Focus on the most dynamic wine-growing region in Croatia

Some of the most beautiful Croatian wines come from Istria, a peninsula at the northwestern end of the country's Adriatic coastline.

The region plans to leverage its presence at Vinitech-Sifel to strengthen its ties with European and international markets. 

The Vinistra Association presents the challenges facing the region and explains its presence at Vinitech-Sifel 2024.

Are exports a major issue for Istria? How do you plan to leverage your presence at Vinitech-Sifel to strengthen your ties with European and international markets?

Istria is a small but vibrant wine region. We aim to build long-term partnerships that bring Istrian wines to a wider audience, allowing our winemakers to sustainably increase export volumes. Currently, Istrian winemakers export a modest percentage of their production, making Vinitech-Sifel a unique opportunity for expanding this presence. 

Through our participation, we aim to introduce Istria’s distinct wines to new audiences, sharing the story of our indigenous varieties and unique terroirs. By building relationships with European and international distributors and importers, we hope to establish sustainable pathways for future exports. Our goal is not high-volume export but rather building recognition and selective partnerships that highlight Istrian wines’ quality and authenticity.

Vinitech-Sifel showcases the diversity of terroirs and viticultural solutions. How does Vinistra position itself in relation to the richness of Istrian terroirs, and how does this impact your strategy in international markets?

Vinistra proudly highlights the unique qualities of Istrian terroirs, a region with a diversity of microclimates and soil types that shape our indigenous grape varieties, such as Malvazija istarska and Teran. This deep connection to Istrian terroir and tradition is central to our identity and is what we bring to the global stage. 

Our increasing success is reflected in the numerous awards we have received at prestigious wine competitions, including Decanter Wine Awards and Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. Our visibility and credibility in the international wine community is growing and getting stronger every year. 

In conclusion, the connection between Istrian terroirs and our global strategy is integral to our mission at Vinistra. We are deeply committed to showcasing the richness and diversity of Istrian soil and terroirs.

Finally, what synergies do you hope to develop by participating in an exhibition that brings together actors of technical innovation, particularly in the fields of viticultural equipment and sustainable solutions?

By participating in exhibitions like Vinitech-Sifel, Vinistra is excited to explore partnerships in viticultural innovation, especially in sustainability and advanced equipment. We see an opportunity to collaborate with producers of eco-friendly technology to enhance sustainable practices in Istria. 

Through these synergies, we aim to further integrate environmentally responsible methods, ensuring that Istrian vineyards not only produce exceptional wines but also contribute to preserving our ecosystem. Collaborations with technology providers also allow us to bring innovative solutions back to our members, supporting the continued growth and modernization of Istrian winemaking.