There are more and more wine events in Croatia. Cheers to that! But when it comes to innovative and creative wine events, it is the WOW members who usually take the lead. One of them, but very much independent, Jelena Bulum, definitely creates some of the most interesting larger wine shows, as well as smaller events that win you over with their charm and simplicity. In addition to the “Wine and Cinema” project, which very imaginatively combines films and wines, she has now created a brilliant little project called “Vinska Faca Poslije Placa” (Wine Hotshot After Market), a new urban wine event for all Zagreb wine fans who prefer daytime gatherings compared to those that take place during the evenings.
“The idea is for our fellow citizens of Zagreb to have a place where they can leave their bags after their Saturday morning visit to the farmers’ market and before returning home for lunch – and enjoy the most excellent wines of winemakers who will be personally present to introduce and promote their wines.”
In addition to the winemaker who will present the wine, the event will always include a well-known “Hotshot” who will present the vital role of wines in their business or life, and thus offer a slightly broader context for understanding and enjoying wines. Equally important, visitors will also be able to buy the wines at slightly lower prices.
The event was conceived following the footsteps of the Wine and Cinema project, which does not present the wines just as a gastronomic experience, but as an integral part of the lifestyle, so they are linked to other aspects of cultural and social life. The project emerged when two women deeply involved in the world of wine, and both members of the WOW association, Manuela Maras and Jelena Bulum, joined forces with the owners of the new wine shop near the Dolac farmers’ market, WITRINA ZAGREB, and created the interesting wine-gastro concept. They hope that the project will entertain attendees on Saturdays, but also offer an opportunity to introduce and taste the wines of small family wineries and local products of Croatian family farms. This is also the range of products proudly offered by WITRINA ZAGREB.
On Saturday, February 23, the first Hotshot is an extraordinary lady, Đurđica Orepić. She is a woman who for a long time did not know what sport is, but in the meantime, she has completed the five most challenging triathlon races in the world known as IRONMAN and is a subject of a film…
“It all started one night in a wine tavern…,” says Đurđica, and she will tell the rest of the story to all those who visit the new event.
Of course, the stories about the wines will also be heard from some of the hotshots who produce them. This Saturday, the presenters are the greats, Ivica Matošević and Boris Šujić (Boškinac). Four labels will be offered for tasting: MATOŠEVIĆ AURA, 2018 (Chardonnay, Istrian Malvasia, Sauvignon Blanc), MATOŠEVIĆ GRIMALDA, 2016 (Merlot, Teran, Cabernet Sauvignon), BOŠKINAC OCU, 2015 (Magnum; 100% Gegić) and BOŠKINAC 2013 (Double Magnum; Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon).
In addition to the wines, this Saturday’s event will feature the award-winning BELIĆ – OLEUM VIRIDE BELIĆ olive oils. Specifically, six olive oils will be tasted: five single-variety: Buža, Istrian Bjelica, Ascolana Tenera, Leccino, Vodnjan Crnica; and a blend – Belić Selection. The snack will be prepared by WITRINA ZAGREB, together with the KUSANOVEC family dairy and the ZIGANTE truffles. The wine and food tasting fee is 50,00 kuna.
More news about Croatian wines can be found in the Lifestyle section.
