Zagreb once again becomes the center of the Istrian wine scene – on 2 February, the young Malvazija istarska of the 2025 vintage will be premiered, traditionally at the Esplanade Hotel.

If there’s one event that marks the start of the new wine year, then it’s the En Primeur tasting of young Malvazija istarska. Now in its 14th edition, this unique wine event—organized by Vinistra, the Association of Istrian vinegrowers and winemakers—returns on 2 February to its well-known venue, the Esplanade Hotel Zagreb.

As every year, around 70 Istrian winemakers joyfully come to the capital for one day to present, for the first time, the potential of the 2025 Malvazija istarska vintage—young, fresh wines, mostly still in barrels —to the public, partners, and distributors. Each year, several winemakers from the Kvarner region also join the event, presenting young Žlahtina wines, another indiginous variety that deserves the attention of wine lovers and professionals alike.

The tasting at the 14th En Primeur is once again divided into two sessions: from 1:00 to 4:00 PM for wine professionals, and from 4:00 to 7:00 PM for the general public, with an entrance fee of €15. Registration for professionals and ticket sales for the public are available via the link.

A vintage with high expectations

The En Primeur of young Malvasias has long outgrown the format of a classic tasting, becoming a key gathering of wine professionals, distributors, hospitality professionals, sommeliers, wine critics, media representatives, and curious wine enthusiasts eager to be among the first to experience the character of the new Malvasia vintage—one from which, given the past growing season, much is expected.

“Although winemakers have been facing numerous challenges for years—such as rising production costs, chronic labor shortages, and the effects of climate change—the quality of the 2025 vintage is beyond doubt. The growing season was almost ideal, the harvest excellent, and the wines show outstanding freshness, balance, and aromatic expression. The new vintage is expected to be bottled in April, so visitors to the 32nd Vinistra, taking place in Poreč from 8 to 10 May, will be able to enjoy its full potential,” said Luka Rossi, President of Vinistra.

Vinistra was the first in Croatia to launch this important and attractive event, inspired by French wine tradition, thereby further enriching the domestic wine scene and confirming its undisputed status as a creator of wine trends in Croatia and the wider region.

More information is available via the link.