Did they have pits? Did the pits get broken? You do need to use campden
tablets, plus some yeast nutrient. Please check out this site
http://winemaking.jackkeller.net/index.asp for a recipe to follow. I would
also have some concerns about how bitter the wine may come out. My first
batch of cherry wine (using tart cherries) came out very tart, almost to
tart to drink. I used different cherries the second time around. Good-luck
and welcome.
Darlene
G'town Wisconsin
USA

"Nick R" > wrote in message
ink.net...
> I picked 5 gallons of bitter cherries, rinsed, and smashed them. I then
> added a little less than 6 quarts of boiling water. I am letting it sit
for
> 24 hours. Today I will strain the juice and add 2 pounds of sugar per
> gallon of juice. Then add some yeast and let it start fermenting. Do you
> see anything wrong with this setup? I didn't have any campden (sp)
tablets
> to put in. A buddy reccomended them. Do you have any suggestions or
advice
> for future batches? thanks much
>
> Nick
>
>