The Masterclass presentation of the Kvarner International Wine Trophy 2025 champions, held on April 16 in Rijeka, aroused great interest among restaurateurs and wine professionals. In the exclusive atmosphere of the Wine&Co wine shop, award-winning wines from as many as 14 categories were presented, among which wines from indigenous varieties such as Žlahtina, Malvasia, Graševina and Plavac Mali stood out.
The caterers emphasized that this wine selection not only meets the high standards of the market, but also provides them with a concrete tool for raising the quality of wine offerings in restaurants, hotels and wine shops throughout the region. The event once again confirmed the growing importance of Kvarner on the European wine map and the importance of the extremely important and potent eno-gastro market of Kvarner as one of the most significant in Croatia on the way to becoming the first and only Croatian European Region of Gastronomy in 2026.
The evaluation was conducted on March 7, 2025 at the PZ Gospoja ham factory in Vrbnik on the island of Krk. The process involved 25 certified evaluators – oenologists, sommeliers, wine journalists and experts from the Croatian Agency for Agriculture and Food – who, in four committees, evaluated 256 wine samples, produced from 41 grape varieties from 90 producers from six countries. The wines were awarded an internationally recognized 100-point evaluation system, which achieved the following levels of recognition:
This system guarantees that only wines with outstanding qualities receive awards that confirm their superior character.
The diplomas were ceremoniously awarded during the International WineRi Winery Festival, which was held on March 21, 2025 at the Exportdrvo Congress Center in Rijeka, further emphasizing the prestige of this event.
Assoc. Ph.D.Sc. Ines Matić Matešković, sommelier and ambassador of the European Gastronomy Region and Kvarner Wines brand:
“"I am proud that within this Masterclass we were able to bring these wines closer to restaurateurs, sommeliers and wine professionals, because they play a key role in promoting quality to end consumers. Kvarner is clearly profiled as a region that, in addition to oenological excellence, also offers an authentic wine story."“
Dr. Ivana Puhelek, oenologist and president of the judging panels:
„"The Kvarner International Wine Trophy showed that the Kvarner region, but also the whole of Croatia, has a lot to offer – from exceptionally well-groomed wines of international style to those distinguished by authenticity, terroir and strong local character. I was impressed by the diversity of styles and the balance of wines in almost all categories, especially in the segment of white and sparkling wines. I believe that this platform will continue to encourage excellence among producers, and the Kvarner wine scene will come to life even more strongly through the gastronomic and tourist offer."“
Danijela Kramarić, sommelier and owner of the Plavi podrum restaurant:
„"As a restaurateur and sommelier, it is extremely important to me to have access to wines that carry a story, character and a high level of quality. The Kvarner International Wine Trophy Masterclass was an excellent showcase of exactly that – wines with an identity, which can stand alongside the greats on the world wine scene. I am especially pleased that wines made from indigenous varieties were among the champions, because these are exactly the wines our guests are looking for – authenticity that remains in their memories."“
The Kvarner International Wine Trophy 2025 is being realized thanks to the strong support of numerous state and regional institutions, among which the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and the Ministry of Regional Development and European Union Funds stand out. The Primorje-Gorski Kotar County and the Municipality of Vrbnik also play a key role in the organization and promotion of the event. The event is further strengthened by cooperation with the tourist boards – the Croatian Tourist Board, the Kvarner Tourist Board and the Vrbnik Municipality Tourist Board, as well as the regional wine organizations Graševina Croatica, Vino Dalmacija, Bregovita Hrvatske and Vinistra.
The main sponsors and partners significantly contribute to the success of this project. Among them, Vinoteka Wine&Co stands out, one of the main partners, whose cooperation ensures the quality and visibility of the event. Support is also provided by significant partners such as Jamnica 1828, Italesse and Pekara Vrbnik, while cooperation with wineries – a key segment of the Croatian wine tradition – is additionally emphasized. Technical, media and marketing support is provided through cooperation with partners such as e-computing, dBoki, Tent Event, OZF design, Printeo, Viktor web design, aha marketing and Klement studio, while additional support and promotion were provided by partners Gospoja – vinarija, Vinotel, Pršutana and Katunar Estate Winery.
This comprehensive network of collaborators and sponsors confirms a shared commitment to promoting Croatian wine tradition and an innovative approach to wine evaluation, making the Kvarner International Wine Trophy 2025 an event of extraordinary significance on the international wine scene.
The 2026 Kvarner International Wine Trophy will be held in Vrbnik on March 26 and 27, with samples being submitted by March 13, 2026.
For additional information
For more details, visit the official pages of Kvarner Wines and WineRi festival and follow their profiles on social networks to stay up to date with the latest news and upcoming events. For any additional information, feel free to contact us by e-mail vina.kvarnera@gmail.com or mobile phone +385 91 763 9776.
Kvarner Wines Media Team
You can find photos and videos at the following links:
(please sign Klement studio):
