The Ultimate Guide To Croatian Wine Festivals And Events

As one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations, Croatia boasts an array of wine festivals that are not to be missed! We bring you the list of the hottest wine festivals and events in Croatia throughout the year! The country’s impressive vineyards and prize-winning wineries spread throughout its coastal and continental regions offer an array of phenomenal events to attend. From large-scale celebrations featuring delectable cuisine, live music, and many activities to intimate tasting sessions, there’s something for everyone on their next Croatian wine-themed visit or vacation! Discover the captivating world of wine and indulge in a plethora of distinct flavors from various wineries, all with just one ticket!

Why visit Croatian wine festivals and events?

Wine festivals offer an exceptional opportunity to relish the essence of Croatian wine while also savoring the local specialties. These events come in various formats, ensuring something to suit every taste.

From intimate winery tours to lively outdoor festivals featuring live music and dance performances, attending a wine festival is an exhilarating experience that broadens your knowledge and appreciation for Croatian wines, regardless of whether it is a formal occasion or a more inventive affair.

Besides the standard tastings, wine festivals may offer special events such as barrel tastings, educational sessions, and access to wineries that are typically not accessible to the public.

Don’t miss the chance to discover new wines, learn about the winemaking process, and celebrate the art of winemaking at these remarkable events!

Each year, an array of visitors, including wine enthusiasts, chefs, restaurateurs, hospitality professionals, importers, and distributors, make their way to these regions to experience their unique character and partake in their festivals.

The minimal quantities of wines produced from native grape varieties make them all the more sought-after. 

Participating in wine festivals and tastings allows one to explore new possibilities and expand their palate and knowledge. Wine and food pairing sessions provide an opportunity to learn which wines complement specific foods.

Workshops offer a hands-on approach to various wine-related topics, from vintage-making to understanding the nuances of wine pairing.

Conferences cater to industry insiders who wish to expand their network with wine producers, attend presentations from thought leaders, and learn about the latest trends and research in the wine business.

Whether seeking professional development or personal enrichment, these wine events offer something for everyone.

Vinart Grand Tasting, Zagreb

Vinart Grand Tasting is where visitors can get the most out of Croatian wine. Vinart Grand Tasting brings together the most widely recognized practices from the world of wine festivals, and it is also innovative.

Fully devoted to quality, it is a festival where years of meticulous work and exploration went into picking what organizers believe to be frontrunners of all styles and price ranges found in the Croatian market and inviting them to exhibit their wine.

Promoting quality, different wine regions, networking, and encouraging wine-drinking culture with a rich program of workshops for visitors that features icons of the Croatian wine scene and leading Croatian (and foreign) winemakers are Vinart team goals. The festival takes place in the house of art, Lauba Zagreb, and all visitors can buy wines at promotional festival prices.

If you’re a wine enthusiast looking to explore and discover new flavors, the Vinart Grand Tasting festival is the ultimate destination.

The festival offers an opportunity to indulge in the world’s finest wines and learn from the experts in the industry. Whether you’re a sommelier or just a wine newbie, the event offers an immersive experience that will leave you with a greater appreciation for winemaking. 

The Vinart team hosts a range of excellent workshops preceding the Vinart Grand Tasting festival and puts together an exclusive Vinart Petit Tasting featuring vintage wines – esteemed and rare vintages of Croatian winemakers, true collector’s wines.

Additionally, the Vinart team arranges several other events across Croatia, including the well-received “Vinski grad” (meaning “Wine city”), which takes place in multiple towns throughout the country.

Vino.com, Zagreb

The biggest wine and food festival is in the iconic Esplanade Zagreb Hotel in Zagreb’s city center. During the two-day festival, Esplanade becomes a wine and gastro oasis for all wine lovers!

Vino.com gathers more than 300 winemakers, food, and delicacies producers that show their best products at the fair. You’ll find everything from marinated fish and shells to homemade bread during the two days of Vinocom.

You’ll find the exhibitors list on the festival’s website, so be sure to check it out and decide which winemakers you don’t want to miss at the fair. Believe us; it is very easy to get lost once you are in Esplanade Hotel. The festival also offers additional workshops.

Pink Day Festival, Zagreb

PINK DAY celebrates rosé wines, extra virgin olive oils, and pink cocktails. The Pink day festival is hosted by WOW (Women on wine), the largest wine enthusiast organization in Croatia, it is a two-day celebration of optimism that encourages attendees to view the world through rose-colored glasses.

In addition to wine tastings, the festival offers educational and entertainment content. Attendees can participate in various exciting activities, such as workshops on rosé wine, olive oil tastings, and Pink Mixology, where they can sample pink gins, tonic waters, and cocktails.

The festival highlights rosé and sparkling wines and promotes olive oils. Regardless of gender, everyone will enjoy the lively and dynamic rosé wine scene.

BREGfest, Zagreb

BREGfest is a perfect gem of a festival that gathers the winemakers of the Croatian Uplands wine region. Encompassing the subregions of Zagorje and Međimurje, Prigorje and Bilogora, Plešivica, Pokuplje, and Moslavina, BREGfest was first time held in Zagreb in 2022.

This region boasts exceptional soil and grape varieties, and it’s no surprise that the festival drew a substantial crowd of wine lovers. The vineyards in this area are relatively small, family-owned, and situated on the southern slopes of hills.

The climate and soil conditions are highly conducive to producing light, refreshing, and nuanced native white wines such as Škrlet and Kraljevina,  and top-quality sparkling wines. There’s no excuse to not-visit this enchanting wine festival!

Salon pjenušavih vina, Zagreb

It all began in Ljubljana, Slovenia, five years ago with an idea to start the year with sparkling wines. These wines are too often misunderstood – as wines for festivities and holidays – but they are so much more!

Sparkling wines are wines for every day, for all occasions and even to pair with food – perfect companions for (everyday) life. So, the festival organizers started with the 1st Salon of Sparkling Wines in Ljubljana in February 2014; and, in 2017, added the 1st Salon of Sparkling wines in Zagreb.

On the wings of success – in Ljubljana and Zagreb – they created an international network, “Salon of Sparkling Wines,” which connects more European capitals through sparkling wines in the future.

Zagreb has become a hot spot for wine enthusiasts, with a diverse range of wine festivals held throughout the year. Among the many festivals, the sparkling wine festival stands out as one of the most popular events in the city’s wine scene.

With the increasing number of sparkling wines produced in Croatia, the festival has gained a reputation for showcasing some of the country’s finest bubblies. The quality and consumption of Croatian sparkling wines have significantly increased in recent years, contributing to the festival’s growth.

It is not just the local producers who participate in the festival; guests from several nearby countries also showcase their sparkling wines, adding to the diversity of the event. Visitors can expect workshops and tastings that allow them to experience the unique flavors of bubbly wines. 

Vinistra, Poreč

Vinistra, an annual wine festival held in the beautiful coastal city of Poreč, is a highly anticipated occasion for wine enthusiasts.

It is a celebration of the best wineries and winemakers in the Istria wine region, offering exquisite wine tastings that will leave a lasting impression on the senses.

The festival boasts a rich and diverse program that includes exhibitions, wine tastings, food, and wine pairings prepared by renowned restaurant chefs, conferences, and educational sessions.

Vinistra has been pivotal in putting the Istrian wine scene on the world wine map over the last two decades. The festival’s lively presentations, debates, and exclusive wine tastings for professionals offer something for everyone who wants to discover the wonders of wines from this beloved Croatian wine region.

Malvasia Istriana and Teran are just a few of the famous Croatian native wine varieties that guests can savor at the festival.

Still, they will also have the chance to try lesser-known native grape varieties with enormous potential for the international market.

Visitors can also sample rare wines that are difficult to find elsewhere, making Vinistra an event not to be missed by anyone who loves wine.

WineRI, Rijeka

WineRi is a glorious celebration of wine and culinary artistry, uniting prominent exhibitors from Croatia and beyond at the dazzling Karolina Rijeka Pier.

Delight in an exceptional experience brimming with a tantalizing selection of wine, brandies, liqueurs, cured meats, and cheese, as well as music and an invigorating ambiance.

Embark on a journey of over 250 wines, with a particular emphasis on indigenous varieties, available for tastings.

Savor the iconic Malvasia Istriana and Teran grape varieties alongside rare, native grape varieties found only in the Istria and Kvarner wine regions, such as:

• Trojšćina, 
• Žlahtina, 
• Belica, 
• Jarbola,
• Sansigot (Sušćan).

Istria Wine & Walk

The Istria Wine & Walk event is a unique experience for wine lovers and hikers alike. The event combines the stunning natural beauty of the Istrian peninsula with the region’s delicious wine and culinary offerings.

Participants start the journey with a glass of wine and a map of the trail, which goes through breathtaking landscapes, rolling hills, and picturesque vineyards.

Along the way, hikers can stop at seven refreshment stations to indulge in the local wine and traditional Istrian delicacies. The table at each stop is filled with various mouth-watering delights, including local cheeses, olives, cured meats, and freshly baked bread.

Participants can take a break, rest, and soak in the stunning scenery while sipping some of the region’s finest wines.

The Istria Wine & Walk event is not just about wine and food, it’s also an opportunity to learn about the region’s rich history and culture.

As hikers go through the trail, they’ll discover charming medieval towns and ancient ruins, each with a fascinating story. The event celebrates wine, food, and Istria’s unique heritage and traditions.

ZADAR wine festival, Zadar

The Zadar wine subregion, situated in the northern part of Dalmatia, has seen significant recognition over the past few years.

The subregion is home to many microclimates and soil types perfect for grape cultivation, resulting in diverse flavors and aromas in their wines.

With the increase in winemakers, there has been a renewed focus on producing native grape varieties unique to this area, and they have garnered international recognition through prestigious awards. Additionally, substantial investments in wine production and technological advancements have helped enhance the quality of wines produced in this region.

One of the best ways to experience the wines of the Zadar subregion is by attending the Zadar wine festival, held annually in the city of Zadar.

The festival offers an opportunity to taste some of the finest wines from the region, along with a wide selection of local artisanal foodstuffs.

The festival also attracts restaurant chefs who offer tasty specialties and organize food and wine pairing events, providing an immersive experience for attendees.

With the rise of the Zadar wine subregion as a destination for wine enthusiasts, the Zadar wine festival has become a must-visit for those looking to explore Croatia’s burgeoning wine industry.

Festival vina i delicija, Split

Dioklecijanovi cellars have stood the test for over 1,700 years and continue enchanting visitors with their magical aura. Protected by UNESCO as a world heritage monument, these cellars are prime locations for Croatian winemakers to showcase their pride and joy during Festival vina i delicija in Split. 

The winemakers, mostly hailing from the region of Dalmatia, bring forth their best and newest wines, eager to impress visitors with their quality and unique taste.

As visitors embark on a journey of wine tasting, they are accompanied by top-quality cheeses, prosciutto, fish, olive oils, chocolate, and other delicacies that complement the wine perfectly. 

Combining these exquisite wines and sumptuous treats creates an unforgettable sensory experience, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.

The Roman emperor’s cellars serve as a perfect backdrop to this wine gourmet journey, adding to the already enchanting ambiance of the location.

It is no wonder that the cellar is regarded as one of the most unique and sought-after destinations for wine lovers and culinary enthusiasts alike!

Festival Vino Dalmacije, Split

Festival Vino Dalmacije is an event that truly celebrates the unique and exquisite wines of the Dalmatian region. This is a chance for attendees to experience various wines and get a sense of the history and culture surrounding them.

With over 60 wineries participating, visitors can taste a diverse range of wines representing Dalmatia’s best. And with many wines being released on the market the same week as the festival, it’s a chance to get a sneak peek at what’s new and exciting in the world of Dalmatian wine.

One of the festival’s highlights is the promenade-tasting experience, as it’s a chance to discover hidden gems and connect with the people passionate about producing these exceptional wines.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a business professional looking to expand your knowledge of Dalmatian wines, this festival is the perfect opportunity to do so.

With a welcoming atmosphere and abundant high-quality wines, it’s an event that celebrates the best of Dalmatia.

Wine OS, Osijek

WineOS, or Osijek Wine Fest, has become a highly anticipated event in eastern  Croatia. The festival is renowned for being the largest and most important Slavonian wine festival, attracting visitors from all over the country and beyond.

This festival occurs every year in mid-January and showcases the best wines and delicacies from eastern Croatia. Visitors can indulge in various wines, ranging from native Croatian varieties to unique blends that can only be found in the Slavonia and Danube wine region.

The festival is also an excellent opportunity for wine enthusiasts to participate in workshops organized by experts in the field. These workshops provide visitors with an exciting and valuable experience, allowing them to learn about the wine-making process and how to appreciate and taste wine properly.

Apart from the local winemakers, numerous guests from other Croatian regions are also there to showcase their wines, making the festival a melting pot of Croatian wine culture.

The festival was started by the Osijek association Dekanter and has become an important event on the Croatian wine calendar.

WineOS has undoubtedly helped to promote Osijek as a significant Croatian wine festival center and has also helped to raise the profile of Croatian wine in general. 

Festival Graševine, Kutjevo

Festival Graševine is an exciting event for wine lovers, foodies, and culture enthusiasts. This festival is held in Kutjevo, a charming town in the heart of the Slavonia region.

Graševina is one of the most popular and planted white wines synonym of the Kutjevo wine region, which is why it is known as the “queen of white wine.” The festival attracts a lot of visitors who are eager to indulge in the fantastic wine and culinary delights of the region.

During the festival, visitors can participate in various activities, such as strolling the vineyards, enjoying the stunning panoramic views, and trying out delicious dishes made by local producers.

One of the festival’s highlights is the “Night of open cellars.” This is when all of the wine cellars in the area are open to the public, allowing visitors to see first-hand the hard work and dedication that goes into producing the world-renowned Graševina wine.

It is a chance for visitors to immerse themselves in the local traditions and experience the passion and pride that the people of Kutjevo have for their wine-making heritage. Whether you are a wine lover or not, this festival is worth a visit!

Festival Traminca, Ilok

Festival Traminca (or Gewürztraminer) celebrates the rich wine-making culture of the Srijem wine-growing region, known for producing some of the finest white wines in Croatia.

The festival star is the Traminer grape variety, grown in the free-draining soils sitting on a loess base overlooking the Danube. Wine critics and top connoisseurs worldwide have praised the Traminer from Ilok for its unique flavor and aroma.

The festival is an opportunity to taste this exquisite wine and explore the historical heritage of Ilok, a charming town on the banks of the river Danube.

Visitors can wander through the streets of the old town, home to numerous historical landmarks, including the medieval castle of Ilok.

In addition to the wine, the festival also offers a wide range of local culinary delights, including traditional dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

The combination of the scenic beauty of the region, the rich historical heritage, and the top-quality food and wine offerings make the Festival Traminca an unforgettable experience for anyone who visits Ilok.

Urbanovo, Festival Pušipela, Štrigova

The Croatian Uplands wine region is one of Croatia’s most exciting wine regions. This region is known for its awarded winemakers who have contributed significantly to the domestic wine scene with their passion, innovation, and knowledge.

The Croatian Uplands Wine Association, formed by these talented winemakers, has already gained recognition for its high production standards and achievements in prestigious worldwide wine competitions. 

The Urbanovo, Festival Pušipela is one of the most famous festivals in the region and provides a unique and unforgettable experience.

Visitors can sample the region’s top wines and gastronomic delicacies while enjoying the stunning scenery of the Croatian Uplands wine region.

Urbanovo festival is a celebration of the rich culture and traditions of the region and is a must-visit for any wine lover.

Conclusion

Croatia offers exciting wine festivals and events where you can taste and get to know this vibrant wine country. 

We’ll keep updating the list as new festivals and events are announced.