A few years ago, after “opening” the boarders and by following the world marketing trends, we started celebrating St. Valentine’s Day…
But from ancient times 14th of February is the Day of St. Trifon Zarezan – the patron of vine growers and wine makers! According to some sources it is even related to the Thracian God of Wine Dionysius…
Trifon Zarezan (Трифон Зарезан) is a huge holiday in Bulgaria, celebrated not only by wine professionals but also by all wine loving people. Wine is deeply “rooted” in our culture for millennia and one could see grape vines in most of the village houses grown by the locals for the production of home-made wine or simply for keeping the outdoor dining table in shadow during the hot summer days 
On the 14th of February, early in the morning people go to the vineyrd and prune it (Зарезан/Zarezan comes from the word зарязвам/zaryazvam=to prune), pouring some wine on the vine and eventually taking a small twig back home. Commonly there is a priest and all are praying for a good wine year.
And in some places, like Villa Yustina wine is flowing from the tap! If you don’t believe me, see the picture below 
I have proved (and tasted) it personally!!!
Read more about the history and the traditions on Trifon Zarezan Day in the following post – written by a schoolmate of mine.
At the end of the day, one could hardly find a better combination than wine&love so Happy St. Valentine’s Day and Честит Трифон Зарезан от VIA VINO – your specialist in Bulgarian wine tours!