictly follow proper procedures. When properly made, moderate consumption of homemade wine can help supplement nutrients, promote digestion, and enhance absorption in the body.