He was pouring the bubbly into a big bowl. Strawberries floated and almost danced with the bubbles. You could see a certain smile on his face. It was clear this was a special celebration. The family was gathered under one roof which only happened every few years. This gathering called for a particular special beverage none other than German Strawberry Wine Punch aka Erdbeerbowle.
The man making the punch is my uncle. He made it for us when we visited him in Germany many years ago. Erdbeerbowle is a popular beverage in the summertime. It’s very easy to make and adapt to your taste too. My uncle uses white or rosé wine and champagne (sekt in German). I used Gallo Family Vineyards Riesling and Sweet Red along with a California brut sparkling wine. All you do is let strawberries soften (or macerate) with sugar then pour some of the wine over them to soak. A little while later, add more chilled wine then chilled sparkling right before serving.
German Strawberry Wine Punch sweetness can vary. If you use sweeter wines or more sugar then it will be quite sweet. The opposite if you use dry wines and less sugar. You can also add a small amount of lemon juice for a touch of tartness. The amount of wine you use can vary too. This is not a strict recipe. Have fun and make it to your taste. The color of the punch depends on the wine used. It can be anywhere from light pink to dark red. It’s great for entertaining and celebrations such as with Labor Day.
One other note about Riesling: It has been a part of my entire life, obviously because of my German heritage. It was the first wine I tasted when I became old enough to have it. My dad especially enjoyed Spätlese and Auslese, the sweeter ones. I’m certain he would like Gallo’s Riesling if he were still here. I thought about him as I first tasted it at the Food and Wine Conference. The wine’s light-bodied sweetness plus the peach and citrus flavors make it great choice for sipping with friends and family.
Labor Day will be here soon. Sunday Supper is proud to partner with Gallo Family Vineyards sharing fabulous recipes and wine pairings. Remember to get GFV’s Riesling or Sweet Red when preparing for your celebration. There is a $1 off coupon or rebate available (depending on your area). Scroll down to find a list and links to recipes from Sunday Supper contributors and check out Gallo’s Labor Day recipes too.
More on Gallo Family Vineyards: You can follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Their website has information on all Gallo Family wines and a store locator.
German Strawberry Wine Punch (Erdbeerbowle)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries hulled and cut in half
- 2 to 4 tablespoons granulated sugar*
- 1/2 to 3/4 bottle red or rosé wine 750ml
- 1/2 to 3/4 bottle white wine 750ml, chilled
- 1/2 bottle brut sparkling wine 750ml, chilled
Instructions
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Place strawberries in a large bowl or punch bowl. Sprinkle sugar on strawberries and stir to coat. Let sit for 3 hours for the sugar to soften (or macerate) the strawberries.
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Pour red wine over the strawberries. Let sit for 1 hour.
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Add white wine and stir. Chill if not serving immediately.
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Add sparkling wine and serve.
Recipe Notes
*The amount of sugar you use depends on how sweet you want the punch and the sweetness of the wine(s). Use less sugar if using sweet wines or if a "drier" punch is desired.
Are you ready for Labor Day? Take a look at these recipes by Sunday Supper contributors featuring or paired with Gallo Family Vineyards Riesling or Sweet Red wines:
Labor Day Beverages:
- German Strawberry Wine Punch (Erdbeerbowle) by Magnolia Days
- Ginger Plum Sangria by Jelly Toast
- Lemon Lime Wine Sparkle by Basic N Delicious
- Watermelon Wine Cooler with Lime by The Wimpy Vegetarian
Labor Day Savory Bites:
- Breakfast Sausages with Apples & Riesling by Webicurean
- Buffalo Ranch Pasta Salad by Foxes Love Lemons
- Clams in White Wine Sauce with Goat Cheese Crostini by Take A Bite Out of Boca
- Deconstructed Egg Rolls by Ruffles & Truffles
- Peach Mango Grilled Chicken over Quinoa by Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Sausage Mushroom and Bacon Pasta by Family Foodie
- Whipped Feta & Grilled Peach Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Vinaigrette by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Labor Day Desserts:
- Brown Butter Grilled Peach Cupcakes with Riesling Frosting by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Mango Riesling Coulis by Run DMT
- Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake by Desserts Required
- Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Brownies by Alida’s Kitchen
- Peach Granita Sundaes by Melanie Makes
- Peach Riesling Buckle by girlichef
- Riesling Infused Peach and Blueberry Cobbler by In The Kitchen With KP
- Riesling Poached Peaches with Mascarpone Cream by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- White Wine Ice Cream by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.
Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Gallo Family Vineyards via Sunday Supper, LLC. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author, and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Gallo Family Vineyards.
Liz says
Wow, the color is just exquisite, Renee! What a wonderful punch!
Renee says
Thanks Liz
Katie says
This is absolutely beautiful, and I am dying to try taste a glass for myself! Love love love it….
Renee says
Thanks Katie and I think you would really enjoy this punch.
Betsy @ Desserts Required says
What a wonderful memory to have of your time with your uncle. I can feel the warmth and love you have for your family. Speaking of love…I am going to love trying this gorgeous drink!
Renee says
Thanks Betsy.
Shaina says
Riesling is my favorite kind of wine. I love sweet German whites… I’m going to Germany in October and now I cannot wait to search for Erdbeerbowle!
Renee says
I hope you can find it there during fall. It’s more of a summer drink.
mimi says
That looks absolute divine!!! I’m not waiting till Labor Day to make this!!! thanks!
Renee says
Thanks Mimi and I hope you enjoy it too.
Emily {Jelly Toast} says
What a great story about your German family, Renee! I visited Germany many years ago and it is such a gorgeous country. This punch looks absolutely wonderful!
Renee says
Thanks Emily and I’m looking forward to visiting Germany again this October.
Nichole says
What a great memory to share, Renee! This punch looks like a winner to me. I think I may need to make it, soon!
Renee says
It’s a winner for sure. It’s been a family favorite for a long time.
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
Absolutely stunning color, Renee! Really, really beautiful! And perfect for summer.
Renee says
Thanks so much Susan
[email protected] Tastes Good says
What a great story, Renee! My husband’s family is from Germany, but I’d never heard of this drink before (sadly). What an absolutely gorgeous color and sounds so refreshing! Perfect for a special occasion in the summer! I love the Gallo Riesling too! Thanks for sharing!!
Renee says
Well, you will have to make it for your next family gathering since there is German heritage in your family too.
[email protected] Tastes Good says
I am planning on it! I know they’ll love it <3 Thanks!!
Renee says
Thank you Marion and cheers!
Run DMT says
This is summer perfection! Love it and pinning it!
Renee says
Thank you Denise and I appreciate the pin.
Nancy @ gottagetbaked says
My preference is definitely for sweeter wines like Rieslings and Gewurztraminers. I love the addition of macerated strawberries to this lovely drink. This sounds divine, Renee!
Renee says
Thanks Nancy.
Alida says
What a gorgeous color in this punch! It looks so refreshing and delicious. And I covet your Gallo cutting board 🙂
Renee says
Thanks Alida and I was so glad to get that cutting board. It really is a nice one too.
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
saved this recipe to recreate for summer.. definitely could kick back and relax with one of these summery wine punches. shame it’s winter!
Renee says
Yes, it’s a shame it is winter where you are but summer will come soon enough. I’m dreading fall and winter arriving here.
Kathia Rodriguez says
Great and perfect to end the summer.
Renee says
Thanks Kathia
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
This sounds fabulous, Renee! I bet it would be wonderful for a bridal shower. Or really any occasion 😉
Renee says
I never even thought about it being great for a bridal shower. It sure would.
Jane says
Such a great, beautiful color, very appealing!
Renee says
Thank you Jane
Heather // girlichef says
This is so beautiful, almost too pretty to drink! I love the red on red.
Renee says
Almost, but it sure does sip nicely.
Alice // Hip Foodie Mom says
Renee, this German Strawberry Wine Punch looks fabulous!! love that you used both red and white wine. . I’ve got to try this ASAP!
Renee says
Thanks Alice. And using red or white wine is up to you. I like the color more when using red.
Family Foodie says
Oh my goodness – this is fantastic. I can’t wait to make it for my next get together.
Renee says
Thanks Isabel
Hezzi-D says
This sounds like the perfect punch for a party! I love the bold red color.
Renee says
Thanks Heather
Anne @ Webicurean says
I love the color of this! I realize this is a summer beverage, but I’m thinking it would be a great addition to my holiday party too!
Renee says
It would be great for a holiday party because of the red color (just be sure to use some red wine).
Lori @ Foxes Love Lemons says
Sounds like you have such fabulous memories from that trip to Germany to meet your uncle! Love the combination of great ingredients in this punch, especially that hint of lemon juice! Yeah!
Renee says
Oh yes, I have many fabulous memories from that and other trips to Germany.
Adrian says
We make this every Spring at the cottage my grandfather – from Romania via Germany, surprise surprise – built here in Canada. The fresh berry season isn’t long!! But it’s delicious and so cool to see in the blog-o-sphere that it really is a tradition back from the “homeland.” He always called it “bole” (with an accent on the e!). Sooo yummy!! Now I’m wishing for Spring again 😉
Renee says
Oh how fantastic Adrian. I’m glad to see this enjoyed by your family and in Canada too.