Countdown is underway for the most prestigious world wine competition, which will be held from May 11 to 15 in Poreč. This is the largest event ever organized by Vinistra.

More than 10,000 wine samples from 50 countries will be judged by 350 judges from around the world over three days from May 12 to 14. Everything is ready in Poreč for the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, the most influential wine competition on the global wine scene, it was announced at the presentation of the program of this highly regarded wine event held at the Esplanade Hotel in Zagreb.

The competition was first organized in 1994 and has changed location every two years since 2006, having been held in 15 famous wine regions, including Aigle in Switzerland, Brno in the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, and Calabria in Italy, where Istra was officially announced as the host last year. Therefore, our small wine region found itself in an elite company.

"I am sure that together we will know how to use this opportunity in the further promotion of tourism, as well as in the development of Croatian oenology, which is becoming more and more recognized among top wine connoisseurs from year to year. Moreover, the modern tourist is looking for authentic and unique experiences when visiting a particular tourist destination, and getting to know and consuming original local food and wine creates a special experience for the visitors. Croatia has a long tradition of producing wines that represent the identity and culture of the region, from the coast to the continental part of our country," said Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Croatian Tourist Board, adding that this is also an excellent opportunity for Croatian winemakers to present themselves, their work, and their top wines to an international audience.

Croatian wine scene deserves full attention

"We are thrilled to hold our 30th Concours Mondial de Bruxelles in Istria. This competition is an indicator of market trends, and Croatia is an upcoming wine destination with a rich history dating back to ancient times. Today, Croatia can boast of a wide range of indigenous grape varieties such as Malvasia, and this authenticity is something that today's consumers are increasingly seeking. The Croatian wine scene certainly deserves the full attention of everyone, from wine experts to curious enthusiasts. In Croatia, in addition to the importance of family, we have discovered authentic vineyards in harmonious natural surroundings. Here, wine is an integral part of tourism, and the Concours will introduce its 350 judges from around the world to the wine region where magnificent landscapes, gourmet offerings, and quality wines come together. These judges will surely become new ambassadors of Istria, a region that is definitely worth visiting. Collaborating with Croatia, Istria, and the city of Poreč, we are fortunate to work with dedicated and passionate partners, competent professionals who share our dedication to excellence and quality," said Baudouin Havaux, President of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.

Great recognition for Istria

The County Prefect of Istria, Boris Miletić, stated that hosting the most prestigious wine competition in the world, the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, is an exceptional honor.

"This is a great recognition for Istria, a small wine region that was chosen last year in tough competition, surpassing many larger wine regions. It is also a confirmation that we in Istria have chosen the right strategy with a focus on top quality, and our indigenous grape varieties, primarily Malvazija and Teran, have become the most famous symbols of the Istrian peninsula, a highly valued brand in the global market," emphasized the Istrian County Prefect. The director of the Istrian County Tourist Board, Denis Ivošević, added that Istrian wineries and olive oil producers are now tourist attractions, real small museums of gastronomy.

The Mayor of Poreč, Loris Peršurić, said that this wine competition, which will be held in the Žatika hall in Poreč one week after Vinistra, confirms that Poreč has become a wine city. According to Nenad Velenik, director of the city's tourist board, Poreč can expect an excellent pre-season and, according to announcements, the season could be record-breaking.

"We are proud that Istria will be the heart of Europe these days when Concours Mondial de Bruxelles is held, and I believe it will be a great promotional wine and tourist story about Croatia. Plava Laguna is happy to have the opportunity to be a part of this great story. In Plava Laguna, we follow the six-star approach, where every guest is a VIP guest. We believe that our six-star approach will delight our guests who come to this prestigious wine competition and that it will be a good prelude to the wine story that Poreč and Vinistra have been telling for years," said Emil Perdec, a representative of Plava Laguna, a well-known hotel company in Poreč and a long-time partner of Vinistra.

Huge promotion for Istria and Croatia

The President of Vinistra, Luka Rossi, emphasized that among the 350 judges, 10% are sommeliers, 12% are wine traders and distributors, 18% are winemakers, and as much as 60% are wine and gastronomy journalists who will write about their experiences in Istria in relevant global media after their visit.

"By bringing Concours Mondial de Bruxelles to Istria, Istria has positioned itself on the world wine map and further strengthened its position at the European and global levels. This prestigious global competition directly affects the tourism, economic and wine sectors due to its global significance, and the region in which it is organized gains marketing visibility at the global level. We have prepared attractive tours for our guests with visits to Istrian and Dalmatian wineries, and I am sure they will enjoy everything they see and experience," Rossi said.

Vinistra in Zagreb was also supported by the representative of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, State Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Tugomir Majdak, and ambassadors of the most famous wine competition were presented. Swiss Pierre Thomas, Brazilian with a British address Luma Monteiro, Spaniard Alejandro López Facorro Paadin, German Thomas Brandl, and Italian Luigi Salvo will convey their impressions in Istria and Croatia in their respective languages.

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