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The highest number of medals ever for Croatian winemakers at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards – another major step forward on the global wine scene
Excellent news arrived today from London at the Decanter World Wine Awards. Istrian winemakers won an impressive 103 medals, meaning that nearly every fourth Croatian award once again comes from Istria. With a continuity of success spanning many years, Istria has once again confirmed its status as an exceptionally high-quality wine region.
Istria also received two platinum medals. They were awarded to Bastian Winery for Marchiori Malvazija Istarska 2023 and Bruno Ferenac for Malvazija Paulina 2024.
As many as 13 Istrian wines received gold medals: St. Euphemia 2019 from Vivoda Winery; Malvazija 2025 from Baćac Winery; Malvazija 2025 from Vina Brčić; Konstantin Aged Malvazija 2022 from Vina Deklić; Matošević Alba Robinia 2022 from Matošević Winery; Templara Monte d’Oro 2024 from Rossi Winery; San Salvatore Muškat 2022 from Benvenuti Winery; Muškat Mark 2021 from Fakin Winery; Contarini Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 from Degrassi Winery; and Teran 2022 from Berbe by Bertoša. Tomaz Winery won three gold medals for Avangarde Malvazija Istarska 2025, Barbarossa Teran 2023, and Barbarossa Superior 2021.
“This result reflects the continuity, expertise, and investment in quality that Istrian winemakers have been building for years. A total of 103 medals, two platinum awards, and 13 gold medals once again confirm that Istria is among the strongest wine regions in the world, while Malvazija remains an exceptional grape variety,” said Ivan Marić, Director of Vinistra, the Association of Vinegrowers and Winemakers of Istria.
While Istria celebrates its medals, special attention was drawn to the Best in Show award, which returned to Croatia after 11 years. With an impressive 97 points, the title was awarded to Plavac Plaža 2021, produced by Hvar winemaker Tonči Marijan.
“I congratulate all Istrian winemakers on this outstanding achievement, as well as our colleagues throughout Croatia on the record-breaking total of 412 medals. I would also like to extend special congratulations to our colleagues from Dalmatia and to winemaker Marijan for receiving the prestigious Best in Show award. This is yet another confirmation of the strength of Croatian winemaking and proof that together we are building an increasingly recognized wine story on the global stage,” said Luka Rossi, President of Vinistra. See results.
