As many as 750 samples, including 350 Malvazijas, will be tasted in Poreč until April 11. This year, wine judging is being conducted following the model of prestigious international competitions.

This year also marks a record number of submitted samples at the 16th World of Malvazija and the 31st Wine and Spirits Evaluation ahead of this year’s Vinistra, the most important domestic wine and winemaking equipment exhibition. A total of 750 samples have been submitted, of which 350 are Malvazija – ten more than last year.

From April 8 to 11, at the Parentium Plava Laguna hotel in Poreč, wines are being tasted and judged by a panel of 30 distinguished domestic and international experts led by British Dr. Caroline Gilby, holder of the highest Master of Wine title, while the spirits panel is chaired by Zoran Lukić. From this year, improved evaluation rules are in effect, developed in cooperation with Decanter and after hosting experience of the renowned international competition Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.

"Three tasting phases are held – in the first, a score is assigned, only samples that receive 89 or more points proceed to the second, and in the third, the champions are decided. Even after the first day of judging, we are very pleased with the new system, which has proven to be more modern and of higher quality," said Luka Rossi, president of Vinistra.

In addition to the existing champion titles for young and aged Malvazija, young and aged Teran, and young and aged Refošk, two new ones have been introduced – in the categories Muškat Momjanski and Žlahtina.

"From this year, we have a judging system like those at the biggest and most prestigious wine competitions. It’s important to note that jury members can discuss the samples and that decisions are made by consensus. I’m excited to see what results we will get by the end of the week," emphasized jury president Caroline Gilby, who has been leading the panel for 11 years.

The representatives of the City and Tourist Board of Poreč also expressed their satisfaction with the event.

"Vinistra is getting better, stronger, and more numerous, and it has become a synonym for Poreč, Istria, and quality wines. There is great interest in this exhibition, and during its duration, all capacities are full. Vinistra means a lot to us and we will continue to support it," said Poreč Mayor Loris Peršurić.

Nenad Velenik, Director of the Poreč Tourist Board, added that Vinistra is an inseparable part and hallmark of this destination. "The preseason is unfolding as usual and is already showing excellent results. We are looking forward to the upcoming days and events in the preseason, among which Vinistra certainly holds great importance."

The long-time main partner of Vinistra is the Poreč-based hotel company Plava Laguna, which is also hosting this year’s evaluation.

"Plava Laguna is not only a long-time and proud gold sponsor of Vinistra but also a great friend. That is why we are especially pleased to host you today in our Parentium hotel, and to be the traditional hosts of the judging of the best Istrian wines. We believe that this international wine exhibition in early May will demonstrate further growth of Istrian winemakers and domestic production. That is precisely why top Istrian wines are included on the wine lists of our hotels, and due to their quality, they easily find their way to our guests. It goes without saying that, thanks to Vinistra, Istria has firmly established itself on the world wine map, contributing to the promotion of the destination, including the facilities of Plava Laguna, where the Istrian eno-gastro story is beautifully rounded off," said Emil Perdec, Assistant Director of Operations for Hotels and Catering at Plava Laguna, a well-known Poreč hotel company and long-time partner of Vinistra.

This year’s 31st Vinistra will take place from May 9 to 11 in Poreč, and online tickets are already on sale at the most favorable price until April 21.