We respect your privacy
The 32nd edition of the wine exhibition in Poreč has never looked more modern, bringing together everyone who matters on the wine scene. A new generation of winemakers was introduced, while discussions focused on artificial intelligence in winemaking and the economy.
This weekend, Poreč once again became the center of the world for everyone who matters in the wine industry. The city breathes to the rhythm of Malvazija and Teran, glasses are raised in Žatika Hall, and the atmosphere is at its peak. At the 32nd Vinistra, everyone is welcome. Winemakers, sommeliers, chefs, distributors, restaurateurs, locals from Poreč, wine lovers from across Croatia, and international guests all gathered together — those who create wine and those who truly enjoy it.
This year’s Vinistra appears more modern than ever and clearly focused on the future. This was best reflected in the presentation of Gen V, a new generation of Istrian winemakers who grew up among vineyards and wine cellars and are now gradually taking over family businesses while shaping a contemporary Istrian wine story.
V for Wine and Vinistra
“The idea for Gen V was born last year, but over the past few months we began seriously working on bringing together a younger generation of people involved in winemaking within Vinistra. People in their twenties and thirties who represent the new wave of the Istrian wine scene. They are the children of winemakers, actively involved in their family wineries and fully dedicated to this profession,” says Gianna Kozlović, president of Vinistra’s newest branch.
At this year’s Vinistra, on Friday and Saturday, they presented themselves together for the first time through signature wines they personally created or contributed to, wines that visitors could not find at the standard stands of their wineries. In the Vinoteka, located in the central part of Žatika Hall, visitors had the opportunity to taste wines by Gianna Kozlović, Marko Rossi, Piero Licul from Fuhtar Winery, Tim Whitfield from Clai Winery, Dominik Anđelini, Lari Jurčić, Matteo Poletti, Kevin Mušković from DeFratta Winery, Katarina Benazić, Simona Pilato, Lucija Deklić, and Sajmon Valenta.
“The name for this idea came completely naturally. V stands for wine and Vinistra. Most of us belong to Generation Z, and we wanted to show that wine is not only a tradition we inherit, but something we want to continue developing and building. Winemaking is part of Istria’s identity and one of the most important stories of this region,” says Gianna.
Everyone’s cooking — from the County Prefect to influencers
“We are positively surprised. The atmosphere is fantastic, there are many visitors, and people are showing great interest in our award-winning Malvasia. Everyone wants to taste it,” said representatives at the stand of the Spanish winery Bodega Rossneu, whose Rossneu Malvasia Blanc 2025 won the Best in Show title at the prestigious 17th The World of Malvasia competition, held in Poreč in mid-April ahead of the 32nd edition of Vinistra.
Great wines naturally go hand in hand with great food, something that always draws a crowd. That was also the case during the cooking show “Let’s Cook with Vinistra.” Special attention was drawn by the popular Antonio Brajković, a 26-year-old chef and food influencer whose social media recipes are followed daily by thousands of fans. Alongside the young yet experienced chef, the first two days of Vinistra also featured cooking appearances by Istrian County Prefect Boris Miletić, Vinistra Association president Luka Rossi, Vinistra director Ivan Marić, marketing manager Sanja Brnobić, well-known Croatian influencers Domagoj Jakopović Ribafish and Gladni Mile, and Istrian sommelier Karin Rupena Perdec.
AI in Winemaking and the Economy
Cooking demonstrations will continue tomorrow, on the final day of this year’s Vinistra, which is also strongly focused on the future through its professional program.
The question of what the Istrian economy will look like in ten years was discussed during the panel “More Than Tourism: High Technology in the Istrian Economy.” Company representatives and decision-makers highlighted a shared ambition — an Istria that does not rely solely on the tourist season, but on knowledge, innovation, and products with a strong identity. This vision continued through a workshop dedicated to technology and artificial intelligence in business, where participants explored how AI can support winemakers, tourism, and the wider economy.
“Today, Vinistra is no longer just a wine exhibition. It represents the kind of Istria we want to be — modern, self-confident, and wise enough not to preserve tradition only in vineyards and cellars, but to use it to build the future,” said Vinistra Association president Luka Rossi.