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The long-serving president of the Vinistra Association of Istrian Vinegrowers and Winemakers has been entrusted with another four-year term. Among his key priorities are strengthening the international promotion of Istrian wines and encouraging greater involvement of younger generations of winemakers in the association's activities.
Vinistra held its electoral Assembly at Morosini-Grimani Castle in Svetvinčenat, where Luka Rossi was re-elected President of the association. Rossi begins a new four-year term, continuing to lead the organisation that has, in recent years, significantly strengthened the position of Istrian wines on both the domestic and international stage.
Vinistra now enters a new phase of development, with one of its key priorities being the further promotion of Malvazija istarska and Teran on international markets.
Following the successful implementation of numerous strategic projects during his previous mandate – from expanding the international promotion of Istrian wines and exhibiting at the world's leading wine fairs to raising the standards of wine judging – Rossi announced that Vinistra will continue its transformation into an even stronger platform for the development and positioning of the Istrian wine region.
"Today, Vinistra must continue to provide strong support to its members, open new markets, invest in knowledge and education, and further strengthen the international visibility of Istrian winemaking. Significant challenges lie ahead: the wine market is changing, competition is increasing, and climate change demands new approaches in our vineyards," Rossi said.
Projects that further strengthened the position of Istrian wines
Istria was the first region in Croatia to develop a Strategy and Marketing Plan for Istrian Viticulture and Winemaking until 2030, establishing the foundations for stronger branding of Istrian wines, the development of wine tourism, quality enhancement, and the creation of new market opportunities.
During his previous term, Vinistra continued to develop its flagship projects, including the international Vinistra Wine and Wine Equipment Exhibition, the upgraded Wine and Spirits Awards, the World of Malvasia competition, En Primeur, Wine Day, and the exclusive Vintage by Vinistra events. A major step forward was also achieved in strengthening Vinistra's national visibility through the introduction of a new visual identity for both the association and the exhibition, along with redesigned and modernised exhibition spaces unveiled during Vinistra's 30th anniversary celebrations in 2024.
Over the past four years, Vinistra has further reinforced its international presence through participation at ProWein in Düsseldorf, the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter in London, and Wine Paris, as well as through cooperation with the Cité du Vin wine museum in Bordeaux. A particularly significant initiative is the Decanter Winners Showcase by Vinistra, bringing together Croatia's top wineries awarded at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards.
Among the highlights of his previous mandate, Rossi emphasised Vinistra's successful hosting of the prestigious Concours Mondial de Bruxelles international wine competition in Poreč in May 2023, an event that further strengthened Istria's position on the global wine map.
Engaging the next generation of winemakers
"Our mission is not only to preserve what we have achieved, but to create the conditions for Istrian wines to become even more competitive, more recognisable, and more present on international markets. Thirty years ago, few could have imagined how far this story would go, and today we have the responsibility to continue building on that success. One of our main objectives is to connect the new generation of winemakers and create a platform where they can collaborate, exchange experiences, and develop new ideas. We want younger generations to become active creators of new trends and values, while embracing a modern approach to both promotion and production," Rossi added.
A key part of Vinistra's future development strategy is therefore the inclusion of younger generations of winemakers. The association has established GEN V, a body bringing together more than 40 young winemakers and led by Gianna Kozlović. Through this initiative, Vinistra aims to ensure continuity and the long-term sustainability of the Istrian wine story.
Istria as a leader of Croatian winemaking
Luka Rossi begins his new term with the ambition of ensuring that Vinistra remains one of the key drivers of Croatian winemaking, from vineyards and wineries to international markets.
"I take on this new mandate with the same sense of responsibility as four years ago, but with even greater experience and a clearer vision for Vinistra's future," Rossi concluded, thanking Vinistra's members for their continued trust, as well as his predecessors, Ivica Matošević and Nikola Benvenuti, for laying strong foundations and providing successful leadership.
At the electoral Assembly, members also elected Josip Barišić as Vice President of Vinistra. The newly appointed Supervisory Board consists of Ivan Damjanić, Lara Zgrablić, Marko Krstačić, David Deklić, Ivica Matošević, Nikola Benvenuti and Gianfranco Kozlović. Ivan Marić will continue serving as Director of Vinistra for the next four years. He recently assumed the position of Vice President of the Croatian Chamber of Economy's Wine Association.
