More than 40 Istrian wineries and distilleries opened their doors to wine and gastronomy lovers on May 31st at the 26th Open Cellar Day, a traditional event that rounded off the wine month. Visitors toured wineries across the peninsula from 10 am to 7 pm, met winemakers, and tasted top-notch Istrian wines and spirits.
More and more guests every year
This event, along with the recently completed Vinistra, is one of the most popular wine festivals in Istria and attracts an increasing number of domestic and foreign guests every year.
The grand opening took place in the Zigante Vero cellar in Kostanjica near Grožnjan. The Zigante Vero 2025 Malvasia from this winery was the best rated at Vinistra among fresh wines from the most important Istrian variety. On Open Cellars Day, visitors could visit an unlimited number of participating wineries and distilleries with one ticket.
Wine Passport
From the north to the south of Istria, winemakers presented to guests new wines, award-winning labels and authentic stories about tradition, terroir and modern Istrian winemaking. At each winery, visitors were treated to a tasting of three wines, and a special experience was provided by the wine passport, a unique souvenir with which they collected stamps from the wineries they visited.
Open Cellar Day is traditionally held on the last Sunday in May. It is organized by the Vinistra Winegrowers and Winemakers Association, with the support of the Istrian County Tourist Board and the Istrian County. It is an opportunity for wine lovers to see cellars and vineyards from north to south of Istria and, in conversation with winemakers, learn how wines are born and grown.
Month of Wine and Tradition
Luka Rossi, the President of the Vinistra Association, said that with the Vinistra Regional Wine and Wine Equipment Exhibition at the beginning of May and the Open Cellar Day at the end of the month, Istria once again confirmed its status as the leading Croatian wine destination and concluded another wine month dedicated to top-quality wines, tradition and authentic experiences in the best way.
