This year will be remembered as one of the most successfull in the history of Istria’s vinegrowers and winemakers association, Vinistra. A year to remember – that’s how 2024 can be described for Vinistra. 

This year, the most prominent Istrian association celebrated two major anniversaries: its 30th anniversary as an organization and the 30th edition of the Vinistra exhibition, the region’s most attractive wine event, where its new modern visual identity was also officially unveiled. 

This remarkable year was confirmed as one of the most successful in the association’s history by its president, Luka Rossi.

"In addition to our well-established domestic events, 2024 marked a significant breakthrough for us on the international stage. Our successful collaboration with Decanter resulted in the prestigious 'Decanter 2024 Winners Showcase by Vinistra' event in Savudrija this June. In November, together with the Istria County Tourist Board, we presented our indigenous varieties at the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter in London. A week later, we organized a study trip to Bordeaux, where we participated in the Vinitech Sifel exhibition. With the performances at these events, as well as the cooperation agreement we signed with the Cité du Vin wine museum in Bordeaux on the promotion of Istrian wines, we further strengthened the position of Istria as an attractive wine region on the dynamic international wine market," said the president of the Vinistra Association, adding that success did not come overnight.

He added, "This success is the result of years of work based on the Istrian winegrowing and winemaking Development Strategy, as well as the unity of our winemakers. When you lay a solid foundation, success is inevitable."

New Records!

In 2024, new records were broken at events organized by Vinistra. At the En premiere in February, more than 600 visitors gathered in Esplanada Zagreb for a tasting of young malvasi. In March, 80 square meters of exhibition space was exhibited at Prowein in Dusseldorf, twice as much as the year before, and in April, the highest number of samples arrived at the Wine and Spirits Appraisal and Malvasia World. In Poreč, 740 samples were evaluated, 40 more than in 2023, of which as many as 340 Malvasia from 11 countries, while a year earlier there were 317 from seven countries.

Istria County Prefect Boris Miletić noted the growing interest in Istrian wines both locally and globally, crediting Vinistra’s thoughtfully designed strategy. The association successfully partnered with two global wine brands, Decanter and the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, bringing both to Istria.

"Through numerous events, large visitor turnouts, and international collaborations, Vinistra has proven that Istrian wines and indigenous varieties have the power to capture the attention of the global wine scene. With great enthusiasm, we look forward to new challenges and opportunities, and Istria County will always be a strong supporter and loyal partner to Vinistra," said prefect Miletić. He also highlighted that Vinistra received this year’s County Appreciation Award for its significant contributions to promoting and branding Istria as a wine region.

See You in Poreč at Vinistra 2025

"Through its activities and achievements, Vinistra has become a symbol of excellence—not only in the wine world but also in a broader social and tourism context. The association has played a key role in positioning Poreč and Istria as attractive wine destinations, further enriching our tourism offerings. For this reason, Vinistra is the recipient of this year’s Charter of the City of Poreč," said Loris Peršurić, Mayor of Poreč.

He congratulated the association's members on their accomplishments and expressed confidence that their vision and efforts will continue to promote Poreč as a hub for premium wine and gastronomy experiences.

Vinistra is already intensively preparing for 2025, having announced the 31st Vinistra Exhibition, Croatia’s most anticipated wine event, scheduled to take place from May 9–11 in Poreč.