The figure of eight is an ancient tradition that dates back to the time of the German emperor Charlemagne. It is a period when farmers could sell surplus produce and wine tax-free, and a bunch of ivy on the front door was a sign that the eight was going on in their home. Let's check which eights are worth visiting this autumn.
What is an eight?
Written sources report that the right to pour wine dates back to the old days of the German emperor Charlemagne. It was also preserved later, in times of Austria-Hungary, until today. In 1784, a decree was issued that allowed winegrowers an eight-day deadline for pouring wine. This is where the name of the wine streams comes from, where farmers could sell wine eight days a year without tax. During this time, they held feasts in the basements of their homes, and to indicate that the eight was taking place, they took care of it with a bunch of ivy, which they attached to the front door. This allowed the farmer to sell his own crop and earn extra money, as the quantities of wine were greater than the average family could consume.
Eights as we know them today
Osmica, as we know it today, is a form of retail sale of unbottled wine with a geographical origin, which the winemaker can organize no more than twice a year for ten days. Over time, the winegrowers' offer was enriched by the possibility of selling homemade cured meat and dairy products, home-baked bread, potica and homemade štruklje. Today, at eights, we are also offered other home-made alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, local stews, traditional desserts, sausages with side dishes, hard-boiled eggs and pickled vegetables.
Where and when the figure eights take place
The eights begin towards the end of the first week of November and last for about nine days. We can find them at Karst, v Vipava valleys, and some also in Istria and at Trieste.
Eights, who are hosting this fall
1. Eight Coretti
Where: Lonjer near Trieste
When: 18.10. – 03.11.2014
Reservation: +39 340 381 49 06
2. Vrban Eight
Where: Šmihel 28a, Šempas
When: 07.11. – 16/11/2014
Reservation: 040 511 074
3. Eight Jakomin
Where: Kubed 57a
When: 07.11. – 16/11/2014
Reservation: 031 553 644
4. Eight of Stok
Where: Marezige 20
When: 07.11. – 16/11/2014
Reservation: 040 235 366
5. Eight at Krčar
Where: Sela na Karst 3
When: 07.11. – 16/11/2014
Reservation: 05 308 04 42
6. Eight at Tonho
Where: Vrabče 25
When: 14.11. – 23/11/2014
Reservation: 041 377 214
7. Barut eight
Where: Polje 35, Izola
When: 27.11. – 07.12.2014
Reservation: 031 600 870
8. Eight AVIN
Where: Gradišče pri Vipava 39
When: 28.11. – 07.12.2014
Reservation: 040 166 040
9. Štrukelj eight
Where: Selo 2a, Črniče
When: 21.11. – 30/11/2014
Reservation: 041 790 741
10. Osmica Luin "Pri Kovač"
Where: Coljava 2a, Komen
When: 31.10. – 09.11.2014
Reservation: 031 772 308
More information:
www.osmice.info
