With top-tier tennis matches and a fantastic and diverse entertainment program, the 35th Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag will be an essential destination for all lovers of Istrian scents and flavors with its Taste Istria zone. In one place, a selection of wines from esteemed Istrian winemakers, who have strengthened Istria's image as a wine region with numerous international awards and recognitions, will be presented.
In collaboration with leading Istrian winemakers, Taste Istria offers visitors an authentic gourmet experience with wines that rival Europe’s finest. This is a perfect opportunity for all wine lovers to enjoy these award-winning labels in one place — by the sea, with world-class tennis, and a perfect sunset.
Wine enthusiasts and those just becoming enthusiasts will enjoy the rich offer of Istrian varieties such as Malvasia, Teran, and Muscat from top local winemakers at various tasting points in the Taste Istria zone: Fiore, Benčić, Cattunar, Coronica, CUJ, Franković, Vina Zigante, Ravalico, Dešković, Prelac, Damjanić, Arman, Geržinić and Agrolaguna.
Wineries in Taste Istria zone represent the pinnacle of Istrian winemaking and are synonymous with quality recognized across Europe and beyond.
From July 18th to 26th, during the prestigious ATP tournament Croatia Open Umag, visitors of the Taste Istria program will have the opportunity to taste wines from Istrian winemakers who have earned top national and international accolades over the past two years such as:
| Winery | Wine / Vintage | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Damjanić | Clemente 2020 | Grand Gold – Concours Mondial Bruxelles 2025 |
| Vina Zigante | Teran 2020 | Gold – Decanter World Wine Awards 2024 |
| Franković | Korona Malvazija 2019 | Gold – Decanter 2025 |
| Fiore | Fiore Nero 2022 | Silver – Wine & Spirits Awards 2025 |
| Agrolaguna | Festigia Malvazija / Syrah / Merlot | Gold/Silver – CMB 2025 & Berliner Wein Trophy |
| Cattunar | Malvazija Nono 2017 | High Distinction – VinItaly 2024 |
“The Hidden Charms of Istrian Wines”
Through the guided wine tastings ,the aim is to showcase the uniqueness and diversity of indigenous Istrian grape varieties.
Participants will have the opportunity to taste and discuss the wines, uncovering many fascinating details about them in the process.
Each evening, from Sunday, July 20th to Friday, July 25th, at 9 PM, under the guidance of renowned sommelier Lucija Matijević from the Croatian Sommelier Club (HSK), selected Istrian winemakers will present their wines.
Reservations for the daily tastings are available at the reception counter located at the entrance to the Taste Istria zone.
| Date/Time | Wine of the day | Winery | Winery | Winery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, July 21st, 9PM |
Fresh Malvasia | Benčić, 2024 | Cattunar, 2024 | Dešković, 2024 |
| Tuesday, July 22nd, 9PM |
Aged Teran | Arman, 2019 | Franković, 2024 | Geržinić, 2020 |
| Thursday, July 23rd, 9PM |
Sparkling Wines | Cuj, "Scoltime", 2021 | Zigante Vero, Porto Bastia, 2020 | Coronica, CO2 |
| Wednesday, July 24th, 9PM |
Red blends | Ravalico, Cuvee Noir, 20149 | Fiore, Cuvee Nero 2022 | Laguna, Cuvee Castello, 2022 |
| Friday July 25th, 9PM |
Matured Malvasia | Damjanić, Akacija 2021 | Roxanich, Montona 2020 | Prelac, Šinjora 2022 |
Official proclamation of ATP wine will be held on tournament finals night, Saturday 26th at 9PM in Taste Istria zone.
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In addition to the top-notch enological offerings, another part of the Taste Istria zone is dedicated to traditional Istrian cuisine flavors in modern interpretations by food trucks, creating irresistible culinary combinations with their contemporary approach.
Traditional Istrian flavors in a modern way with six gourmet food trucks. In addition to the excellent wine offerings, the Taste Istria zone will also feature urban food trucks that will delight with their modern interpretation of traditional Istrian flavors, creating irresistible culinary combinations.
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