The third Wednesday of November is the day of young wine degustation – a festival celebrated all over the world. Wine is a biblical symbol - the Old Testament mentions the cultivation of vine and the drink made of vine fruits in many places. Wine has a symbolic and everyday meaning in people’s life. The tradition of young wine degustation gained popularity not too long ago. Beaujolais wine, which is made from the harvest of Gamay grapes, was recognized before the World War II and George Duboeuf was announced the pioneer of the wine production method and degustation. After the official recognition of Beaujolais wine the rules of wine degustation and sale were established – Beaujolais Nouveau bottles should not be opened earlier than the third Wednesday of November.
For the fourth time Lithuanian narrow gauge railway invited everyone to join the continuation of this worldwide tradition and to be among the first ones to evaluate the Beaujolais Nouveau. There are more and more people wishing to travel to wine degustation on narrow gauge railway trains. This year four trains were formed for the trip to this festival.
The trip on a narrow gauge railway train was like an introduction to the festival itself. Cosy light gleaming from the inside of the train was inviting to get warm, enjoy thyme tea and biscuits. On the way passengers listened to romantic melodies of the accordion, watched the forest trees covered by snow, talked and wondered where the train would bring them.
The trip did not take too long and soon passengers took off at Troškūnai railway station where first elegantly falling snow flakes welcomed them. Unpleasant autumn darkness was dispelled by the blinking candle lights leading to the bus that took people to the 18th century monastery of Troškūnai where wine degustation took place. Local ethnographer took people to the cellars of the monastery, talked about the life and activity of the monks and the history of the monastery and church.
The lights of the monastery hall invited to come inside. Having opened the doors everyone felt the kind welcome and hospitality of the hosts. A live picture opened in front of the guests: glasses sparkling in the light of small candles, the meals of meat and cheese, snacks, various delicacies, the smell of chicken stew with olives and French herbs tempted the guests. Everyone was waiting for Beaujolais Nouveau especially brought from Burgundy, made the founder of the tradition George Duboeuf. On this occasion the tables were decorated with embroidered table clothes.
Glasses filled, the degustation started. Some were praising the wine, others took pleasure in the meals, and still others longing for quietness were admiring the pictures on the walls of the monastery, took a rest by small tables and chatted kindly. The guests in good moon, musical program started, which every year is different. This year organizers offered the best romantic music of all the times and the arias from the treasury of the world classic. Having spent an exceptional evening, the guests got on the train and came back to Panevėžys.
Photo Andrius Repšys
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