- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- American foodBeverageDrinking
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- 3rd Saturday of July
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National Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day uncorks a delightful blend of flavors every third Saturday in July. This unique observance celebrates the smooth, fruity taste of wine crafted from delectable strawberries and tart rhubarb. Raise a glass to this refreshing beverage, explore local wineries, or try making your own fruit wine at home!
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History of National Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day
The history of strawberry rhubarb wine is as sweet as the drink itself. Strawberries originated in Asia but didn’t show up in Europe until the 1300s; at that time, they were costly and only available to the wealthy. However, their popularity soon grew, and by the 15th Century, they could be found in gardens throughout Italy. The first strawberry plants in America came from France in 1714. By the 1800s, strawberries were being grown commercially for profit. Finally, by 1835, a shipping company was dedicated entirely to transporting these berries around the country.
Rhubarb was native to China, where they used it medicinally as early as 2700 B.C. In the late 1800s, rhubarb’s popularity expanded to North America, known as “the pie plant.” Popularity grew significantly in the northern parts of the U.S, where climates were more relaxed and more similar to those found in areas where rhubarb traditionally grew.
Strawberry rhubarb wine is a delicious beverage made from fermented rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, water, and yeast. Rhubarb itself is an attractive plant in that its stems are edible, but its leaves are not. It has a sweet and tart flavor, which, combined with the sweetness of strawberries, makes for a glass of great wine. While there is no detailed history behind Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day, it seems that it was created to celebrate this seasonally inspired drink.
However, it wasn’t until the 1970s commercial vineyards started producing strawberry rhubarb wines. As a sweet and tart beverage, it’s not meant to be aged like other wines and is best enjoyed within the first year or two of its bottling. Since 2013, the third Saturday of July has been designated National Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day by Maple River Winery in North Dakota. The winery recently won a Double Gold Award for its Strawberry Rhubarb Wine at the North Dakota State Fair Wine Competition.
National Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day timeline
The first strawberry plants are brought to America.
Popularity grew especially in the northern parts of the U.S, where climates were cooler and more similar to those found in areas where rhubarb traditionally grew.
The first strawberry plants in America were grown by a French botanist, Andre Michaux.
Maple River Winery designates National Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day in North Dakota.
National Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day FAQs
When is National Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day?
National Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day 2026 falls on Saturday, July 18, inviting everyone to savor this unique fruit wine. This annual observance is a perfect mid-summer treat.
What is strawberry rhubarb wine?
Strawberry rhubarb wine is a fruit wine made from a fermentation of strawberries and rhubarb stalks. It typically offers a balance of sweet berry notes from the strawberry and a tart, earthy undertone from the rhubarb, creating a distinctive and refreshing profile.
How popular are fruit wines in the U.S.?
Fruit wines, including those made from strawberry and rhubarb, have seen a steady increase in popularity in the U.S. as consumers explore diverse and often sweeter wine options. Many local and craft wineries specialize in these unique offerings, catering to a growing niche market.
Are rhubarb leaves poisonous?
Yes, rhubarb leaves are indeed poisonous due to their high concentration of oxalic acid, which can be harmful if ingested. Only the stalks of the rhubarb plant are safe for consumption and are widely used in culinary applications.
National Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day Activities
Make your strawberry rhubarb wine
What's the best way to celebrate National Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day? Make your own strawberry rhubarb wine, of course! The best part about strawberry rhubarb wine is that you don't need any fancy equipment to make it.
Buy some strawberry rhubarb wine from the store
You can celebrate by buying a couple of strawberry rhubarb wines from the store. You can drink it while watching a movie or playing cards with friends. You can drink it while you stare out the window at the trees or take a bath.
Gather your friends and family
Gather your friends and family and Have a toast with your favorite strawberry rhubarb wine and a slice of strawberry rhubarb pie. Consider adding some decorations themed around strawberries, rhubarb, and wine to make your gathering extra special!
5 Things You Didn't Know About Strawberries
A museum dedicated to the strawberry
In the gift shop at Le Musée de la Fraise in Belgium, you can find strawberry-themed products, including strawberry jam and strawberry beer.
3.5 pounds of fresh strawberries per year
Americans eat almost five pounds of fresh strawberries per year.
Strawberries reduce the risk of heart disease
Studies show that strawberries can help prevent heart disease and certain cancers. They are low in calories but high in vitamins C, B6, K, fiber, folic acid, potassium, and amino acids.
80% of them come from California
According to the California Strawberry Commission, California grows some 80% of strawberries grown and sold in the United States.
Only fruit that has its seeds outside
Berries often have as many as 200 tiny scales on them.
Why We Love National Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day
It is a great excuse to get together
It's a great excuse to get together with your friends and enjoy some delicious wine made from one of nature's best combinations. There are plenty of places to get your hands on the stuff, too — you can head to your neighborhood vineyard for a bottle or two or even make it yourself! It's a great way to do something different from your average outing.
It shows care to its community
It helps show how much we care about our strawberry and rhubarb communities. These delicious ingredients don't always get the attention they deserve, so why not help bring awareness to their plight?
It appreciates strawberry rhubarb wine
It's dedicated to appreciating one of the fruitiest and most delectable wines out there; strawberry rhubarb wine. A day in the sun with a sweet, tangy, bubbly beverage? Yes, please!
