Which deity is honored with a sacrifice during Vinalia Rustica?

The deity honored with a sacrifice during Vinalia Rustica is Venus. Vinalia Rustica, celebrated on August 19th, was a Roman festival dedicated to the protection and productivity of the vine and the harvest of grapes. While various deities were important in the context of agriculture and fertility, Venus, as the goddess associated with love, beauty, and fertility, played a central role in this celebration of the grape harvest.

The festival involved not only rituals and ceremonies but also an offering of the first wine from the new harvest to Venus, recognizing her influence over the fertility of the earth and the success of the vineyard. This connection emphasizes the importance of wine and viniculture in Roman society, where Venus was seen as a vital figure in ensuring the fertility of the crops.

While other gods like Jupiter and Mars were significant in various Roman rituals and festivals, they were not specifically honored during Vinalia Rustica in the same manner as Venus. Jupiter, the king of the gods, was more commonly acknowledged in rituals related to weather and state affairs, while Mars was associated with war. Therefore, Venus is the correct choice, as she is the deity specifically linked to the themes and celebrations of this important agricultural festival.