Međimurje Delighted International Oenologists

From 7 to 9 April 2026, Croatia hosted the prestigious international wine competition Sauvignon Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles for the very first time.

On the final day, 9 April, the international judges travelled to Međimurje, a region that in recent years has been steadily strengthening its identity on the European wine map. Their first stop was Mađerkin Breg, a viewpoint offering sweeping views of the vineyards that shape both the landscape and the character of the region.

At the Cultural Centre in Štrigova, a professional masterclass workshop was held, dedicated to the indigenous Međimurje grape variety Pušipel. Through a guided tasting, wines demonstrating the breadth and potential of this variety were presented. The judges had the opportunity to taste: Urban White from Štampar Winery, Pušipel Classic from Kunčić Winery, Pušipel Mađerka from Cmrečnjak Winery, and Pušipel K-32 from Horvat Winery.

Following the workshop, winemakers from the Međimurje Association of Winegrowers and Winemakers “Hortus Croatiae” Štrigova presented their wines. The group then visited the World Centre of Pušipel, a venue that brings together the entire wine story of Međimurje.

The day concluded at Terbotz Restaurant, where the wines found their natural pairing in gastronomy, confirming how harmoniously Međimurje combines wine and culinary experiences.

Encounters such as these affirm that Međimurje is becoming increasingly confident in its position on the international stage.