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A total of 700 samples of wine and spirits, including as many as 350 Malvasia wines. The renowned Vinistra judging is underway
Poreč once again confirms its status as one of the key wine hubs in the region. Ahead of the 32nd Vinistra, the 32nd Wine and Spirits Awards and the 17th The World of Malvasia are taking place from April 13 to 17.
More than 700 samples are being evaluated in total, and there is also a new record! This year’s edition of the World of Malvasia received as many as 350 samples from six countries, the highest number of entries to date and further confirmation of the international reputation of this variety and the competition itself.
In the spirits category, which has a regional character and includes distilleries from Istria and Kvarner, 60 samples have been submitted.
Wines and spirits are being evaluated by an international panel of 40 experts and trainees. The judging panel is once again led by British expert Caroline Gilby, a Master of Wine, while the evaluation of spirits is headed by top expert Dario Grabarić.
High standards as a mark of quality
This year, the evaluation is once again conducted according to the new rules introduced last year, modeled after leading global wine competitions as Decanter World Wine Awards. As a reminder, the judging takes place in several stages, with the best samples advancing to the final rounds where they compete for championship titles.
“High standards and an international panel of experts ensure that a Vinistra medal has real market value and credibility. By continuously raising standards, we aim to ensure that the results are as relevant as possible for both producers and consumers. By following global benchmarks, Vinistra is building a reputation as a competition that is trusted and sets quality standards,” said Luka Rossi, president of the Vinistra Association, at the Hotel Parentium Plava Laguna, where the evaluation is traditionally held.
That Vinistra’s judging process maintains high standards was also confirmed by Caroline Gilby MW.
“The quality of wines at Vinistra has experienced an exceptional rise over the past decade, which is clearly reflected in this year’s evaluation results. The judging process is already showing a large number of wines worthy of high recognition, including potential gold and platinum medals. Particularly encouraging is the confidence of winemakers in indigenous varieties, which today produce authentic and distinctive wines. Vinistra thus confirms that it is a platform where true excellence is recognized and rewarded,” said Gilby, a global authority in the wine world holding the Master of Wine title.
Vinistra Awards carry special weight
The Mayor of Poreč, Loris Peršurić, emphasized that the dedication of winemakers and the continuity of the evaluation have led to the reputation Vinistra enjoys today.
“Awards won at Vinistra carry special weight because they are the result of a demanding and credible judging process. That is why Vinistra is not just an event, but a key confirmation of quality on the wine scene,” added the mayor.
“Through its wine evaluation, Vinistra significantly contributes to positioning Poreč, Istria, and Croatia on the wine map of Europe and the world. The quality and relevance of the awards further strengthen the destination’s recognition among wine lovers. In addition to its professional importance, Vinistra also plays a key role in tourism, especially in the pre-season when it attracts a large number of visitors. The synergy between the evaluation and the event brings concrete results in both promotion and tourist traffic,” said Nenad Velenik, director of the Poreč Tourist Board.
Vinistra has international reach
“The continuity of Vinistra’s evaluation, along with the arrival of new generations of winemakers, confirms the strength and long-term sustainability of this event. The expert panels clearly reflect the evolution of wine quality and styles that follow contemporary trends. Today, Vinistra has an international impact, as confirmed by feedback from major global trade fairs where the quality of evaluated wines is recognized. At the same time, opening up to new categories shows a willingness to keep pace with the development of the global wine scene. Plava Laguna is not only a proud long-standing gold sponsor of Vinistra, but also a great friend,” concluded Emil Perdec, Food & Beverage Manager of this well-known Poreč-based hospitality company, which has been a long-time partner of Vinistra.
The evaluation results will be announced on 24 April on Vinistra website, providing the perfect introduction to the 32nd Vinistra, which will once again take place in Poreč from May 8 to 10, gathering leading domestic and international winemakers, experts, and wine lovers.