Grape growing and wine production have a long history in Bulgaria, dating back to the times of the Thracians. There is evidence of Bulgarian winemaking since 4000 B.C. Wine is, together with beer and grape rakia, among the most popular alcoholic beverages in the country.
Bulgarian tradition February is the month of vine-growers and wine-makers. With the start of the month of February the pruning of the vines begins. Once the ritual pruning of the first vine twig was done on 14 February, the day of St. Trifon, old style. This day came to be known as Trifon Zarezan (Pruner) – a tradition that is still popular to this day. After the calendar reform the church started celebrating the day of St. Trifon on 1 February or 13 days earlier.
On 14th of February, Bulgarians mark the holiday of vine-growers and wine-makers, known as St. Trifon Zarezan (Trifon the Pruner) – the Bulgarian patron saint of vineyards. Trifon Zarezan is the traditional Bulgarian wine celebration that marks the time of the year when vine-growers trim back their vines. The holiday marks the dividing line between the outgoing winter and the onset of spring. There are many rituals performed to ensure vitality and fruitfulness.The first pruning of the vines for the season is the main ritual performed on February 14, when people gather in the vineyards outside the villages.
