11 November is not only Poland’s National Independence Day, but also a day traditionally associated with young wine and St Martin. Polish vineyards use this occasion to premiere the first wines of the new vintage, organising tastings, dinners, open days and Young Wine Festivals. Find out where to taste St Martin’s wine and celebrate the launch of the 2026 vintage.
What is St Martin’s wine?
St Martin’s wine is young wine from this year’s harvest, usually presented a few weeks after the grape harvest, around St Martin’s Day. It is not a separate winemaking category: its style is determined by the grape variety, the course of fermentation and the winemaker’s choices.
The term „young wine” refers primarily to an early release. Such wines can be fresh, fruity and crisp, as they are usually not intended for long ageing, but not all of them need to have the same profile.
Why do we drink young wine on St Martin’s Day?
11 November is the liturgical feast day of St Martin of Tours. In European traditions, St Martin’s Day was associated with the end of autumn farm work, feasting and, in wine regions, with young wine from the new harvest. This does not mean, however, that every wine is completely ready by then: the length of fermentation and further stabilisation depend on the wine style and the producer’s decisions.
The tradition of young wine from the new vintage has a European dimension. In France, the November release is associated with Beaujolais Nouveau, while in the Czech Republic, St Martin’s wines, or Svatomartinské víno, are opened on 11 November. Czech celebrations are accompanied by roast goose, as in many Polish celebrations. These traditions share their seasonal nature and the celebration of the first wines of the new vintage, while the release dates, the wines themselves and the rules for their presentation differ.
St Martin’s Day, Polish style: young wine, goose and vineyards
Polish celebrations combine young Polish wine, goose and regional cuisine. The programmes include young wine releases, tastings and dinners with goose and seasonal dishes.
This year’s celebrations show different ways to experience the new vintage. For example, the 10th Lubuskie Young Wine Festival will take place in Zielona Góra on 11 November, featuring regional wines, a young wine competition and a goose tasting. The calendar is complemented by releases, tastings and outdoor events organised by vineyards in different regions of the country.
Where can you taste St Martin’s wine in 2026?
We have gathered events organised by Polish vineyards and other places associated with St Martin’s Day, young wine and the launch of the 2026 vintage.
Młode wino na Świętego Marcina 2026 w Polsce
The calendar is updated as further wine events for November 2026 are announced.
How do Polish vineyards celebrate young wine?
- young wine tastings and releases of the first bottles from the new vintage;
- open days, vineyard tours and meetings with winemakers;
- tasting dinners with goose and wine;
- vineyard walks and regional festivals held outside the vineyards.
Not only 11 November – the season of young Polish wine
The Young Wine Festival does not have to be limited to a single day. Events at vineyards take place before and after 11 November, especially on November weekends. It is an opportunity to compare wines from different regions and see how producers interpret the new vintage.
How should you prepare for a vineyard visit on St Martin’s Day?
- Check reservations and tickets – advance booking may be necessary for dinners and intimate tastings;
- Verify the current programme and opening hours directly before your trip;
- Plan your transport, especially if you want to take part in a young wine tasting;
- Take the weather into account if the event takes place outdoors.
Frequently asked questions about St Martin’s wine
What is St Martin’s wine?
It is young wine from this year’s harvest, released around 11 November.
When is young wine drunk?
Traditionally, it is tasted on St Martin’s Day, but events associated with its release take place throughout most of November.
Why does young wine appear on 11 November?
The date is linked to the European tradition of St Martin and to the season of the first tastings of wines from the new harvest. The readiness of a particular wine, however, depends on its style and the winemaker’s work.
Where can you taste young Polish wine in 2026?
You can find current releases, tastings and events at Polish vineyards in the calendar above.
What dishes are served with St Martin’s wine?
The most recognisable pairing is goose and wine, while events also feature regional dishes and tasting menus.
