Even the rain did not spoil the mood of winemakers and visitors. This year, the organizers do not depend on the weather forecast. Vinistra has finally returned home!

“The key to the success of Istrian wines are the people, our producers. We have a God-given land and climatic conditions, however, our forefathers produced wine from time immemorial, but they were not such good cellarmen. With the introduction of new technologies, we entered the world wine map, and for that we should be grateful to Istrian winemakers. They are like our athletes - in the early nineties they promoted Croatia throughout the world in the best way possible, and they are also responsible for branding Istria as a famous destination”, said the Prefect of the Istria County Boris Miletić at the 28^th Vinistra opening ceremony.

Even the rain could not spoil the mood of the winemakers and those gathered, because by returning to Žatika in Poreč, Vinistra is no longer dependent on weather conditions. The praise for last year's outdoor organization was not lacking either, as it was not easy to maintain continuity in challenging times.

The mayor of Poreč, Loris Peršurić, also congratulated the winemakers on their perseverance, effort, work and organization of the 28^th edition of Vinistra.

“You will agree - Vinistra is much more than a fair of wine and winemaking equipment. Vinistra makes of our Poreč and Istria a brand, as well as of our Malvasia, and thanks to Vinistra this variety is known outside the borders of Croatia”, concluded the mayor.

Dragan Kovačević, vice president for agriculture and tourism of the Croatian Chamber of Economy, pointed out that Istria and Kvarner account for 17 percent of Croatian wine production.

“It is precisely the winemakers who have shown that through wine roads, innovations and constant improvement of wine quality, in combination with local gastronomy, it is possible to significantly contribute to the development of year-round tourism and the branding of the destination. The fact that we have been continuously, for several years, increasing our export of wines in the higher price category, especially sparkling wines, is rather encouraging, which clearly shows that the international promotion and positioning of Croatian wines should be built precisely in the top-quality segment”, said Kovačević.

The State Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture said that projects worth HRK 800 million from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development have been contracted in Istria County, and HRK 612 million have been paid out so far.

“Istrian vineyards cover a little less than three thousand hectares, and Istria is the center of viticulture and winemaking, so I am looking forward to everything that the winemakers have in store for us these three days”, concluded Mršić.

The largest wine spectacle in the region lasts until Sunday, it covers 3.5 thousand square meters of exhibition space, where a total of 110 exhibitors exhibit their products, of which 80 are winemakers. For a one-day ticket, you need to pay HRK 150 and another HRK 50 as a refundable deposit for a glass. With the purchase of a ticket, Vinistra gives a voucher worth HRK 30 that can be used in the rich pop-up wine shop in Žatika. Three days of pure pleasure await you.

The State Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture said that projects worth HRK 800 million from the European Fund for Rural Development have been contracted in the Istrian County, and HRK 612 million have been paid out so far.

"Istrian vineyards cover a little less than three thousand hectares, Istria is the center of viticulture and winemaking, so I am looking forward to everything that the winemakers have prepared for us these three days," Mršić concluded.

The largest wine spectacle in the region lasts until Sunday, it covers 3.5 thousand square meters of exhibition space, with a total of 110 exhibitors, of which 80 are winemakers. For a one-day ticket, you need to pay HRK 150 and another HRK 50 as a refundable deposit for a glass. With the purchase of a ticket, Vinistra presents a voucher worth HRK 30 that can be used in the rich pop-up wine shop in Žatika. Three days of pure pleasure await you.