St. Martin's Day in Ivanec, as an exceptional wine-growing area with a rich history of viticulture, has roots deeply rooted in past centuries. Vines have been cultivated in Ivanec since the fifteenth century, and specifically, the first traces of wine cultivation date back to 1573, when as many as 443 vineyards and the production of an impressive 770 buckets of wine were recorded. Every wine lover knows that Martinje is an ancient folk custom of christening must into young wine, which is celebrated on November 11 according to the Roman Catholic calendar.

Given that this holiday has been accompanied by the enjoyment of young wine since ancient times, the tradition of christening the must accompanied by a rich feast has arisen in wine-growing regions throughout Europe, which is most pronounced in Croatia in the northwestern wine-growing regions.

It is the day when, according to custom, geese are prepared for roasting and when the new wine is christened. Martinje has its deeply rooted symbolic meaning according to popular belief, which is present in many parts of the world. This celebration marks the end of field work at the end of autumn and the announcement of the beginning of winter.

In some cultures, St. Martin's Day also marks the end of the "All Saints" celebration. With a sip of young wine while the late autumn sun beckons you with scattered gold on the slopes of Ivanec, enjoying a good drop and fine dishes from the Ivanec region sounds like a great idea for the weekend!