Every wine lover has personal rituals, but the universal toast of “cheers” before sharing a glass is a simple yet enduring tradition. Beyond this common practice, fascinating and sometimes eccentric wine traditions are observed and celebrated across the globe, showcasing the diverse cultural connection to this beloved beverage.
A Wedding Toast In Nigeria
During the traditional Nigerian Igbankwu, or wine carrying ceremony, a bride searches for her groom among playful guests to present him with a cup of palm wine poured by her father. This symbolic offering is a crucial step, and only after the groom accepts the wine are the couple officially considered married.
A Wedding Toast from Ukraine
In a playful Ukrainian wedding tradition, guests who successfully steal the bride’s shoe gain temporary authority, playfully bossing others around and even demanding toasts be drunk from the pilfered footwear – hopefully, the bride doesn’t mind a slightly soggy heel!
“Wine on the Rocks” in Japan
Now for a tradition that would make any wine connoisseur shake their head in disbelief. ‘Wine on the rocks’ is becoming quite the trend among newlyweds in Japan.
‘”Wine on the Rocks” is gaining popularity in Japan, extending beyond wedding ceremonies to become a mainstream trend. Suntory Holdings Limited is one of the major Japanese beverage producers that is pushing this trend as “the new way to drink wine”. Denny’s Japan has also followed suit, offering both red and white wine on the rocks on their drink menus across Japan.’
Why does Japan like cold red wines? Since the Japanese love Beaujolais so much, many Japanese people who are unfamiliar with wine may expect all red wines to be served chilled, leading restaurants to serve reds cold, or over ice, in response to this perceived preference. However, if requested, most restaurants and izakayas in Japan will serve red wines at their appropriate temperatures.