National Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day Date in the current year: July 18, 2026

Fruit wines are fermented alcoholic beverages made from berries or fruits other than grapes. They are produced using technology similar to that used for grape wines, with some alterations to accommodate the different base ingredients. Fruit wines have traditionally been popular in areas with climates that are too cool or too hot for growing grapes, as well as among home winemakers.

For example, rhubarb has long been used to make homemade wine in Britain, Scandinavia, Canada, and the northern United States because it thrives in cool climates. Because of its tartness, rhubarb is usually combined with strawberries to create a more pleasant, balanced taste. The two main ingredients in strawberry rhubarb wine complement each other well. Rhubarb contributes fresh, green notes, sharp acidity, and a tart finish, while strawberries add fruity and floral notes, as well as a perception of sweetness, even in dry wines.

Although homemade strawberry rhubarb wine has been popular in some regions for centuries, commercially produced strawberry rhubarb wines have only become common in recent years as part of the craft fruit winery trend. These wines typically have a lower alcohol content than grape wines in order to preserve their fresh fruit character. Like grape wines, they can be dry or sweet. However, even dry wines contain added sugar to offset the tartness of the rhubarb, enhance juice extraction from fleshy rhubarb stalks, and ensure sufficient sugar for fermentation.

Contrary to a common misconception, fruit wine can be paired with a broad range of foods other than desserts. This is especially true for strawberry rhubarb wine due to its fresh tartness. This wine pairs well with foods that usually go well with acidic whine wines, such as roast chicken, smoked salmon, pork tenderloin, green salads with vinaigrette dressing, goat cheese, mild blue cheeses, and brie. Of course, you can pair it with desserts as well, especially with rhubarb pie, strawberry desserts, and cheesecake.

National Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day was created by Maple River Winery in North Dakota. After winning an award for their strawberry rhubarb wine at the North Dakota State Fair Wine Competition in 2013, the winery’s owners decided that this amazing fruit wine deserved recognition. Since then, other wineries that produce fruit wines have joined in, and the holiday has become a celebration of small local winemakers who offer unique products.

The best way to celebrate National Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day is to buy a bottle of strawberry rhubarb wine and share it with someone who appreciates unusual wines. If you can find several different varieties, you could even host a small wine tasting party for your friends. You can also support your local winery by booking a tour and buying their products.