Valentine's Special 💌

Feb 7

The Wine of Love – The History of Saint Valentine from Then to Today

Valentine's Day, celebrated every February 14th in many countries, is now a day dedicated to love and romance. Traditionally marked by the exchange of red roses, cards, chocolates, and sweet words, it's a day where lovers express their affection. But where did this celebration of love originate? Let’s dive into the fascinating history of Valentine’s Day, from its ancient roots to modern-day traditions—with a royal French twist!

The Origins of Valentine’s Day: Between Paganism and Christianity

A Pagan Festival Turned Christian

Long before it became the day of lovers, Valentine’s Day has its roots in ancient Rome with the Lupercalia. This pagan fertility festival, celebrated in mid-February, honored the god Faunus and included symbolic rites where young men would draw the names of women, pairing them for the year.

When Christianity took over the Roman Empire, this pagan celebration was replaced or "Christianized." By the late 5th century, Pope Gelasius I abolished the Lupercalia and declared February 14th to be the feast day of Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr.

The Martyrdom of Saint Valentine

Several legends surround Saint Valentine, but the most famous one concerns a Roman priest from the 3rd century. Under Emperor Claudius II, marriage was forbidden for young men, as unmarried soldiers were believed to be better fighters. Valentine, however, continued to secretly marry couples. He was discovered, imprisoned, and executed on February 14th. According to the legend, before his death, he is said to have sent a letter to the jailer's daughter, signed "From your Valentine"—a phrase that still resonates today.

A Royal Anecdote: Charles VIII and Eternal Love

A romantic anecdote often cited in French history comes from King Charles VIII. In 1496, already married to Anne of Brittany, he reportedly renewed his declaration of love every year on February 14th, sending her letters and poems. This royal tradition of love letters reinforced Valentine’s Day as the perfect moment to express deep feelings, even for the greatest of people.

From History to Modern Tradition

By the Middle Ages, the custom of exchanging love letters had spread across Europe. In England and France, Valentine’s Day became a literary and romantic celebration. With the rise of the printing press, the first Valentine’s cards appeared in the 18th century, and by the 20th century, commercial traditions had solidified: chocolates, jewelry, candlelit dinners...

Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide as a celebration of love, whether romantic, platonic, or even familial. It symbolizes intimacy, passion, tenderness—and often, a glass of wine... The Wine of Love.

A Romantic Dinner for Valentine's Day

Imagine a romantic dinner with Grand Cru and Etiquette, designed to awaken your senses in an intimate atmosphere with candles, fresh flowers, and elegant dish presentation.

A menu that highlights the excellence of French wines and gourmet dishes, for an unforgettable evening for two. Here is the menu :

Romantic 3-course menu for Valentine's Day by Grand Cru and Etiquette

Why are these wines a perfect pairing?

Champagne AOC, Nicolas Feuillatte Brut: A light and fresh champagne with notes of fruit and flowers, and a lovely minerality that will awaken your taste buds before moving on to the main course.
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC: The veal tenderloin is a delicate and refined dish, offering a tender texture and richness ideal for pairing with this wine. The red wine sauce and caramelized shallots add depth of flavor that blends perfectly with the structure of the wine. The tannic elegance and spicy notes of the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru complement the veal beautifully, while the wine's complexity elevates both the sauce and the sides.
Banyuls AOC: a sweet fortified wine from Roussillon with notes of black fruit and cocoa, which will add the perfect sweetness to complement the chocolate while balancing the richness of the fondant.