22.-24.8.2025.
In Novi Vinodolski and Vinodol, there is a story recorded by oral tradition. It is a story about a custom that goes back to ancient times, to the past centuries of the rule of the Croatian noble family Frankopan, the story of the selection of the “Rose of Vinodol” of the most diligent and skillful young girl during the grape harvest. At that time, it was customary to carry out the grape harvest with great ceremony, it was a special experience in Novi and the surrounding Vinodol villages. Preparations for the grape harvest, “trgadba”, which took place in the first or second half of September, began with repairing and washing barrels and other necessary vessels, and buying and sharpening small “koser” a few days before the harvest. The day of the harvest was prescribed by a decree of the municipal authorities and no one was allowed to start this work earlier, because the authorities would take away the grapes they had picked. In each vineyard, the host would first cut the grapes with the words “Help, God’. In Vinodol, grapes were ”mattled“ in the vineyard. The must was transported home, to the city, in skins, on mules or on carts pulled by cows or oxen. At the end of the harvest, which usually lasted one day, and in the case of larger winegrowers, several days, one of the hardworking women would cut off a vine with three grapes, as Hirc says, and the most diligent picker would be crowned with this vine, which they called ”Ružica“. The most beautiful in a group of about thirty girls was called ”Ružica“. After the selection, each ”Ružica“ would walk out of the vineyard at the head of a group of pickers in folk costumes, adorned with vines. Ružica carried a ”skočac“ in her hand – a branch of vine with the most beautiful grapes. Along the way, Novalja folk songs were sung – the sopile, fidulice, mišac, and even the old gusle were played. Among the "Rose" from all the groups, the boys chose the most beautiful and valuable "Rose" of Vinodol. A folk legend has been preserved that the last "Rose" was chosen in 1880.
It is precisely on the basis of this story that today's Ružica Vinodol has been reconstructed, a vivid journey through tradition, flavors and music. Every year, in the second half of August, twelve girls compete over three days in nine attractive games related to winemaking and viticulture, housekeeping and serving wine, for the prestigious title of Ružica Vinodol. In addition to attractive games, Ružica Vinodol also includes corners presenting old crafts, a fair of handmade products and souvenirs and local products, a rich musical program, gastronomic corners and a wine festival.
Since this year Ružica Vinodola celebrated its 20th anniversary, the competition part of the program took on a more festive, revue tone with all those who have been involved in the organization of the event for 20 years, as well as all the Ružica winners who tried their hand at the games once again. Ružica Vinodola is deeply rooted in wine tradition and customs, so this year's third Wine Festival presented wines from all over Croatia in addition to the wines of Kvarner. The exhibitors presented their best wines and enabled visitors to broaden their wine horizons and experience the richness of Croatian wine heritage in Novi Vinodolski. This was real proof of how wine and tradition are celebrated in Kvarner.
Enchanting games, pulsating rhythms of local music and beautiful surroundings create a unique atmosphere that simply must be experienced, so we invite you to be a part of Ružica Vinodola, one of the most famous wine events, on August 21st - 23rd, 2025. Ružica Vinodola awaits you with open arms, ready to enchant you and provide you with an unforgettable experience!
