National Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in July, and this year, it falls on July 20. This day celebrates the smooth and fruity taste you will find in a glass full of some delicious, chilled Strawberry Rhubarb Wine. This wine is made from a combination of delectable strawberries and tart rhubarb. The strawberry rhubarb plant is often used to make pies. The varieties of this plant are noted by the types of fruit they produce. The pie plant varieties will not grow true from seed, and they must be propagated by division or cuttings. If a seedling is planted, it will not produce fruit like its parent. It is a fact that this hybrid grows best in cold climates and wet soils. The rhubarb’s large green leaves are poisonous, but the leaf stalks are tasty in sweets or used as a vegetable in savory food dishes.
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
What does rhubarb taste like in wine?
If you use a bit of sugar, rhubarb wine is dry and zingy. However, if you add a lot of sugar, it turns sweet and lemony, thanks to the oxalic acid in rhubarb. Oxalic acid gives rhubarb its kick!
Can I use frozen rhubarb to make wine?
Rhubarb wine can be uninteresting at eight months and good at 10 months. Let the wine mellow for a while for best results. Use frozen cut-up rhubarb, but don’t add it until the wine is already in the fermentor.
Should rhubarb wine be chilled?
Strawberry Rhubarb Wine has a unique and unusual flavor, and it’s delicious and typically served cold (40 to 45F). Depending on the sweetness of your wine, it might be a bit higher near 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
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!
National Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | July 16 | Saturday |
| 2023 | July 15 | Saturday |
| 2024 | July 20 | Saturday |
| 2025 | July 19 | Saturday |
| 2026 | July 18 | Saturday |
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