It's Saint Martin's Day - let's try new wine!

For the sixth occasion, Srebrna Góra Vineyard invites all Krakow residents to taste this year's wine during the feast of Saint Martin's Day. The Municipality of Krakow - 2019 European Capital of Gastronomic Culture - is a partner of the event.

The festival of this season’s wine made from recently picked grapes was already depicted by Bruegel and the tradition of opening the first bottles on 11 November originates from the figure of Saint Martin - the patron saint of harvest and vintners. It is at this time of year that the fermentation stage comes to a halt and clarification begins. It was also a time for peasants to pay tribute, often offering goose which is at its fattiest and tastiest in November.
This tradition has been revived in Krakow by Srebrna Góra Vineyard located just within the city limits. The first New Wine Festival took place in 2013 when 300 guests drank 200 bottles of wine from that year. The festival has rapidly grown in popularity as has the amount of vines planted in Poland. In 2017 there were as many as 1300 visitors. Therefore, this year the festival will span over two days and will take place in Stara Zajezdnia (address: św. Wawrzyńca 12).
On Saturday, 10 November at 6pm, new wine from 2018 vintage will be presented, accompanied by goose dishes, cheeses, cold cuts and other specialities from top Polish producers. The festival will also be an opportunity to present the Saint Martin's Award for outstanding efforts in promoting Polish wine and Saint Martin's Day customs and traditions. The award ceremony will be followed by dancing. Also on Saturday, Bartek Kieżun will run a culinary demonstration showing how to prepare caraway soup, stuffed goose neck and apple strudel. There is an entrance fee on Saturday of 40/60 Polish zloty (with a guaranteed seat). Doors open at 5pm.
On Sunday, 11 November between 11am and 6pm, Stara Zajezdnia will host Najedzeni Fest!, a culinary festival where sellers at 30 different stalls will offer dishes and goods from all around the globe. Wine tasting will also take place during the event. Admission on Sunday is free of charge.
The Municipality of Krakow - 2019 European Capital of Gastronomic Culture - is a partner of the event.
Srebrna Góra Vineyard was established in 2008 and is located in Krakow, at the foothills of the Camaldolese Monastery in Bielany. It draws on the early 10th century history of vine growing in Krakow, traces of which were discovered in Wawel Castle and monastic winemaking traditions. The first, 300m2 vineyard in Srebrna Góra (Polish for Silver Mountain) was established in 1660 and has survived until this day.
Today, Srebrna Góra Vineyard is one of the largest in Poland. The total size of 28 hectares is divided into two 14-hectare plots: one in Bielany and one in neighbouring Przegorzały. The main grape varieties grown in Srebrna Góra include whites such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Seyval Blanc, Solaris, Hibernal and the following reds: Pinot Noir, Regent, Rondo, Cabernet Cortis, Zweiget and Acolon.