Furanchos: an old Galician tradition of selling young wine

<1><2><3> <4> <5> Furanchos in Galicia used to be called old houses or part of them, where travelers could taste young wine and local dishes in the shade of a vine or inside a house. This tradition has been known in those parts for three centuries. For many years, furanchos was not regulated by law, but since 2012, they have been considered the official points of sale for surplus young wine and traditional tapas as appetizers. They are always located in the houses of the owners of local vineyards, and can operate only during the wine production season. <6><7> Furanchos is scattered throughout the region, with a total of about 400. Many of these traditional establishments were eventually transformed into restaurants and taverns to operate all year round, not just in season. The remaining furanchos remain open as long as there is excess young wine in the winery. Officially, the season runs from December 1st to June 30th, although there are exceptions when it is extended to July 31st. Young wine in such establishments cannot be served in bottles, it can only be poured directly from the barrel. A vineyard that has furancios must be registered with the Vineyard Register of Galicia. <8> <9> Traditional furanchos usually serve young wine with some of the following appetizers: local cheeses, chorizo sausage, tortilla, croquettes, smoked ribs, omelettes , fried padron peppers. <10>