Penguin shaped pitchers were very popular in the past. They were used to serve table wine at home and cheap house wine at no-frills diners. I’m not sure exactly why the pitcher manufacturer chose the penguin but penguins are cute and they live in the south of the country in Patagonia.
I once asked my father about those pitchers and he said that in his youth, they were very popular. However, when I was younger, pingüinos were looked down on as tacky. Nowadays, they are experiencing a revival thanks to the fashionable obsession to all things retro. You can now order a pingüino at trendy bars as well as your old neighbourhood joint. The quality of the wine, however, varies with the establishment. You’ve been warned.
Salud!
Read more
Argentinean customs: the green grocer
Argentinean customs: the white smock
Argentinean customs: dog walkers
About the author
Ana
I’d love to walk into a restaurant and order a “pingüino”!
where can i buy one..need a penguin pitcher. please advise
Try the internet if you’re not in Argentina.