We respect your privacy
The 26th edition of the renowned wine event once again confirms Istria’s prestigious status as one of the Mediterranean’s leading wine and gastronomy destinations
More than 40 Istrian wineries and distilleries opened their doors on Sunday to numerous wine and gastronomy enthusiasts at the 26th Open Cellar Day, the traditional event that marked the conclusion of Istria’s Month of Wine.
Throughout the day, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., visitors toured wineries across the peninsula, met winemakers, and tasted premium Istrian wines and spirits. Together with the recently concluded Vinistra, this event is one of the most popular wine and gastric experiences in Istria, attracting an increasing number of domestic and international visitors year after year.
Opening the event, Istrian County Prefect Boris Miletić emphasized that, alongside the region’s natural advantages and cutting-edge technology, the dedication of winemakers, family traditions, and a passion for vineyards are the key drivers behind the success of Istrian winemaking both at home and abroad.
“The success of Istrian winemaking is not based solely on terroir, but above all on the people – their dedication, expertise, and love for the vineyard, which generations of winemakers have passed down over decades,” said Miletić.
The official opening ceremony took place at the Zigante Vero winery in Kostanjica near Grožnjan, home to this year’s Vinistra Champion in the fresh Malvasia. The champion wine, Zigante Vero Malvazija 2025, symbolically marked the beginning of a wine journey through Istria.
This year once again, the Open Cellar Day concept enabled visitors to explore an unlimited number of participating wineries and distilleries with a single ticket. At every stop, guests enjoyed tastings of three wines, while the Wine Passport provided a unique souvenir experience, allowing visitors to collect stamps from the wineries they visited and discover the diversity of Istria’s wine scene.
From the north to the south of Istria, winemakers presented new vintages, award-winning labels, and authentic stories about tradition, terroir, and contemporary Istrian winemaking. Visitors had the opportunity to speak directly with producers, tour cellars and vineyards, and gain insight into the winemaking processes that have earned Istria recognition on both the Croatian and international wine scene.
Open Cellar Day is traditionally held on the last Sunday of May and is organized by Vinistra, the Association of Winegrowers and Winemakers of Istria, with the support of the Istria Tourist Board and the Istrian County.
“Following the successful Vinistra exhibition at the beginning of May and Open Cellar Day at the end of the month, Istria has once again confirmed its position as Croatia’s leading wine destination and brought another Month of Wine dedicated to exceptional wines, tradition, and authentic experiences to a fitting close,” said Luka Rossi, President of Vinistra.