32nd Vinistra revealed the future

While the rest of Croatia is clearing vineyards, Istria is proudly planting them, and with more enthusiasm than ever. Last year alone, 80 new hectares of vines sprouted on the peninsula. This was the starting point for the 32nd Vinistra, held from 8 to 10 May 2026 in Poreč's "space" hall Žatika.

More than 10,000 visitors from all over the world strolled among 130 exhibitors, but all eyes were on the centerpiece. Not because of the champions, although there were five championship medals, nine platinum and even 97 gold. People flocked to the Wine Shop, where the team that will soon be talked about presented itself for the first time.

Forget boring heirs waiting for their place at the table. Gen V (Generation V) is not the future – they are the present. Led by the energetic Gianna Kozlović, young winemakers, children of legends like Rossi, but also completely new faces with their first 80 hectares, have taken matters into their own hands. And no, they did not hide behind family labels. “Wine is not just a tradition that we inherit, but something that we want to further develop and build,” said Gianna Kozlović, presenting her own work alongside Marko Rossi, Piero Liculo and Lari Juričić. You could not find their wines at standard stands only here, at the Vinoteca, where they showed that Istria has its own barricades.

Of course, the heart still beats for two: Malvasia and Teran are still the undisputed kings. The latter, as winemaker Antonio Tomaz revealed to us, has only recently begun to conquer the world beyond the borders of the county. However, this year's surprise came from Spain? Yes, indeed. The victory at the "World of Malvasia" competition (where 350 samples competed) was won by Rossnea Malvasia Blanc 2025 from Spain, tasted under the watchful eye of "master of wine" Caroline Gilby. And with it, Slavonian Graševina and hilly Croatia proudly presented themselves, proving that good wine is always welcome, regardless of the side of the Drava.

At Vinistra, people not only drink, but also eat a lot. Behind the hall, in the tent for the cooking show, chef and influencer Antonio Brajković lit the fire. Istrian prefect Boris Miletić and Vinistra president Luka Rossi also joined him at the stove, preparing specialties that we immediately washed down with Malvasia. And for dessert? Concettino from Poreč handed out a cake over two meters long to the visitors. Not bad for three days spent in wine paradise.

While we were raising our glasses, HGK brought us back to earth. Croatia imported 36 million liters of wine last year, and exported only three. President of Vinistra Luka Rossi therefore has a clear plan, he called on the IT sector for help. At the panel on artificial intelligence, everyone understood: drones are already flying over the vineyards, and solar panels and micro hydro power plants will provide greener energy for the cellars. Because, as it was said: "There is no more waiting - the future began on Friday at 4 p.m. on the Žatika floor."

Until next year, the 33rd Vinistra awaits us from May 7th to 9th, 2027. Mark the dates. Istria will be even greener then, and the wines even sweeter.

Photos: Vinistra