BURNING OF THE VINES
Celebrated during vintage in European vineyards since ancient times, the Burning of the Vines ritual celebrates the end of the grape harvest and the start of the new season’s budburst, with grapevine cuttings burnt in huge bonfires to symbolise rebirth.
As part of the Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival this May and June, conference delegates will receive a vine cutting along with a blank card on arrival in their room to write what they want to turn their back on from the past year and what hopes and aspirations they have for the coming year. Before or after dinner, guests then throw their cuttings and cards into a bonfire or a firepit at the property to farewell the old and toast the new.
This complimentary experience will be offered to all conference bookings made for this May and June from participating venues below. Larger groups can also have Hunter Valley winemakers come and address the group during this Burning of the Vines to talk more around the significance of the ritual and the cycle of vintages in the Hunter.