The third edition of the Wine Vision by Open Balkan fair, held in Belgrade, brought together winemakers, distillers, culinary experts, and wine enthusiasts from around the globe.
With over 650 exhibitors, 10,000 labels, and participants from more than 38 countries, the event showcased impressive numbers and underscored its growing international significance.
Over the course of three days, the fair attracted thousands of visitors and hosted more than 2,000 business meetings, resulting in the signing of hundreds of contracts. The opening ceremony featured prominent regional leaders, including Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, Serbian Prime Minister Miloš Vučević, North Macedonia’s Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, Željka Cvijanović from Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Presidency, Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik, Ljubljana Mayor Zoran Janković, and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, who joined via video link.
Celebrating Excellence in Wine
Awards were presented for the best wines across 12 categories, with national trophies going to standout wines from each participating country. Albania’s champion was Shesh i Bardhe 2024 from Enofama winery, while North Macedonia’s Bela Voda Red 2021 from Tikveš Châteaux & Domaines and Serbia’s 1903 Merlot 2016 from Delena winery claimed top honors.
Among red wines, Serbia’s Beli Kamen Merlot 2019 from Temet winery was crowned the best, and North Macedonia’s Vranec Terroir Grand Reserva 2020 from Chateau Kamnik triumphed in the indigenous red category. For white wines, Serbia’s Signum Chardonnay 2022 from Frug winery took the top prize, with the indigenous white category won by Serbia’s Grašac Grand Fru 2020 from Vinčić winery.
In other categories, North Macedonia’s Pure Elegance Rose 2023 from Chateau Kamnik was named the best rosé, while Serbia’s Trijumf Rose Sparkling 2019 from Aleksandrović winery claimed the sparkling wine award. Moma Traminac 2023 from Bikicki winery won for orange wines, and Tri Sunca Traminac Kasna Berba 2019 from Fruškogorski Vinogradi was recognized as the best sweet wine. The best fortified wine was Serbia’s Bermet Krokan 2012 from Stojanović winery.
Rakija Trophy Highlights Regional Distilling Excellence
The Rakija Trophy celebrated the finest fruit brandies from the Open Balkan countries. Serbia’s Gorda XI Grand Cru by Gorda distillery earned top marks overall, while Radost Dunja 5 Barrique by Podrum Radost won the quince brandy category.
In other categories, Zarić distillery’s Opsesija Malina dominated the fruit brandy section, and Podrum Želja’s Želja 12 premium plum brandy was named the best in its class.
Food Vision: Culinary Mastery and Regional Gastronomy
Held alongside the wine fair, the Food Vision event showcased the best of the region’s culinary heritage, featuring industry leaders, top restaurants, and regional specialties.
The Best Young Chef Culinary Challenge crowned Milana Čugalj as the winner, followed by Andrej Hrenek in second place and Sara Drobnjak in third.
Global Outreach and Regional Collaboration
The fair welcomed delegations from 48 countries, including the UK, China, the US, Switzerland, and Austria. With over 400 international buyers and 2,000 business meetings, the event provided a platform for fostering new business opportunities.
Masterclasses, workshops, and tastings highlighted the achievements of regional wines and global wine hotspots like France, Italy, and California, reinforcing Wine Vision by Open Balkan as a premier event on the international wine and gastronomy calendar.
