A statistical model was developed to describe the fermentation process using Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATCC 9763 in the production of black rice (cv. Poireton) wine from Manipur, India. Fermentation process parameters were optimised by response surface methodology and experiments were conducted according to a three‐level and three‐variable central composite rotatable design. The combination of pH, temperature and time was the most promising for achieving a high ethanol yield. With the use of the developed quadratic model equation, alcohol production (11.1%, v/v) was obtained in a batch fermentation process at the optimum operating condition of pH (6.96), temperature (26.2°C) and incubation time (74 h). GC–MS analysis of the wine revealed volatile aromatic compounds, namely 1‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidine ethanol, propionic acid, 3‐mercapto and ethyl ester. © 2018 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling