Croatia Celebrates Ancient Wine-Blessing Tradition

A great excuse to knock back some fine Croatian wine today as Croatia celebrates an ancient tradition…

The holy day of wine ‘Martinje’, or St Martin’s Day, is celebrated in many towns and villages around Croatia, particularly in the hillside wine cellars around Dugo Selo where St. Martin is the patron saint. It is an occasion when many wine makers and their friends give thanks to St. Martin for a good harvest and young wine. Martinje basically celebrates the day that must, or young wine, matures into wine fit for drinking.

These celebrations date back to pre-Christian times and mark the period when works outside of the home, in the fields, would come to an end and preparations for the winter would begin. In the wine growing areas this is the time that marks the end of all vineyard activities.

In Zagreb – Martin in Zagreb – will be held to mark the occasion until 13 November. The event not only celebrates the day but helps promote local wineries in the area.