Raising a glass to city’s unique

BEAUJOLAIS Day takes place today, and while it might pass by largely unnoticed in many places, it’s one of the biggest celebrations of the year in one Welsh city.

For while it is a nationwide event, Swansea seems to go that extra mile, with thousands dressing up and descending on the city’s pubs and restaurants to raise a toast to the first wine of the season made from the first harvest of grapes in the Beaujolais region of France.

At one minute past midnight on the third Thursday of each November, more than a million cases of Beaujolais begin their journey across France with a race to get the first bottles to different markets across the globe.

But why does Swansea go mad for Beaujolais Day?

Amelia Rudman, projects manager with Swansea Bid (Business Improvement District), said: “There are as many theories around why Swansea is the UK hotspot for Beaujolais Day, just as there are around the origins of the term Swansea Jack. We think Swansea has always seen itself as a unique, quirky place, with a very individual identity and approach to life. Embracing Beaujolais Day is typical of this independent spirit.

“We do know that Beaujolais Day is one of the key calendar dates for city centre businesses and the event is very good for the local economy as a whole, be it across clothing, the beauty businesses, and of course hospitality.”

And what started out as just a few businesses taking part has now turned into a celebration for all.

She added: “We have old hands in the Beaujolais Day businesses like La Brassiere, Morgans Hotel and The No Sign Wine Bar joined by relative newcomers like Juniper Place, Meatery and Martini and the Slug & Lettuce, and they are all lining up some very attractive offers and events, which help show visitors what great food and drink options we have in the city centre.

“And of course our Taxi Marshals and Night Marshals will on duty to help ensure visitors to the event have an enjoyable experience.”

What do businesses say?

No Sign Wine Bar on Wind Street say they were the first bar to bring Beaujolais Day to the city.

Gareth Dudley, deputy manager, said: “We were the first place in Swansea, the owner at the time used to bring the wine back with him from France in his car.

“I don’t know why it’s so busy in Swansea, but it has just snowballed in recent years and everywhere has caught on.

“Only in the last couple of years has it started to get really popular. It’s an all-day event, but it does get busier later now.”

The deputy manager says they take bookings almost a year in advance.

He added: “We take bookings in January and February, Beaujolais Day is the same as Christmas with bookings.

“People do drink Beaujolais, but not as many people as you may think, more people drink beer and spirits.”

As well as No Sign Wine Bar, one of the first places to bring Beaujolais Day to Swansea was Mediterranean restaurant La Braseria in 1987.

Daniel Tercero, owner of La Braseria said: “My father owned the business in 1987 it was around then when we first started Beaujolais Day where only a small number of businesses were involved.

“It started to take off around 10 to 15 years ago, and since then it’s had a life of its own.

“The attraction to wine does seem to be overlooked. It’s more of a lunchtime do for us, as we have been around for 30 years we know how to prepare, we always get in extra stock.

“Most people tend to drink wine from the menu, not Beaujolais. We have people visiting us from the north of England and Lon-