Familiar faces, wine professionals and wine lovers from across the region at the most renowned regional wine exhibition. Tomorrow brings special offers for families and children's workshops.

A sunny day in Poreč paired with top Istrian wines is the perfect formula for wine lovers who traditionally reserve the second weekend in May for Vinistra.

Its 31st edition once again impresses. A record number of winemakers—90 of them—are presenting their wines in Poreč’s Žatika hall until Sunday. Alongside the winemakers are well-known distilleries, delicacy producers, top Istrian coffee, and producers of winemaking and vineyard equipment.

Žatika is packed, the atmosphere is at its peak, and everyone wants to taste this year’s champions and the best Malvasia, Justina from 2019, awarded at Vinistra’s judging.

Voice Semi-finalist at Vinistra
Young singer Natali Radovčić, Dora finalist and Voice semi-finalist, never misses Vinistra. She has been working at the wine exhibition for several years, and once again, she joyfully traveled from Zagreb, where she currently lives, to join the Vinistra team. “A unique place in Istria and beyond where, at this time of year, winemakers, sommeliers, professionals, hospitality workers, and wine lovers who share a passion for wine gather. It doesn’t get better than this,” commented Istrian sommelier Karin Rupena Perdec on this year’s Vinistra.

Visiting Vinistra with the whole family
Tomorrow’s program continues the festivities, and for the first time, Sunday is reserved as a family day. For every three tickets purchased, the fourth is free; the price includes a five-euro voucher for the Vinoteka and four coffee vouchers. From 3 to 7 PM, there will be art workshops, animations, and face painting for children.

“We wanted to make the event accessible to parents with children. We’re aware that many haven’t been able to attend due to family obligations, so we’ve prepared a program that brings together wine, our rich heritage, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Wine is a lifestyle in Istria, part of our rich tradition. Many Istrian wine stories started in family vineyards and cellars, where knowledge and love for wine were passed down from grandfathers and fathers to new generations. That’s why we want even the youngest to connect with this heritage through fun and creative content,” said Ivan Marić, director of Vinistra, the association of Istrian grape and wine producers.

Workshops and lectures for those who want to learn more
Following four workshops and the awards ceremony for the 31st Vinistra Wine and Spirits Judging and the 16th World of Malvasia, the educational program continues at the exhibition itself.

In the professional events hall, the ambitious Istrian Wine Museum project and the Templar wine were presented. Awards for student wines were given to students of the professional winemaking program in Poreč, while the tasty hot and cold bites in the Vinoteka are provided by Vinistra’s Gold Partner, Plava Laguna.

“From the very beginning, Vinistra has had both an exhibition and an educational character and is an excellent platform for knowledge and experience exchange. This year, we’ve prepared interesting workshops, guided tastings, and lectures. In cooperation with renowned experts, oenologists, and sommeliers, we strive to offer something new not only to wine professionals but also to the general public,” said the director of Vinistra.

Vinistra’s opening hours are from 11 AM to 7 PM, and after the wine exhibition, the festivities on Friday and Saturday moved to the center of Poreč, thanks to the City and the Poreč Tourist Board.