Around 70 Istrian winemakers will present the 2024 Malvasia for the first time on February 10 at the Esplanade Hotel Zagreb. Wine professionals and enthusiasts eagerly await this event

One of Zagreb's most attractive wine events, En Primeur of young Malvasias, is approaching. Its 13th edition, organized by Vinistra Association of Winegrowers and Winemakers of Istria will take place on February 10 at the renowned Esplanade Hotel Zagreb.

Traditionally held ahead of Valentine’s Day, around 70 Istrian winemakers will gather in the capital for one day to officially present the 2024 harvest of young Malvasia which is not bottled yet, to business partners, distributors, restaurateurs, chefs, wine critics and visitors. This year Istrian winemakers will be joined with several colleagues from Kvarner, showcasing their young Žlahtina wines.

“We are extremely excited about the new edition of En Primeur. After last year’s record-breaking event, visitors had the chance to taste over 60 Malvasia and Žlahtina wines. Despite a challenging year with an average yield drop of 30%, increased production costs and labour shortage present through past years, the price of the new harvest will not be significantly impacted. We are pleased that interest in Malvasia continues to grow. The audience will get to preview the upcoming Malvasias, and the masterclass will feature the most representative Malvasia samples from Istria's sub-regions. The official release of the new Malvasia harvest is set for April,” said Luka Rossi, president of Vinistra Association.

Vinistra first organized the En Primeur tasting of young Malvasias in 2012, inspired by similar events in France, enriching Croatia's wine scene. Wine lovers are familiar with the En Primeur concept. The tasting is divided into two parts, from 1 PM to 4 PM for wine professionals and from 4 PM to 7 PM for the public. As every year, entry is free with mandatory online registration on the link.

What the Istrian wine professionals have prepared for us will be revealed soon. See you on February 10 at the 13th En Primeur of young Malvasias!