Usually in September-October in Europe festivals are held that are dedicated to the drink of kings - wine. You can try traditional and unique drinks, see for yourself how water is made from water, and you can take part in family feasts at wine festivals held in Portugal (Madeira Wine Festival), Czech Republic (Vinobraní), Romania (Harvest Festival), Germany (Würstmarkt ), Georgia (Rtveli), Switzerland (Neuchatel Wine Festival), Italy (Marino Grape Festival), Moldova (National Wine Day).
Golitsyn Russian Wine Festival in Moscow
Russia does not lag behind the holding of wine festivals. In 2016, a wine festival was held in Orlikovy Lane of the capital, in which 25 wineries and some manufacturers of farm products took part. It was a successful debut for the first festival. The festival was held for three days. During this time, it was visited by more than 1000 visitors of various professional backgrounds who were able to taste Russian wine. This festival was supported by the Ministry of Agriculture. It was noted manufacturers who carry out the production cycle "from the vine to the bottle." This is especially important for domestic buyers, since a lot of counterfeit products are sold in our distribution network. The wine festival in Moscow, held under the name of Golitsyn, debuted successfully. Oy this is said by its organizers and visitors. In 2017, in December, this festival was held again.
Big Wine Day in Moscow
At the same time as the Galitsyn Festival in Moscow, the Big Wine Day festival debuted at the initiative of one of the largest importers of wine to our country - WBG companies. This festival is held at the Badayevsky brewery in the Brooklyn Studio loft. Unlike the Galitsynsky festival, wines from around the world were presented here. It is held within one day. In addition to wine tasting at the festival, eminent guests gave master classes, dishes and drinks were presented by restaurants and gastro-projects. The festival was accompanied by musical accompaniment. In 2017, this holiday took place on September 16th. This festival is also called the "Great Wine Festival".
"Taste of Crimea" in Sevastopol
Other regions are not far behind Moscow. In Sevastopol, a festival of wine and music called "Taste of Crimea" was held on Nakhimov Square, where thematic venues of Crimean and Sevastopol winemakers, culinary and restaurateurs were opened. This festival also included a large concert program, an introduction to the traditions of Sevastopol and Crimea. In addition to the wine itself, local cuisine was presented here, the history of winemaking was told, various competitions were held. The organizer was the wine-making organization Inkerman.
In 2017, in early September, this festival was held at two venues. In addition to Nakhimov Square, the festival was held on Grafskaya Marina. Recreation areas, master classes, and DJ performances were organized at them. This holiday lasted one day.
Young Wine Festival in Balaclava
In late September - early October, in the amazingly beautiful resort town of Balaklava, a young wine festival is held, at which Crimean winemakers demonstrate their achievements. It is called Wine Fest. It hosts wine tastings, exchange of experience, discussions. Like many other events of this kind, not only wines are presented here, but also national products and restaurant delights. Guests are presented with an entertainment program, master classes, fairs. This festival, in addition to supporting local winemakers, aims to develop eco-gastronomic tourism in Crimea.
"Young Wine Day" in Kislovodsk
October 13 in Kislovodsk will host the festival of wine "Day of Young Wine" on Kurortny Boulevard. This holiday is held for the second time in order to demonstrate the success of the winemakers of Stavropol. Here will be presented the best grape varieties and winemaking products. Everyone will be able to take part in the tasting. It is planned to hold a fair and a big festive concert at this festival.
Below we consider some foreign festivals.
"Toastmaster - 2017" in Stavropol
In Stavropol, the wine festival is called "Tamada" because it is held by the retail chain of the same name. It was first held in 2017 and was timed to the 20th anniversary of the company Henry and K, which owns the Tamada retail chain. Here, acquaintance with wine-making and other products from the "Drinks" class took place from the leaders of these markets, both our country and foreign representatives. Visitors got acquainted with the culture of wine consumption, gastronomic combinations of various drinks. Festival guests attended the buffet table, master classes, tastings of not only wines, but also other drinks, in particular cocktails. The whole action was accompanied by a sea of music, a bartender show, an entertainment program and a bunch of contests, as well as a disco of the 80-90s.
Holiday in Limassol
Limassol is located in Cyprus. Here you can taste not only wine, but also delicious food in unlimited quantities. An open-air festival is held in large areas to accommodate everyone. As a rule, the action is always accompanied by national dances and music. The Limassol Wine Festival has been held since 1961 and lasts about 10 days. This holiday begins during the ripening of grapes, when the air is saturated with its delicate aroma.
In Cyprus, wine is prepared according to ancient traditions while preserving the secrets of preparation characteristic of each mountain village.
In the ancient capital of Cyprus Paphos there are various mosaics, one of which depicts the myth of the creation of wine. Cypriots do not just observe the ancient traditions of winemaking, they honor the culture of wine drinking. In their homes, wine is always present on the tables at lunch or dinner, but it is almost impossible to meet drunkards there.
In the evening from 20:00 to 23:00 local time, those who wish can enjoy wine for free.
In addition, anyone can participate in the preparation of wine in public, when, to the general cheers, as well as to the accompaniment of the sound of music, they begin to stamp the grapes from which they will receive wine.
Legend of Limassol
According to the myth, Dionysus (the god of wine) for the hospitality of King Ikarios thanked him by teaching the art of winemaking. The king decided to try this drink on shepherds, who, not having the appropriate enzymes in their bodies, quickly got drunk from it and fell asleep on the ground. Those who were next to the shepherds suspected the king of poisoning the shepherds with a potion, and killed him. After the awakening of the shepherds, who turned out to be alive and healthy, the art of winemaking began to be revered by this people and remained in its culture forever.
Luca Maroni Festival in Italy
Luca Maroni is an authoritative wine taster and author of many books. The best wines and winemakers who participated in their creation become participants in the festival on behalf of this taster, which is held in major cities of Italy annually. Here you can see unusual premieres, various shows. Here you can also plunge into the historical past and find out what wine was drunk by Leonardo da Vinci. Scientists determined this by the detected fragments of the vine and a detailed analysis.
Other festivals
As indicated at the beginning of the article, wine festivals are held in many countries around the world.
In Georgia, such a festival is called "Rtveli". This is a family holiday. From early morning until late evening, grapes are harvested, after which they can be crushed with their feet in large vats or in crush. Jugs of qvevri are buried in the ground, where grape juice flows. Grapes are picked by men, and women in the courtyard prepare khinkali, satsivi, eggplant, pea pods with spices and grated nuts. Only in the late evening the whole family gathers and begins the Georgian feast with songs, toasts, dances. The holiday continues until the last bunch of grapes is collected and processed. Last year’s wine is consumed at the table. An outsider can get to this festival by invitation or on a tour program. This holiday is tied to harvesting, mainly in September-October.
In Moldova, on October 7, the national "Wine Day" is held. It begins with a parade of winemakers dressed in traditional national costumes. A holiday is taking place in many cities of the country, and the center is Chisinau. On "Wine Day" fairs are held where you can taste Moldovan wines. The festival has a lot of music and dancing. The holiday ends with the performance of the Moldavian dance of the "choir" and fireworks.
Madera Festival is held in Portugal. This festival is very fun and vibrant. Its duration is one week. Here mannequins of peasants are demonstrated at work, wine tastings are held on the squares of the city, in addition to which you can try national dishes and snacks. In the suburbs, master classes and musical concerts are held, both of national music and European folklore.
In the Czech Republic, the Burchak festival of young wine, which is prepared from local light grapes, is being held. The festival lasts three days, led by its "king". During the fairs, knightly tournaments. Such a holiday is held in various cities of the Czech Republic, including Prague in late August - early October.
In Romania, a grape festival is held . Residents consider Dionysus a native of this country. During the week fairs, festivals, concerts are held. Jugs of wine are displayed near the wine cellars during the festivities, and anyone who wants to can appreciate its taste. In various markets, traders give wine a try, scooping it out of barrels with a tub.
The Würstmarkt Wine Festival is held in Germany. There are tents on the Brihlwiesen field, where benches are set up on long tables. They are seated by visitors who are served in large glasses of wine, and as a snack sausages. The program is also accompanied by entertainment and fairs.
Finally
Wine festivals are held around the world. Russia was no exception. Here, the main celebrations are held in Moscow, Sevastopol and Stavropol. Basically, such festivals are accompanied by noisy festivities, concerts, fairs and various entertainments. In some cases, wine provided for tasting is given free of charge. The main time is September-October.