National Croatian Wine Day
June 25, Wednesday
Purpose of the celebration
This day was established to:
* Promote Croatian wine as part of the national gastronomy
* Support local wineries
* Promote Croatia as a wine tourism destination
* Raise awareness about the variety of grape sorts grown in the country
History and origin
Although winemaking in Croatia dates back to ancient Greeks and Romans, the official celebration of National Croatian Wine Day is relatively recent — from the 2020s. The initiative came from associations of winemakers and organizations interested in developing Croatian agrotourism and wine culture.
How it is celebrated
Throughout Croatia, events are held on this day aimed at promoting local wine:
* Open days at wineries
* Wine tastings and gastronomic tours
* Exhibitions, fairs, and festivals
* Themed events in restaurants and bars
* Workshops and lectures about winemaking
Interesting facts about Croatian wine
* Croatia has about 130 indigenous (local) grape varieties
* The country is divided into several wine regions, including Istria, Dalmatia, Slavonia, and Central Croatia
* Croatian wine is becoming increasingly recognized internationally and regularly wins awards
* One of the rarest varieties is Crljenak Kaštelanski, genetically identical to the American Zinfandel
Conclusion
National Croatian Wine Day is not only an opportunity to raise a glass of wine but also a chance to better understand Croatia’s traditions, culture, and flavors. This celebration plays an important role in developing the national brand and wine tourism.