Martini (St. Martin's Day)

Name for a church festival that is celebrated in Central Europe, especially in Bavaria, Thuringia and Austria, on the day of the funeral of St. Martin of Tours (316-397). The day is marked by numerous customs such as Martinsgansessen (Martinigansl), Martinszug and Martinssingen. In Austria, the wine from this year's vintage is served for the first time as a Heuriger on this day; the previous vintage thus becomes a so-called "Alter". This church festival celebrated as "Martini" replaced the Germanic autumn festival. The wine baptism or wine blessing of the new vintage also takes place at Martini on 11 November and is celebrated in numerous winegrowing communities. The Bible, Jesus Sirach, chap. 31, verses 25 to 31 are often used as the reading text. According to an old custom, before this consecration it is not allowed to toast with wine, but instead of the usual toast "Prost", "meal" is to be used. Likewise, before the baptism of wine on St. Martin's Day, the wine glass may only be held with the left hand.

To read the full text, you must be a Premium Member of wein.plus. You are currently not logged in to wein.plus. Become a Premium Member or log in with your credentials .

Become a Premium Member of wein.plus

Voices of our members

There is a vast number of sources on the web where one can acquire knowledge about wine. But none has the scope, timeliness and accuracy of the information in the encyclopaedia at wein.plus. I use it regularly and rely on it.
Sigi Hiss
freier Autor und Weinberater (Fine, Vinum u.a.), Bad Krozingen

Welcome back!

Martini (St. Martin's Day)

To read the full text, you must be a Premium Member of wein.plus. You are currently not logged in to wein.plus. Become a Premium Member or log in with your credentials .

Voices of our members

The world's largest Lexicon of wine terms.

EVENTS NEAR YOU

PREMIUM PARTNERS: