The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Song›Strawberry Wine
Entertainment • Song

Strawberry Wine

"Strawberry Wine" is a 1996 country song written by Matraca Berg and Gary Harrison and recorded by Deana Carter.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

"Strawberry Wine" is a 1996 country song written by Matraca Berg and Gary Harrison and recorded by Deana Carter. It was released as Carter's debut single and became a major hit in the United States and Canada, later becoming her signature song. The song reached number 1 on Canada's RPM Country Tracks chart, making it a notable country hit for Canadian listeners.

Background

"Strawberry Wine" was written by Matraca Berg and Gary Harrison and recorded by American country singer Deana Carter. It served as the lead single from her debut album, Did I Shave My Legs for This?.

Commercial performance

The song became a number 1 hit in both the United States and Canada. Its crossover success made it Carter's most successful single overall.

Musical style

Sources describe the song as a sentimental country ballad backed primarily by steel guitar and percussion.

Awards and legacy

The song received significant critical and industry recognition, including Song of the Year honours and Grammy and ACM nominations. It is commonly described as Carter's signature song.

Key facts

  • It was Deana Carter's debut single and became her signature song.
  • The song reached number 1 on both the US Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart.
  • It was written by Matraca Berg and Gary Harrison.
  • The song earned Song of the Year honours and Grammy and ACM nominations.
  • It is a sentimental country ballad backed by steel guitar and percussion.
🍁
Canadian context

The song reached number 1 on Canada’s RPM Country Tracks chart, making it a notable country hit for Canadian listeners.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote "Strawberry Wine"?
It was written by Matraca Berg and Gary Harrison.
Who recorded the song?
The song was recorded by Deana Carter.
When was it released?
It was released on July 26, 1996.
What album is it from?
It is from Deana Carter's debut album, Did I Shave My Legs for This?.
Did it chart in Canada?
Yes. It reached number 1 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart.
Why is the song notable?
It became Carter's biggest hit and is widely regarded as her signature song.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strawberry_Wine_(Deana_Carter_song)
    Supports: song writers, artist, release date, album, chart success, genre, and description as a sentimental ballad
  2. The Boot — https://theboot.com/deana-carter-strawberry-wine-lyrics/
    Supports: background, release timing, chart success, awards, and signature-song status
  3. Apple Music — https://music.apple.com/us/song/strawberry-wine/724507730
    Supports: artist, song title, and album association
  4. Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/track/3ODF56f90W3qxDqxHAUi3v
    Supports: track listing for Deana Carter's "Strawberry Wine"