It's time to raise a glass! National Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day falls on the third Saturday in July, celebrating the delightful, smooth, and fruity taste that fills every sip of delicious, chilled Strawberry Rhubarb Wine. Cheers to the exquisite flavors of this delightful beverage!

Purpose: National Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day honors the unique and delightful combination of strawberries and rhubarb in wine-making. This day encourages people to enjoy and appreciate this refreshing and fruity wine, explore its culinary pairings, and learn about its production.

History:

• Wine Tradition: Strawberry rhubarb wine has been enjoyed for years, especially in regions where these fruits are abundant. It’s particularly popular among home winemakers and small wineries that experiment with fruit wines.

Significance:

• Seasonal Celebration: The day highlights the summer harvest of strawberries and rhubarb, celebrating their peak season and the refreshing flavors they bring.
• Culinary Exploration: It provides an opportunity for culinary exploration, pairing the wine with various foods and incorporating it into recipes.
• Wine Appreciation: The day promotes the appreciation of fruit wines, showcasing the diversity and creativity in winemaking beyond traditional grape wines.

Activities:

• Tasting Sessions: Participate in or host wine tasting sessions to sample different strawberry rhubarb wines. Compare notes on flavors, aromas, and textures.
• Visit Wineries: Visit local wineries that produce fruit wines. Learn about their wine-making processes and sample their strawberry rhubarb wine.
• Home Winemaking: Try your hand at making strawberry rhubarb wine at home. There are many recipes and kits available for beginners.
• Food Pairing: Experiment with food pairings to find dishes that complement the sweet-tart flavor of strawberry rhubarb wine. Common pairings include cheeses, salads, and desserts.
• Sharing on Social Media: Share your experiences, tasting notes, and favorite pairings on social media using the hashtag #StrawberryRhubarbWineDay.

Interesting Facts About Strawberry Rhubarb Wine:

1. Flavor Profile: Strawberry rhubarb wine typically has a sweet-tart flavor profile, combining the sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of rhubarb.
2. Color: The wine usually has a vibrant pink or red hue, making it visually appealing as well.
3. Versatility: This wine can be enjoyed on its own, as a spritzer mixed with soda water, or used in cocktails and cooking.
4. Health Benefits: Both strawberries and rhubarb are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, making this wine a flavorful and potentially beneficial treat when consumed in moderation.

Basic Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Recipe:

1. Ingredients:

   • 3 lbs fresh strawberries
   • 3 lbs fresh rhubarb
   • 6 cups sugar
   • 1 gallon water
   • 1 packet wine yeast
   • 1 tsp yeast nutrient
   • 1 Campden tablet (for sterilization)

2. Instructions:

   1. Clean and sterilize all equipment.
   2. Chop the strawberries and rhubarb into small pieces.
   3. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil and dissolve the sugar. Let it cool to room temperature.
   4. Place the chopped fruit into a fermentation bucket and pour the cooled sugar water over it.
   5. Crush the Campden tablet and add it to the mixture to sterilize. Let it sit for 24 hours.
   6. Add the yeast nutrient and wine yeast to the mixture. Stir well.
   7. Cover the fermentation bucket and let it ferment for about a week, stirring daily.
   8. After the initial fermentation, strain the liquid into a glass carboy, leaving the fruit pulp behind.
   9. Attach an airlock and let the wine ferment for several weeks until it clears.
   10. Once fermentation is complete, bottle the wine and let it age for at least a few months before enjoying.

Food Pairing Suggestions:

1. Cheeses: Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese, and aged cheeses like cheddar, complement the wine’s flavors.
2. Salads: Fresh summer salads with strawberries, nuts, and a light vinaigrette pair well with the wine.
3. Seafood: Light seafood dishes, such as grilled shrimp or ceviche, enhance the wine’s fruity notes.
4. Desserts: Berry desserts, cheesecakes, and fruit tarts are excellent pairings for strawberry rhubarb wine.
5. Barbecue: The wine’s sweetness can balance the savory and smoky flavors of barbecued meats.

How to Celebrate:

• Host a Wine Tasting Party: Gather friends and family for a strawberry rhubarb wine tasting party. Provide a variety of wines and complementary foods.
• Visit Local Vineyards: Spend the day visiting local vineyards and wineries that produce fruit wines. Participate in tours and tastings.
• Make Your Own Wine: Try making strawberry rhubarb wine at home using a beginner’s kit or recipe. Enjoy the process of creating your own batch.
• Picnic: Pack a picnic with foods that pair well with strawberry rhubarb wine and enjoy it in a scenic outdoor location.
• Cooking with Wine: Incorporate strawberry rhubarb wine into recipes for a unique flavor twist. Use it in sauces, marinades, or desserts.

National Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day is a delightful celebration of a unique and flavorful wine. Whether through tasting, pairing, home winemaking, or simply enjoying a glass with friends, there are many ways to appreciate and honor this refreshing summer beverage.