How do you celebrate the Duch King’s Day this year? Will it be another Housing Day like last year or would you make a party? It is clear that we are all ready for a real party. Nevertheless, we still have to persevere and give King’s Day a different interpretation. We may not be able to have a drink and party in the pub, at a festival or on the street, but this is of course possible at home, with wine! In this blog we explain a number of applicable wines to celebrate the birthday of our King.
What do Dutch people celebrate on King’s Day?
On August 31, 1885, the very first Princess Day was celebrated in the Netherlands on the occasion of the 5th birthday of Princess Wilhelmina. This special day is the precursor to Queen’s Day, which was celebrated annually on April 30. Wilhelmina as well as Juliana and Beatrix celebrated Queen’s Day on April 30 out of respect for their mother. Queen’s Day became an official day off and national holiday dedicated to solidarity, under Queen Juliana.
On Queen’s Day, it was tradition for the Royal Family to visit one or two municipalities in the Netherlands and enjoy festivities organized by the local inhabitants. These activities mostly took place outside. In 2013, Beatrix’s son, Willem-Alexander, took over and has been King of the Netherlands ever since. He continues the tradition and usually visits two congregations together with the other members of the Royal House. Since 2013, however, we have been celebrating King’s Day on the birthday of the King himself: April 27!
Toast at home with orange wine
On King’s Day, whole Netherlands turns orange. We wear orange clothes, eat orange tompouces and play Dutch music. It is King Willem-Alexander’s birthday and of course it should be toasted, and what is more appropriate for this special day than orange wine? Below we will highlight some of our favorite orange wines, so you can celebrate King’s Day in style.
Trinity Voskehat Ancestors’ 2018
The Trinity Voskehat Ancestors’ 2018 has an amber color and is an Armenian natural wine, of which only a small amount is produced. The wine is made from 100% autochthonous Voskehat grape variety. The ungrafted vines are over 100 years old and are still processed in the traditional Armenian way. The taste character of the Trinity Voskehat Ancestors’ 2018 can be described as fruity in combination with notes of cinnamon and fresh grass. A touch of tannins and the balance between fruit and acidity provide a complex taste on the palate.
Papari Valley 3 Terraces Rkatsiteli 2017
The Papari Valley 3 Terraces Rkatsiteli 2017 is an orange wine from Georgia that is also produced and fermented in the traditional way in earthenware jugs. The Papari Valley 3 Terraces Rkatsiteli 2017 is a wonderfully fresh wine in which you can taste several types of fruit, nuts and a pleasant bitterness. An absolute must for a nice spring or summer day or when you have something to celebrate.
How is orange wine made?
Orange wine is made from white grapes, but has the character of red wine, as it is produced in a similar way to red wine. With orange wine, the producers simply let the skin, seeds and stems ferment. They usually do this in special (amphora / terracotta) vessels made of cement or ceramic. This creates the colorful wine that can vary in color. From amber to gold, yellow or orange! Every wine has unique properties.
Order easily online
In our webshop you will of course find even more beautiful orange wines. Be surprised by our extensive collection of “unknown” orange wines and order easily online. We can also provide you with tasty food pairings. Would you like tips for a snack with an orange wine? Then contact us. We are happy to assist you.
