Scotty McCreery’s ‘Strawberry Wine’ Cover Brings a Rugged New Feel to a Country Classic

Scotty McCreery gave fans a memorable take on one of country music’s most beloved songs when he performed Deana Carter’s “Strawberry Wine” during the CMA Summer Stay-Cay event on July 1.

Performing from the comfort of his home, McCreery sat with an acoustic guitar in hand, while the No. 1 plaques for his hit songs “Five More Minutes” and “This Is It” hung on the wall behind him. He opened by describing “Strawberry Wine” as “one of the biggest in ’90s history, country music history,” before adding that it is also “one of my favorites.”

A New Take on a ’90s Favorite

McCreery’s deep, unmistakable voice and Southern twang give the song a slightly rougher edge than Carter’s original recording. His performance preserves the reflective quality of “Strawberry Wine” while adding the distinctive character of his own vocal style.

The song tells the story of a summer that becomes a turning point in a young woman’s life, capturing first love, the loss of innocence and the gradual transition into adulthood.

As McCreery sings the familiar chorus about strawberry wine and being seventeen, his delivery brings a warm, lived-in quality to the nostalgic lyrics.

At the end of the performance, McCreery also offered a message to viewers watching from home, saying he hoped everyone was “staying safe, staying healthy.”

The Story Behind “Strawberry Wine”

Written by Matraca Berg and Gary Harrison, “Strawberry Wine” was released in 1996 as Deana Carter’s debut single from her first studio album, Did I Shave My Legs for This?

The song quickly became a major country hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Its success continued at the 1997 CMA Awards, where “Strawberry Wine” was named Song of the Year.

McCreery’s performance offered a fresh interpretation of a song that had already become a defining country hit of the 1990s.

Part of CMA Summer Stay-Cay

McCreery was among the many country stars who took part in CMA Summer Stay-Cay, a multi-hour livestream designed to bring artists and fans together virtually.

The event featured performances, games and appearances from artists including Luke Combs, Eric Church, Carly Pearce and Gabby Barrett, among others.

For McCreery, the virtual event provided an opportunity to revisit a country classic and put his own stamp on “Strawberry Wine” from his home.