The Ultimate Rhubarb Pie Recipe and Perfect Wines to Pair
The Tangy Charm of Rhubarb Pie
Few desserts capture the nostalgic spirit of early summer quite like rhubarb pie. With its vibrant pink stalks and tart-sweet flavor, rhubarb is one of the season’s most iconic ingredients. While technically a vegetable, rhubarb is most often treated as a fruit in cooking, especially in desserts. Its bold acidity makes it a natural match for sugar—and a surprisingly brilliant partner for certain wines.
My own love for rhubarb pie started early. I grew up in Alaska (until I was 12), where my neighbor had a beautiful rhubarb patch. She would bake fresh rhubarb pies each spring, and I remember thinking how magical it was that something so tart could turn into something so delicious. That first bite of her warm pie with a flaky crust made me a lifelong fan.
Did You Know? (Funny Rhubarb Facts)
- Rhubarb is so tart it’s been nicknamed “the pie plant.” Even its stalks need a sugar chaperone.
- In 1947, the U.S. Customs Court ruled rhubarb was a fruit—not because of botany, but because it was mostly used in desserts.
- Rhubarb leaves are toxic. So yes, it’s a vegetable that could poison you… unless you pie it.
- Minnesota once hosted a Rhubarb National Anthem contest. And yes, there’s a winning song.
Where Rhubarb Grows Best
Rhubarb thrives in cooler climates and is most commonly grown in the northern United States and parts of Canada. States like Washington, Oregon, Michigan, and Minnesota are among the top producers. The plant is hardy, easy to grow, and can live for years in home gardens, making it a spring staple in many northern households.
Why People Love Rhubarb Pie
Rhubarb pie is beloved for its balance of tart and sweet, its rustic simplicity, and its vibrant color. Often paired with strawberries or served solo in its tangy glory, the pie evokes memories of family gatherings, summer fairs, and passed-down recipes. Its bold flavor, when tempered by just the right amount of sugar, creates a unique and satisfying dessert that’s hard to forget.
Rhubarb Festivals Across the U.S.
Across the country, rhubarb has a cult following. Towns like Lanesboro, Minnesota, and Sumner, Washington, host annual Rhubarb Festivals to celebrate the harvest. As someone who grew up near Sumner, WA, I’ve seen firsthand how the whole community comes together around this quirky crop. These events feature pie-eating contests, rhubarb cooking competitions, and even rhubarb-themed art. It’s clear: this quirky vegetable has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many.
What Else besides pie Can You Make with Rhubarb?
While pie reigns supreme, rhubarb is wonderfully versatile. You can use it to make:
- Rhubarb compote for pancakes or yogurt
- Rhubarb chutney for pork or poultry
- Rhubarb jam or jelly
- Rhubarb sorbet or ice cream
- Rhubarb-infused cocktails (think gin and rhubarb tonic!)
Best Wines to Pair with the ultimate Rhubarb Pie
Rhubarb’s tartness can be a challenge for wine pairings, but it also opens the door to some truly exciting matches. Here are a few standouts from local Washington State wineries:
- Off-Dry Riesling: The classic. A slightly sweet Riesling, especially from Germany or Washington State, brings just enough sugar to balance the tartness without overpowering the dish. The bright acidity of the wine mirrors the rhubarb, creating harmony. Try the Airfield Estates Riesling from the Yakima Valley.
- Rosé: A dry or off-dry rosé, especially those with notes of strawberry or citrus, complements both strawberry-rhubarb and solo rhubarb pies. Serve it chilled for a summer-perfect treat. I love Two Mountain Winery’s Rosé, which brings bright berry fruit and refreshing acidity.
- Gewürztraminer: Floral and aromatic, this wine has enough body and sweetness to hold its own. It’s a match made in heaven for rhubarb’s punchy flavor. Icicle Ridge Winery in Leavenworth makes a beautiful version that pairs like a dream.
- Sparkling Wine: Bubbles bring brightness and contrast. Try a demi-sec Champagne or a sparkling Moscato for a fun, celebratory pairing. Or keep it local with Daven Lore’s Blanc de Blanc, a crisp Washington sparkling wine that adds a festive fizz.
The ultimate rhubarb pie Recipe
Finally, what you’ve waited this entire blog article for!
If you’re planning to bake, I recommend this tried-and-true rhubarb pie recipe from AllRecipes: Fresh Rhubarb Pie. Pair it with a chilled glass of your favorite Washington wine, and you’ve got a perfectly balanced celebration of the season.
Shop My Rhubarb Pie & Wine Essentials
Want to make your own pie and enjoy it with the perfect glass of wine? Here are some of my favorite tools and entertaining picks:
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will earn commission if you purchase from my links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps me continue creating free and valuable content. Thank you!
Wine Chiller – Because you only eat pie sitting outside on the patio in the sun, right? So keep that wine chilled!
Kloveo Champagne Stopper – I know, I know… Who needs this, right? Because you plan to drink the whole bottle! Humor me, you won’t be sad you bought this! And with my link, you get 10% off!
Cheers to Summer
Whether you’re slicing into a fresh rhubarb pie, exploring your local farmers market, or sipping Washington wines on the porch, I hope this season brings you all the brightness and flavor of this beloved summer combo. Thanks for spending a few minutes with me here—I’d love to hear what you’re pairing with your pies and if you loved this pie recipe! Comment below.
If you’re planning more summer meals, check out some of my other wine pairing guides:
Wishing you a delicious and joy-filled summer! 🍷🥧
#rhubarb #rhubarbpie #rhubarbcrisp #winepairing #wine #recipe #summer #dessert
