Croatia’s largest wine show opens in Poreč

(Photo: Merlo De Graia)

The 32nd edition of Vinistra, the largest and one of the most prominent wine exhibitions in the region, has officially opened in Poreč with its most extensive programme to date.

Held in the Žatika Hall, this year’s event places a strong focus on Istrian wines, particularly malvazija and teran, while also highlighting innovation, education and the next generation of winemakers.

The exhibition features a packed programme of workshops and masterclasses, including guided tastings with sommeliers, presentations on orange wines and indigenous grape varieties, discussions on artificial intelligence in the wine industry, and a Family Day programme with activities and workshops for children.

(Photo: Merlo De Graia)

One of the key additions this year is GEN V, a new initiative dedicated to showcasing wines created by a younger generation of Vinistra winemakers.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vinistra association president Luka Rossi said the future of Istrian winemaking depends on involving younger generations and giving them space to develop their own ideas and styles.

(Photo: Merlo De Graia)

Visitors will have the opportunity to taste experimental wines and new interpretations created by young winemakers as part of the GEN V project.

“These may not yet be wines for the market, but they are wines of the future,” Rossi said, adding that cooperation and the transfer of knowledge have been among Vinistra’s greatest strengths over the past 32 years.

The initiative was also praised by Istria County Prefect Boris Miletić, who said Vinistra represents more than just a wine event and reflects the identity, tradition and culture of Istria.

Boris Miletić (Photo: Merlo De Graia)

He highlighted the work and dedication of local winegrowers and winemakers, describing them as some of the best ambassadors of Istria both in Croatia and internationally.

“Istrian wines today stand alongside some of the best thanks to continuous investment in quality and excellence,” Miletić said.

State Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Tugomir Majdak said Croatia has access to around €10.4 million annually in European funding for the wine sector through the Wine Envelope programme.

(Photo: Merlo De Graia)

He said the aim is to fully utilise the funds for vineyard development, winery modernisation and the promotion of Croatian wines abroad. Additional support measures for regional wine organisations and agricultural production were also announced.

Vice-President of the Croatian Chamber of Economy for Agriculture and Food Industry Dragan Kovačević said Vinistra has become an example of successful regional branding.

Dragan Kovačević (Photo: Merlo De Graia)

He pointed to contrasting trends in Croatia’s wine sector, noting that while vineyard areas across the country have been declining, Istria added 80 hectares of new vineyards in 2025 alone.

Kovačević also highlighted the revival of indigenous varieties such as malvazija and teran as one of the major achievements of Istrian winemaking.

(Photo: Merlo De Graia)

Poreč Mayor Loris Peršurić said Vinistra has become a symbol of the success of the entire Istrian region.

“When people speak about Istria around the world today, they also speak about malvazija, teran and top-quality Istrian wines,” he said.

Loris Peršurić, Boris Miletić, Luka Rossi (Photo: Merlo De Graia)

Vinistra runs until Sunday, 10 May, attracting wine lovers, industry professionals and visitors from Croatia and abroad.