International Drinks Days – a Calendar in progress
Have you noticed the increasing number of International Drinks Days? These are annual days dedicated to a grape variety, a cocktail, a spirit, or a beer. How did the idea of International Drinks Days arise? Do they have any value besides clogging up your calendar or social media feeds, do they have any value? Do you look forward to any of them? Why those particular days, and who gets to choose? How are we to celebrate?
Did it originate with Beaujolais Nouveau, which used to be widely celebrated and at least commemorates the new wine’s release? So many questions. I fear we may never know the answers.
And, except for relative obscurities like Prokupac and Maratheftikp, they tend to only commemorate the most well-known grapes and drinks. While more are being added each year, I still lament the lack of International Drinks Days for Bobal, Barsaglina and Bacchus. I wonder how you start one?
It’s a bit of fun, so in the (ahem) spirit of International Drinks Days, here is an annual drinks calendar with links to related Wine Alchemy articles. Note that English Wine and Sherry celebrations last for A WEEK, while Riesling and Rioja last for a MONTH!
Still, let’s face it, every day is reason enough to celebrate!
International Drinks Day Calendar.
January
Nothing. Maybe that’s because of “Dry January”?
February
1 February – International Furmint Day
1st Saturday in February – International Pisco Sour Day
8 February – International Scotch Whisky Day
16 February – International Syrah Day
18 February – Global Drink Wine Day
22 February – International Margarita Day
27 February – National Kahlúa Day
March
3 March – International Irish Whiskey Day
3 March – International Mulled Wine Day
5 March – National Absinthe Day
13 March – International Riesling Day
21 March – World Vermouth Day
27 March – International Whisk(e)y Day
April
14 April – International Tannat Day
17 April – World Malbec Day
28 April – International Viognier Day
May
1st Friday in May – International Sauvignon Blanc Day
6 May – International Baga Day
9 May – World Moscato Day
13 May – World Cocktail Day
15 May – World Whisky Day
17 May – Pinot Grigio Day
21 May – World Chardonnay Day
June
4 June – International Cognac Day
9 June – World Verdejo Day
12 June – World Gin Day
3rd Friday in June – Drink Chenin Day
21 June – World Lambrusco Day
4th Friday in June – International Rosé Day
July
10 July – World Rum Day
12 July – International Cava Day
11 July – World Mojito Day
24 July – World Tequila Day
August
1 August – Old Vine Day; International Albariño Day
1st Friday in August – International Beer Day
13 August – International Prosecco Day
18 August – International Pinot Noir Day
30 August – World Mai Tai Day
September
1 September – International Cap Classique Day
2 September – International Cabernet Sauvignon Day
10 September – International Port Wine Day
3rd Friday in September – International Grenache Day
October
1 October – Rioja Month
2 October – World No Alcohol Day
4 October – International Vodka Day
5 October – World Vranec Day
6 October – Orange Wine Day
14 October – Prokupac Day
2nd Saturday in October – International Pinotage Day
19 October – International Gin and Tonic Day
23 October – World Champagne Day
26 October – International Mavrud Day
Last Thursday in October – International Carignan Day
Last Friday in October – World Champagne Day
November
1 November – International Xinomavro Day
6 November – International Wine in Moderation Day
7 November – International Merlot Day
2nd Thursday in November – International Tempranillo Day
15 November – Zinfandel Day
18 November – International Poitín Day
3rd Thursday in November – Beaujolais Nouveau Day
24 November – International Carménère Day
December
1 December – International Maratheftiko Day
4 December – International Cabernet Franc Day
10 December – International Aszú Day
16 December – Pinot Meunier Day
20 December – Sangria Day
And finally
Latest Update in November 2023. If you know of any other examples, and I bet they are legion, I’ll happily add them to this Calendar – just let me know!