Summer hiking can bring on a lot of unwanted things, like ticks, poison ivy, and even heat exhaustion.
But one of the best parts about hiking in the summer is the tasty trail treat known as the wineberry! We love coming across wineberry bushes when we’re on the trail. It’s like a little reward for the effort we put into our hike.
Sometimes we’ll grab a handful to enjoy on the trail; other times, we’ll grab a bunch to munch on during the car ride home. No matter how we enjoy these tart red berries, we are always excited for wineberry season!
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What Are Wineberries?
Wineberries are a highly invasive plant originally native to eastern Asia. They were introduced to North America in the 1890s as breeding stock to hybridize with cultivated raspberries.
The plant spread into the wild (lucky for us!) and can be found in many eastern states, mostly along the Appalachian Mountains. We have found them as far south as Roanoke (along the Dragon’s Tooth Trail) and in New Jersey (we found a lot as we walked to the Goat Hill Overlook). I think you can find them in New York as well.
Most places encourage visitors to eat and harvest as many wineberries as they can to help reduce the spread.
How to Recognize Wineberries
Wineberry plants are identifiable by their hairy, thorny red stems, as well as their red buds, which are not found on native blackberries and raspberries.
The berries are bright red when ripe, and the leaves are large with a silver underside.
Can You Eat Wineberries?
Yes, you can eat wineberries! They are perfectly safe for human consumption. However, you might find a few that are tart.
Don’t worry about confusing them with a poisonous look-alike; there is no native vine plant that resembles a wineberry in North America.
You can eat any of the native blackberries, raspberries, and wineberries. You just might not enjoy their flavors, but that’s another story…
When Are Wineberries In-Season?
Wineberries typically start to ripen around the start of summer, usually at the end of June or the beginning of July. Of course, it varies depending on location and altitude.
We seem to have the most success finding them on the trail in the first and second week of July.
What Do Wineberries Taste Like?
Wineberries are more tart than raspberries. The redder they are, the sweeter they are. And they are a bit firmer than raspberries, offering a satisfying burst in your mouth.
Wineberry Wrap-Up
The next time you’re on a hike and you see a bush with tons of bright red berries that resemble raspberries, pull a few off and give them a taste! You won’t be disappointed. Wineberries are a fun and delicious treat to find along the trail.
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