Three tasting phases, two new champion categories, 30 judges, six committee chairpersons – new rules for the 31st Wine and Spirits Awards and the 16th The World of Malvasia

Their imperative is quality, excellence, and expertise. Vinistra is introducing new standards at one of the most relevant wine and spirits evaluations in the region, which continues to break records in the number of submitted samples year after year. At the 31st Wine and Spirits Awards and the 16th The World of Malvasia, held at Parentium Plava Laguna Hotel in Poreč from April 8 to 11, 30 top experts will assess the samples under completely new rules.

The biggest innovation

From now on, the evaluation consists of three tasting phases. In the first phase, samples receive their initial scores. Only those that achieve 89 points or more advance to the second phase, while the third phase determines the champions.

In addition to the existing champion titles for young and aged Malvasia, young and aged Teran and young and aged Refosco, two new categories have been introduced: Muškat Momjanski and Žlahtina. Additionally, a special medal for champions will be introduced, appearing as a sticker on the bottles.

The final medal is awarded by consensus among the judges, and the tasting process will shift from individual assessments to flight tastings.

"By implementing additional quality checks and a three-level evaluation process, Vinistra’s competition gains even more significance and credibility," says Luka Rossi, president of Vinistra, an association of vinegrowers and winemakers of Istria, which has been leading new trends in the Croatian wine scene for over 30 years.

Scoring thresholds remain the same

Despite the new process, the scoring thresholds remain unchanged. Wines that score between 80 and 84 points will receive a bronze medal, while those achieving between 85 and 89 points will be awarded silver. A gold medal will be granted to wines scoring between 90 and 94 points, and those surpassing 95 points will earn the prestigious platinum medal. Additionally, the highest-rated Malvasia will once again receive the Best in Show title.

Caroline Gilby, a Master of Wine, remains the head of the judging panel. Together with Kristijan Damijanić, PhD, a professor at the Polytechnic of Rijeka’s Agricultural Department in Poreč, they hold an important and demanding role in the competition. Supporting them is a team of six panel leaders: Harald Scholl, Master of Wine Elizabeth Gabay, Igor Luković, Sandi Paris, Marijan Bubola, and Zsuzsa Toronyi.

Following the model of the World’s most prestigious competitions

Ivan Marić, director of Vinistra, expresses great satisfaction with the new standards, which are aligned with the world’s most renowned wine evaluations.

"Our close collaboration with Decanter in recent years has led to these improved standards at Vinistra’s competition. The decision to introduce new rules was also influenced by our experience as hosts of the prestigious Concours Mondial de Bruxelles," says Marić.

A record number of entries is expected again this year for both the 16th World of Malvasia and the 31st Wine and Spirits Awards. Registered producers can submit their samples until March 22 at Istarski Razvod 1, 52440 Poreč - Parenzo. The results will be announced on Vinistra’s website on April 18 at 12:00 PM.

What better way to set the stage for 31st Vinistra, the most significant wine and winemaking equipment exhibition, taking place in Poreč from May 9 to 11 2025.

Online tickets are already available at an early bird price until April 21. As in previous years, wine professionals – including hospitality workers, sommeliers, and distributors – can enjoy free entry on the first day of the exhibition after requesting accreditation.

A perfect opportunity to indulge in award-winning wines!