Taste of Adriatic presented the Templar Wines

The 31st Vinistra presented the project “Templar Wine”: History, heritage and top wines in a unique project.

Poreč, May 9, 2025 – At the 31st Vinistra, held in Poreč, the Association for Gastronomic Culture and Heritage Taste of Adriatic presented its latest project, Templar Wine, dedicated to reviving the wine heritage associated with the Templar legacy in Croatia. This innovative project unites top Croatian winemakers, historical authenticity, and contemporary oenological excellence under one symbol: the Templar brand.

Five wineries from Istria and Kvarner were presented at Vinistra, which stood out as pioneers of the project:

• Rossi Winery with Malvasia Templara 2023

• Vorić Winery with Malvasia Anima

• Valenta Winery with Dionigi 2018

• In Sylvis Winery with Bacun

• Šipun Winery with Kapitul 2017

These labels mark the beginning of an exclusive category of wines originating from historical sites of Templar and Benedictine heritage, including areas such as western and southern Istria, Senj, Gacka, Ravni Kotari, and Slavonia. The wines are selected according to strict criteria of quality and authenticity, with a minimum retail price of € 30 per bottle. The holders of the label must satisfy the decisions of a special Templar Wine Commission, appointed by the Board of Directors of the Taste of Adriatic Association. The project includes not only the valorization of terroir but also the cultural and historical promotion of Croatia as a heritage wine destination, in partnership with other associations and institutions. The project is led by Matija Jagodin, Secretary of the Association, with the assistance of President Dr. Vedran Obućina and Vice President Dr. Edvard Badurina.

“Templar wine does not only denote a quality product, but also a new story that we tell about our vineyards, our history and identity. Each bottle carries the spirit of tradition, but also a vision of a sustainable and culturally rooted wine future,” said Prof. Ivan Dropuljić, Director of Vinocom and leader of this workshop. The Templar Wine project represents a unique step forward in connecting enology, cultural heritage and sustainable tourism development. Through this initiative, Croatia is gaining a new identity wine product that combines the authenticity of terroir with the rich symbolism of the Templar order, thus creating additional value for winemakers, consumers and regions that cherish historical depth and wine excellence.