The Magic of La Vigilia
Buon Natale! Christmas Eve is one of the most cherished nights of the year, a time when family and friends gather around the table to celebrate love, tradition, and the spirit of the season. Tonight, instead of our usual special, I want to share a story - a glimpse into the beauty of Italian Christmas culture and the important role that wine plays in it all.
The Magic of La Vigilia
In Italy, Christmas Eve is known as La Vigilia (The Vigil), a night steeped in tradition. Families come together to prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth, often attending Midnight Mass and sharing meals that are as symbolic as they are delicious.
Central to La Vigilia is the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a dazzling array of seafood dishes that reflects Italy’s Catholic roots and its relationship with the sea. This feast is about more than food; it’s a celebration of abundance, family, and faith. Every region, every family, has its own take on the feast.
Why seven fishes? The number is often linked to Catholic symbolism - the seven sacraments, the seven days of creation, of the seven virtues. But in truth, the exact number varies from family to family. Some serve seven dishes, others nine, and in some homes it stretches to twelve, symbolizing the apostles. Whatever the number, the feast is a reminder to give thanks and enjoy the gifts of the season.
The Wines of La Vigilia
For Christmas Eve, Italians often choose wines that highlight the evening’s celebratory nature while honoring the seafood-centric tradition. Whites and light reds dominate the table, offering versatility and balance. From the volcanic soils of Sicilia to the rolling hills of Veneto, every wine carries the distinct personality of its region, creating a tapestry of flavors that mirrors the variety of the meal itself.
Etna Bianco from the slopes of Mount Etna is a quintessential choice for La Vigilia. Crisp, mineral-driven, and full of citrus and herbal notes, it reflects the stark beauty of Sicilia’s volcanic terrain. This wine is a reminder of the power of the land, shaped by both fire and sea, and its purity makes it a perfect complement to the evening's focus on seafood.
Etna Bianco, Tenuta Delle Terre Nere 2022
Another classic option is Soave Classico. Known for its bright acidity, almond notes, and stone fruit aromas, this Venetian white is a testament to elegance and restraint. Its versatility makes it a staple for Italian celebrations, offering both structure and finesse to match the festive atmosphere.
Soave Classico, Prà “Staforte” 2021
For those who enjoy reds, Rossese is an inspired choice. This light-bodied red from Liguria carries aromas of cherries, Mediterranean herbs, and roses. Its lively profile honors the seaside vineyards where it is grown and brings a sense of balance to the table, bridging the gap between tradition and creativity.
Rossese, Punta Crena “Vigneto Isasco” 2022
For something with a celebratory touch, sparkling wine always brings energy to the table. Italian sparkling wines have long been associated with special occasions, and a bottle of crisp and lively bubbles adds an effervescent charm to the evening. Sparkling wines in Italy are not just for toasts - they are integral to the meal, refreshing the palate and enhancing the experience of every dish.
Spumante, Contratto “Pas Dosé" 2016
For those seeking a richer expression, a Chardonnay from Sicilia brings a refined approach to Italian wine. With its creamy texture,ripe fruit, and a touch of oak, it demonstrates the evolution of winemaking in Italy while remaining deeply rooted in tradition.
Menfi Chardonnay, Planeta 2022
The beauty of wine on La Vigilia is that it connects us to Italy’s past while celebrating the present. These wines are not chosen solely for their flavors but also for the stories they tell. They reflect the diversity of Italy’s landscapes, from the sun-drenched coasts to the volcanic peaks and rolling hills. Each bottle carries with it the labor and love of the people who crafted it, and when shared on Christmas Eve, it becomes a symbol of community and gratitude.
Wine is also a reminder of the sacredness of tradition. La Vigilia is not only a meal; it is a ritual, a moment to pause and honor the relationships, memories, and heritage that shape us. Pouring a glass of wine, whether it’s a crisp Etna Bianco or an elegant sparking, is a way of participating in that ritual, of connecting to something larger than ourselves.
As we gather to celebrate this Christmas Eve, let us embrace the Italian way of approaching wine - not as an afterthought, but as an integral part of the experience. Wine is more than a pairing; it is a reflection of the land, a celebration of craft, and a way to bring people together. Whether you choose a timeless classic or a new discovery, may your glass be full and your spirit lifted as we toast to family, tradition, and the joy of the season.
A Personal Note
Working in this restaurant, immersed in Italian food and wine, has deepened my understanding of what it means to celebrate. Italians have a way of turning every meal into a moment, and during the holidays, those moments become magical.
For me, Christmas Eve is about the people around the table. It’s about the laughter, the shared dishes, the clinking glasses. It’s about the stories we tell - whether they’re about family traditions, a favorite bottle of wine, or a cherished recipe passed down through generations.
I feel so lucky to be a part of this restaurant and to share these traditions with all of you. Our goal has always been to bring a little piece of Italy into your lives, not just through the food and wine we serve but through the spirit of community and togetherness that defines Italian culture.
Whether you are dining with us tonight or celebrating at home, I hope you take a moment to embrace the spirit of La Vigilia. Try something new - a dish, a wine, or even a toast in Italian: Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo! And remember, the best wines are always the ones shared with the people you love.
From all of us here, thank you for making our restaurant and cellar part of your holiday tradition. It means the world to us, and we can’t wait to continue sharing meals, stories, and wine with you in the year ahead.