Happy Wine Year! - New Year’s Events 2022
"And suddenly you know: It's time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings."
Meister Eckhart
With only a few days separating us from 2023, it’s time to talk about New Year’s Eve. This popular and meaningful holiday is thoroughly celebrated all over the world and truly represents the passing of time and renewal that only a New Year can bring. Out with the old, in with the new!
Wine and New Year’s eve are quite the old couple as well. They’ve been going hand in hand for centuries, in countless different celebrations enjoyed by people across the planet. That is the reason why today we are going to take a festive flight around the world, to discover some of the most important New Year’s events, festivals and occasions.
Together with these events, we are going to pair some destinations from our network of experiences. Would you like to discover where your favourite Champagne is produced? Or perhaps you’re dreaming of a Winter winery trip? Then come along with us!
La Saint-Sylvestre - France New Year’s Events
Bonne année, bonne santé!
Where else could we begin if not in France, the homeland of Champagne and light? Speaking of Champagne, in the US an average of 360 million glasses of this iconic sparkling wine are served every New Year’s Eve… And understandably so!
Champagne is undoubtedly the original New Year’s drink, with a holiday history dating back to the 16th century. Whether you’re walking along Les Champs-Élysées or the bustling streets of Marseille, a glass of Champagne will make your New Year’s Eve all the more memorable.
- Tour Eiffel and Arc de Triomphe lights and firework show, Paris. The City of Light stays true to its name and brings forth a show of illumination and light that will turn the night into day. It doesn’t get more iconic than Paris. Discover more here!
- Celebrations in the Old Port, Marseille. The old port is the most traditional area in the beautiful city of Marseille, get lost among the streets and alleyways beside market stands and the refreshing sounds of the sea. Read about it here!
- Cruise and fireworks display, Bordeaux. Experiencing the thrill of a Cruise trip on New Year’s Eve will let you reserve a first-row seat to the spectacular firework display presented in Bordeaux. This beautiful region is also home to historical wines you cannot miss. Here's some additional informations.
Where to taste Champagne, Grenache and Merlot...
Champagne Guy de Chassey
Surviving the Revolution and Producing Fantastic Champagne for more than seven generations.
Villa Baulieu
The long-lasting legacy of a winery founded by a king.
Château Bardins
From 1350 to a modern sustainable approach.
Did you know?
In the small town of Viella, in the Gers, near the border with Spain, the locals have introduced a new beautiful tradition since 1991. They pick the very sweet last grapes still surviving on the vineyards, leaving the final 12 for midnight. One for each strike of the midnight hour bell. Truly a wine way to start a New Year.
Capodanno - Italy New Year’s Events
L'anno che sta arrivando tra un anno passerà e io mi sto preparando a questa novità
Lucio Dalla
The Italian sparkling wine counterpart to Champagne, Prosecco, has been steadily increasing in popularity all over the world as a festive drink. Only in 2021, around 750 millions of bottles of Prosecco have been sold all over the world. Italy is not shy of New Year’s Events, traditions and celebrations. Some of the more popular include wearing red underwear on the eve for good luck, or eating “cotechino” (pork sausage) with lentils, in order to wish for money and fortune for the year to come. Italians are not afraid to party, and cheering at midnight on a glass of sparkling wine is the only possible way to welcome the upcoming year, wherever you are. Here are a few of the most iconic New Year’s Events in Italy.
- Old Man’s Pyre, Bologna. This Peculiar tradition involves burning a big puppet resembling an old man. The idea behind it is to burn away all the past negative events of the year just passed, to free space for what’s to come.
- Fireworks Display at Circus Maximus, Rome. Could the Ancient Romans have ever imagined the sight and sounds of fireworks when they built the Circus Maximus? Very unlikely, but this makes the show all the more awe-inspiring.
- Celebrations at the Valley of the Temples, Sicily. Greek colonies and temples left their ever-standing mark in this historically blessed valley. The celebration of such a rich past could be the perfect way to witness the coming of the future year.
From Barbera to Nero d'Avola, passing by Malvasia...
Azienda Agricola Al di là del Fiume
Beyond a river of passion for wine-making and love for the land.
Merumalia
The ancient magic of Frascati Vineyards
Baglio Bonsignore Società Agricola
Sicilian quality beside the iconic Valley of the Temples.
Did you know?
Every New Year’s Eve, the Estense castle in Ferrara is home to a spectacular light show. Through fireworks and smokescreen the castle appears to be burning, in a dazzling display that lights up the night in red and orange. New Year’s Eve on fire!
Nochevieja - Spain New Year’s Events
Año nuevo, vida nueva… Más alegres los días serán
The Iberian peninsula is home to beautiful traditions and New Year’s Events. Many of these celebrations are connected to wine, owing to the long standing history of Spain as a wine producing country. Cava is by far the most iconic festive sparkling wine in the country, and it owes almost the entirety of its production to the region of the Penedès, Catalonia.
(Check out our recent blog article on Catalonia and the Tarragona Wine Region here).
Puerta del Sol is the true center of the New Year’s Events and Celebrations in Spain.
Here and all over the country as well, people eat twelve grapes, one for each strike of the midnight clock. Those who manage to eat all the grapes are ensured a year of fortune and prosperity. Should we start training already?
- Nochevieja Festival at Puerta del Sol, Madrid. Over the years, Puerta del Sol in Madrid became the very center of all Spanish New Year’s Events and celebrations. The famous and iconic clock in the square prompts residents and visitors alike to gulp down the lucky 12 grapes. Here's the Puerta del Sol Event page.
- Fireworks Display at Plaça de Catalunya Countdown, Barcelona. Barcelona affirmed itself as a city of celebration and festivity. Plaça de Catalunya hosts a heart-warming countdown where you can share the meaningful moment with family and friends. Wanna know more about Plaça de Catalunya? Check this out!
- New Year’s Eve Flamenco, Seville. Flamenco! One of the red-hued symbols of Spain. This dynamic and passionate dance can shake even the coldest of hearts. Share a dance on this eventful celebration in the stunning context of Seville.
Discover Cava, Macabeo and Zalema...
Finca Loranque
The Counts of Florida Blanca bring you a wine of noble tradition.
Finca Batllori
A privileged environment at the doors of Barcelona.
Bodegas Oliveros
80 Years of Premium Huelva denomination.
Did you know?
Looking for “the one”? When toasting on a fresh and sweet glass of Cava, there are different objects you should drop inside your glass, according to Spanish tradition. For affection, a strawberry can work, but something gold is even better. Be sure to drop your wedding ring if you wish for fidelity from your spouse. Oh the things we do for love…
New Year’s Eve - USA New Year’s Events
One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: To rise above the little things.
John Burroughs
Few celebrations can match our dreamy movie-like expectation of a perfect New Year’s Eve such as those that take place in the USA. Such a vast country is bound to have similarities and differences at the same time, but a few traditions ring true and you might be very familiar with them. Making New Year's resolutions has always been a very important goal set on this special day. Choosing what you want to bring with you on the New Year and what you would rather leave behind is a powerful way to mark the date! From Times Square to the warmer beaches of California, Americans know how to party and they sure love Sparkling Wines, being one of the largest importers and consumers in the world.
- Double Firework Display at Marina del Rey, Los Angeles. For those who can’t have enough fireworks and lights, the lively piers of Marina del Rey will glow in the night twice on New Year’s Eve, at 9:00 p.m and 12:00 p.m. If you miss one you can rely on the other! Read more here!
- Times Square Ball Drop, New York City. By far the most iconic American New Year’s Event, dating back to 1907. Times Square is the perfect environment for a celebration uniting this multicultural city under one sphere of light. Find more informations here!
- Lady Bird Lake Firework Festival and Ice Rink Skating, Austin. Skating is romantic and calls for winter and holidays. Can you imagine pairing this beautiful activity with a memorable firework display among the beautiful Lady Bird Lake? We can! Check out this and other events in Austin here!
Taste Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling Brut Rosé and Chenin Blanc in the New World...
Old Creek Ranch Winery
A dream in the Ojai Valley through the vision of the Holguin Family
Hamilton Pool Vineyards & Farms
Old World style matched by Texas sustainability.
Paumanok Vineyards
A White House guest wine within true Long Island elegance.
Did you know?
45% of Americans make New Year's Resolutions, talk about wanting to start the New Year with conviction and hope... If you would like to wish for money and good fortune, pop that sparkling wine and be prepared to eat lots of leafy greens. It's a good day for vegetarians!
A special Australian Mention... Australia New Year's Events
And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been.
Rainer Maria Rilke
A special mention has to go to Australia, where Christmas and New Year's holidays are spent on the beach, admiring the iconic show of Santa Claus surfing the waves. Australians do know their festivals, and few places match the awe and admiration inspired by the captivating firework display above the Sydney Opera House. Make as much noise as possible! One of the most peculiar and interesting traditions in Australia consists in grabbing kitchen utensils, pots or pans and walking around the streets banging them loudly. These rituals can supposedly chase the bad spirits away, and ensure a peaceful beginning to the New Year. Noisy traditions aside, New Year's Eve in Australia falls right in the middle of summer. Be sure to dress lightly and get ready to hit the beach.
- Harbour and Opera House Firework Display, Sydney. Fireworks above the Opera House turn the night into day and photographs of this event truly represent the spirit of New Year’s Eve. Want to know more?
- Boatbuilders Yard Celebrations, Melbourne York City. Boatbuilding piers and harbours have always been hearts of bustling activity. The Melbourne one is no exception, especially on New Year’s Eve. Let the sounds and lights carry you over midnight into the New Year. Have a look at the Melbourne New Year's Webpage!
- Elizabeth Quay Waterfront Festivities, Perth. Being so distant from other parts and cities in Australia made Perth a hub for optimistic and life loving residents and visitors. Their festivals and traditions are strong and exciting, and the Waterfront won’t disappoint you on this very special day. Read more here!
The Beauty of Riesling, Shiraz and The First Australian Pinot Gris...
Dryridge Estate
Award-winning Boutique Wineyard hugged by the Blue Mountains.
Quealy Winemakers
A taste of pioneering. The first Pinot Gris in Australia
Harris Organic Wine and Spirits
Organic Innovation and passion inside the lush Swan Valley.
Did you know?
Good weather on New Year's Eve means very different traditions compared to the other continents. A very popular New Year's Event in Australia, depending on the region, consists in preparing a Picnic basket and enjoying the sunny good weather in the park or on the beach, waiting for the midnight countdown signalling the coming of the New Year. Glass of wine anyone?
New Year, Old Habits
As we could see just now, the holiday of New Year's Eve recalls its roots far back in time and owing to its long-lasting celebration, multiplied into countless different traditions and habits specific to each country. One thing stands true though, New Year's Eve and Events are the perfect time to welcome a change. Hopeful hearts strongly believe it will always be a change for the better. A glass of sparkling wine in hand and the clinking sound of family and friends cheering are bound to warm every atmosphere and start the New Year in fun and style.
Get ready for the countdown and have a Happy Wine Year!
