October 31 is Yelloween

By Mary Malik

The pandemic has affected just about every area of our lives, and the wine world is no exception. Fall is a time for celebration, with events taking place all around the world to honor different wines and winemaking traditions. Unfortunately, many events this year have been cancelled.

“The local Vintage Ohio and the Beaujolais Nouveau festivities have all been removed from the calendar this year,” says Jim Sperk, of the Northern Ohio Wine Guild. “However, one event that has been popular worldwide will continue this October 31, but only in a few cities. Yelloween is a tradition that started many years ago, sponsored by the French Champagne house Veuve Clicquot.”

A Yelloween celebration typically combines the drinking of Veuve Clicquot Champagne with musical performances, tarot cards, Ouiji boards and elaborate costumes to capture the spirit of Halloween.

“The name derives from the yellow and black label on their line of Brut Champagne,” says Jim. “Curiously, the label is actually more orange than yellow, but Orangeween doesn’t have the same ring to it.”

Since most events have been cancelled this year, some are suggesting small gatherings with family and friends in outdoor settings to continue the tradition.

Historically, Yelloween events have been elegant masquerade-themed parties where the Champagne flows to celebrate the famed Veuve Clicquot house and the famous yellow label that has adorned its bottles since 1876.

For information on the Northern Ohio Wine Guild, contact Jim Sperk at tinymoonwines@usa.net.