Saint Urban and the wine region of Styria

Saint Urban is considered the patron saint of wine, winegrowers, and vineyards. He was bishop of Langres (France) in the 4th century and is said to have hidden behind a vine from persecutors of Christians. His feast day—Saint Urban’s Day—is May 25. And now it gets interesting, because this day has nothing to do with the life of the bishop of Langres, but goes back to Pope Urban I, who was active in the 3rd century. Since the pope’s feast day is during the grapevine blossoming season and not at the beginning of April like the bishop’s, there is a confusion between the two patron saints.

Memorial days are days of reckoning. These days were recorded in calendars and farmers’ almanacs. Work was organized accordingly. By St. Urban’s Day, the most important work in the vineyard—pruning, tying, fertilizing, soil work—should be completed. St. Urban’s Day comes shortly after the Ice Saints. Their memorial days are from May 11 to May 15. Mamertus (May 11), Pankratious (May 12), Servatious (May 13), Bonifatious (May 14), and Cold Sophie (May 15). Experience shows that night frosts are to be expected during this period – an important marker for anyone involved with plants. That is why spring work must be completed before vegetation can begin.

The Urban`s Ride tells of feudal lords riding through the vineyards to check whether the tenants had carried out their work properly. Urban`s Day became an important day in religious folk life. Processions led through the vineyards. Urban chapels were built. People prayed for a good harvest and protection from frost and hail.

Saint Urban can be recognized in depictions by his typical attributes such as the vine, the grape, a wine barrel, or a wine cup. When depicted as a bishop, he wears a bishop’s robe, miter, and crosier as signs of his office. Less common is the papal depiction, in which the dignitary is recognizable by his tiara and crosier.

Our sculpture in the shop depicts the Bishop of Langres. The sculpture is in excellent condition and the frame is very well preserved. Fortunately, there are no missing wooden parts; everything is present. The grapevine, the book as a sign of scholarship, the mitre, and the crosier are the clear characteristics for identification. The robe and beard show strong movement and lend a powerful momentum. The sculptor clearly understood his craft. The sculpture dates from the 19th century. It is 77 cm tall.

Wine has been cultivated in eastern and southern Styria for centuries. The climatic conditions and soil composition in Styria offer ideal conditions for this. The warm days, cool nights, and proximity to the Adriatic Sea create a microclimate that is conducive to wine growing. The type of rock and grain size of the soil influence the growth of the vines and the taste of the wine. The decisive factor is how much water and temperature can be stored in the soil. Styria has three wine regions—South Styria, Vulkanland, and West Styria—and eight wine routes.

With slopes of up to 40%, the vineyards of Styria are among the steepest in Austria. Kitzeck in southern Styria is the highest wine-growing village in Europe. The slopes require demanding cultivation methods.

The varieties have been protected for almost 200 years. Some of the best Sauvignon Blancs in the world come from Styria. It is also home to the only rosé wine region in Central Europe.

The wine routes lead past castles, churches, viewpoints, and wine taverns. Wine taverns are popular establishments run by winegrowers, where they are allowed to serve their own products (drinks and cold dishes) from their own production.

The rolling hills, steep vineyards, fragrant orchards, wide meadows, and relaxing forests shape the landscape of Styria. The landscape is not spectacular in a loud sense, but quiet, poetic, and deeply peaceful. I also like to call it “old country.” Nature, culture, and enjoyment are one. I love it. ♥