Peruvian Pisco Heritage
Peruvian pisco has garnered considerable acclaim over the past few decades. In 1988, Peru’s National Institute of Culture officially recognized pisco as part of the country’s national heritage. Pisco stands out as one of Peru’s official flagship products (productos bandera del Perú), a distinction shared with renowned exports such as coffee, cotton, and quinoa.
The calendar in Peru pays homage to this iconic grape brandy not just once, but twice. The first Saturday of every February is designated as Día del Pisco Sour (Pisco Sour Day). Additionally, the fourth Sunday of every July is celebrated nationwide as Día del Pisco, or Pisco Day.
Celebrating Día del Pisco
On May 6, 1999, the National Institute of Culture implemented Resolución Ministerial N° 055-99-ITINCI-DM, designating the fourth Sunday of July as Pisco Day. This celebration takes place across Peru, particularly in the pisco-producing regions of the country.
The principal pisco-producing areas include Lima, Ica, Arequipa, Moquegua, and Tacna. Consequently, Pisco Day holds special significance in these regions, where local viñedos and bodegas pisqueras (vineyards and pisco wineries) actively participate in the celebrations.
Activities on Pisco Day
Pisco Day festivities are lively, featuring market stalls, tasting sessions, and various pisco-related promotions. In addition, the aforementioned pisco regions often host gastronomic fairs, exhibitions showcasing the history of pisco, vineyard tours, and live concerts. However, it may require some effort to obtain information regarding the precise locations and timings of these events. Engage with locals and keep a lookout for promotional materials, flyers, and news articles to stay informed.
If fortune smiles upon you, you might even encounter a complimentary tasting session. In 2010, local authorities in Lima collaborated with the Plaza Vea supermarket chain to create a unique event at the Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor). During this celebration, the central water fountain was transformed into a pisco fountain, drawing enthusiastic locals eager for a free sample.
(Note: Chile celebrates its own Pisco Day on May 15)
