International Riesling Day is celebrated worldwide every March 13, marking the official birthday of the Riesling grape, which has been cultivated in Germany since the 15th century. The day commemorates the first written mention of Riesling in 1435, found in the inventory of Johann IV, Count of Katzenelnbogen. Observers celebrate by learning about the various styles of Riesling wines, attending wine tastings, or hosting wine and cheese parties. The German Wine Institute, which promotes German wines, designates this day and also organizes Riesling Weeks in different countries to highlight German Riesling varieties. Riesling is known for its versatility, producing dry, semi-sweet, sweet, and sparkling wines, and pairs well with a range of foods, from grilled fish to desserts.