Vinistra Breaks Records! Istrian Winemakers to Showcase Their Best Wines at the Žatika Hall in Poreč 

Until Sunday At the grand opening of the 31st Vinistra, which is being held until Sunday, May 11, in the Žatika Hall in Poreč, a strong message of unity among Istrian winemakers was once again highlighted.

“We want to show our potential – authentic, strong, and globally relevant. Last year, we modernized our visual identity, unified and refreshed our fair, and showed that Istria’s wine story is built by both large wine producers and small family wineries. In that diversity lies our strength,” said Luka Rossi, president of Vinistra, the association of winegrowers and winemakers of Istria. He thanked all the winemakers for the successful wine journey they have been creating for over 30 years.

Istrian winemakers achieved the impossible

“Compared to other major wine powers, we are small in volume, but when it comes to quality, added value, and the achieved price of our wines and spirits, we are on par with the best in the world. Malvasia and Teran are some of the key associations with Istria. Let’s remain at the top and keep working on quality – that is our winning card,” emphasized Boris Miletić, Prefect of Istria County.

Danijel Benčić, president of the County Chamber of Pula at the Croatian Chamber of Economy, said that the wine regions of Istria and Kvarner are part of Croatia’s beautiful wine mosaic made up of four wine regions. “Our winemakers contribute about 20% of the country’s total wine production. Behind this number are years of hard work and sacrifice. Through your efforts, you have contributed to the economic and tourism development of the region, as well as to Istria’s brand identity. In just over thirty years, you’ve accomplished something truly remarkable. But this is not the end – we must continue through innovation, investment, raising quality, and planting new vineyards through so-called vineyard conversions,” said Benčić.

Globally relevant players

Ivan Matijević, envoy of the Prime Minister and State Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, noted that Croatia is a small country with a big heart for wine. Istria is leading the way as a region that understands quality is built in the vineyard and confirmed on the market. “We strongly support the wine sector through the Strategic Plan of the Common Agricultural Policy for the period 2023–2027, through four key measures: restructuring, investment, education, and promotion. Nearly €42 million has been allocated to support the wine sector, with more than €10 million available annually for these initiatives,” said Matijević.

Velibor Mačkić, envoy and special advisor to President Zoran Milanović, emphasized that Istria is a great example of how things can be done better. By joining forces, focusing on quality, and investing in technology, Istrian winemakers have become globally relevant players. “The development model Istria represents shows us the path to follow – inclusive, sustainable, and responsible,” concluded Mačkić.

Loris Peršurić, Mayor of Poreč, stated that Vinistra is not only synonymous with top-quality wines but also a symbol of Istria and Poreč. It is one of the largest and most attractive events in this part of Europe. He invited all residents of Poreč and their guests to reserve the weekend for Žatika.

The event is open all three days from 11 AM to 7 PM. Vinistra is where wine stories begin!