This year, for the 24th time, the festival will be held in the Žatika sports centre in Poreč, continuing its reputation of the leading exhibition of the wine and other indigenous Istrian products such as grappa, olive oil, honey, cheese and prosciutto. Three days of the exhibition will be filled with various events, lectures, workshops etc, because Vinistra is not just the local products exhibition, but an event where professionals get together to network, learn, teach and improve. In addition to the Istrian winemakers, there are also Slovenian, Italian and Hungarian winemakers participating in this year’s competitions and other events. The panel of judges for Vinistra consists of both the experienced wine professionals, and people who simply like and enjoy wine.
The main event of each Vinistra is the wine rating competition, which is considered the undisputed main rating of Malvazija wines in the world. Those ratings have already been performed; a couple of weeks ahead of the festival itself, and the results of the ratings have already been published. So, we know now the winners in various categories for various grappas, and olive oil (this year’s winner for olive oil are Marko Radola Family Farm, Azrri, Gržinić Marko Family Farm, Dolija 08, Zigante, Gamballeta D. Family Farm and Monte Rosso) – and you probably know that Istria has again been given the title of the Best Olive Oil Region in the world (http://www.total-croatia-news.com/made-in-croatia/17399-istria-is-the-best-olive-oil-region-in-the-world-again )!
As for the wines, there are many categories, and there were well over 300 applicants to the competition. The winners in the category of Best Indigenous Istrian wines are Malvazija istarska 2016 by Privitelio Nino Family Farm (young Malvazija), Festigia Malvazija istarska 2013 by Vina Istria (mature Malvazija), Fuga 2016 by Dobravac Winery (young Teran), Teran 2012 by Dešković Winery (mature Teran) and Refošk 2009 by Slovenian Bordon Winery (mature Refošk).
The World of Malvazija competition, rating various Malvazija wines, saw 53 still dry wines worth the gold medal; semi-dry wines category had 3 golds, in natural sweet/dessert wines category four golds were awarded etc.
On Thursday Oz Clarke will host a masterclass workshop on Teran wines, a workshop on how to pair various Istrian delicacirs will be held on Saturday, as well as the workshop on getting the money from the EU. On Sunday, the application “Local Winery Istria” will be presented (www.localwinery.eu), and tastings of various grappas and sparkling wines will be held. Vinistra Gourmet events will be taking place right next to the wine exhibition, and various restaurants, such as Špin Estate, restaurant 2. Peron in Cerovlje etc., will be given the opportunity to showcase their cuisine. Many bars and restaurants in Poreč will provide after-hours parties and entertainment for those who come to the town for Vinistra.
If you enjoy Istrian wines, Vinistra is an event you can’t afford to miss!
