Rheum x hybridum Although technically a vegetable, we are using it as a fruit. In order to determine which variety, or varieties, of Rhubarb the Bee & Thistle Winery would use for its wine production, the Bee and Thistle Orchards originally planted 350 Canada Red, Victoria and German Wine plants.  Over several years, they were separated and the various patches expanded. 

The Canada Red easily withstands Canada’s various climates and is considered hardy enough for all of our agricultural zones; Debden’s climate can be harsh and we are zoned at 1B. Canada Red stalks are red, shorter than other varieties and the plants are somewhat smaller. The fruit can be harvested the second year after planting. They grow fast and require very little care, coming back bigger and better each season. They make reasonable wine, but we feel the best of the varieties we have is German Wine.

The Orchard’s Victoria plants were original to the farm. These are the most acidic of the three varieties. These will continued to be used for personal table projects, and not made into wine.

Our German Wine Rhubarb was purchased from a grower in Nova Scotia as divided rhizomes. It is similar to Victoria Rhubarb but is slightly more vigorous and intense in colour and has a darker pink speckling on a green stem. The German Wine Rhubarb stalks are large, dark red and are very sweet. Each year, we plan to divide as appropriate with an ultimate production goal of 4000 L of German Wine Rhubarb Wine. We currently have about 500 German Wine plants. Bee & Thistle Orchards sold several dozen roots in 2020, to others wishing them, including a major fruit and vegetable farm in Quebec. Please use the contact us if you wish to be put on the list for next year’s divisions (we divide in late Fall and truck ship only in Canada—the window for dividing and shipping is very very short—about a week due to our extremely early winter).

The winery completed several test batches of wine using the three varieties and the results were quite interesting. Because of its high sugar content, intense colour and unique flavour profile, the Bee & Thistle Winery chose the German Wine variety for its Rhubarb wine.  Our Winemaker will carefully monitor and make the necessary adjustments to ensure a top quality product from the available fruit each year.