Wine has been at the center (or at least involved) in innumerable traditions over time. It’s been used in Ancient Egyptian burial rituals, all sorts of Roman events and medicinal cures (some of which were admittedly gross), and even laced with cocaine and sold as a tonic that was promptly endorsed by Pope Leo XIII.
Traditions have changed over time, but still, wine customs continue. Here are five weird and wonderful wine traditions from around the world.
Having a giant wine fight – Spain
In the La Rioja region of northern Spain, the town of Haro has an annual summer wine festival. This celebration includes an event called Batalla del Vino, and it’s one of the world’s largest food-and-beverage battles. The purpose is to cover your fellow wine warriors with so much wine that everyone is left wearing purple.
Pushing wine barrels uphill for fun – Montepulciano, Italy
Once a year, two representatives from each of eight districts battle it out for glory in the grueling and highly competitive Bravio delle Botti. Teams race more than a mile uphill through the fortress town’s spiraling streets. Oh, and they’re pushing 80 kg (176 lb) wine barrels.
Setting wine on fire for Christmas – Germany
On Christmas Day, it’s not uncommon for German party hosts to place a rum-soaked sugar cone over a big batch of spiced mulled wine… and then set the cone on fire. This is generally to the great delight of party guests. The recipe is named Feuerzangenbowle (try saying that three times fast after drinking some), which literally translates to “fire tongs punch.”
Eating 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve – Spain
Another fun one from Spain, las doce uvas de la suerte, or “the twelve grapes of luck,” is a custom for bringing luck and prosperity in the new year, and involves 12 grapes and a glass of Cava. At midnight on New Year’s Eve, a grape is eaten every time the clock chimes, from one to twelve. Cava toasts follow. This tradition reportedly dates back to 1909, when area grape growers devised a clever way to sell extra grapes from their crop surplus.
Drinking out of the bride’s shoe – Ukraine
If you manage to steal the bride’s shoe during a Ukrainian wedding, you might find yourself in possession of a special power. In this tradition, the successful thief is allowed to make demands of the wedding party, which often includes drinking from the bride’s shoe. Sources have stated this is done with either vodka or champagne, and perhaps includes a glass being placed into the shoe versus drinking directly from the shoe itself — the latter of which sounds like it benefits both the drinker and the bride. Who wants a wet shoe?
Do you have a fun or exciting wine tradition? We want to hear it!
