The celebration of St. Martin or Martinje has a special position in Istria and has long been a part of European culture. Istria, which is well-known for its superb wines, has transformed old traditions into folk festivals that take place all across the peninsula.
In honor of St. Martin, the patron saint of wine and winegrowers, cities and villages transform into meeting places in November. Young wines are tested, and the finest are recognized, while towns and villages celebrate their unique characteristics.
In some regions, the arrival of Martinje for the shepherds also meant the last outing to graze in the fields and forests outside the village, which was celebrated with a festive meal. With the end of work in the vineyards, the heavy workers would often taste the fruits of their labor together. Many folk customs and sayings arose from these gatherings, such as the one that says that the winemaker who pours the most wine on Martinje will have the best wine next year.
In Istria, for Martinje, you can learn about a number of customs related to the making of wine, and it points to the long-standing association of Istria with one of its most valued products. Martinje also marked the border between summer and winter. Welcome the winter with local Istrian wines at authentic locations.
Celebration of St. Martin in Momjan
Momjan, a small historic town north of Buje, is no exception to this, very well known among regional connoisseurs of wine and vines. Located not far from the border with Slovenia, Momjan is an oasis of sweet muscat, resulting from centuries of synthesis of ideal soil and climate.
If we add to that that the town and its surroundings hide some of the strongest names in contemporary winemaking in Croatia, which have long been famous for its malvasia and terano, the true scale and importance of this event becomes clear. In tastings in wine cellars, guests are presented with a whole palette of wine riches, and they, armed with glasses, taste drops of the top wines of Northwestern Istria.
Celebration of St. Martin also brings Vetra Muscat to Momjan, an international exhibition that attracts dozens of producers of this wine from Istria, Slovenia and Italy. The best are awarded medals and the title of Muscatir, a sign of supreme achievement and great reach in the unique art of muscat.
The celebration will take place between November 11th and 13th. See the full program here.
Source: Colours of Istria
