The wine scene of continental Croatia is preparing for one of its most important annual events. The Town of Sveti Ivan Zelina and its Tourist Board announce the 57th edition of the Wine Evaluation of Continental Croatia, an event that has been setting quality standards and promoting the richness of wine varieties in this part of the country for decades. This prestigious event, gathering the best winemakers from numerous Croatian counties, will take place at the end of May, while the culmination with the awards ceremony and exhibition will follow in mid-June 2025.

A Tradition Spanning More Than Half a Century

The wine evaluation in Sveti Ivan Zelina is not just a passing event; it is the oldest event of its kind dedicated exclusively to the wines of continental Croatia. With a tradition spanning over five decades, this exhibition has gained exceptional recognition among winemakers and experts. It represents a key platform for validating the effort invested in vineyards and cellars across regions such as Zagorje, Međimurje, Podravina, Moslavina, Prigorje, Plešivica, Pokuplje, Slavonia, and Podunavlje. The host town, Sveti Ivan Zelina, known for its rich viticultural history and the indigenous Kraljevina variety, proudly nurtures this tradition, confirming its status as an important wine center. Year after year, the event confirms the high level of quality of Croatian continental wines, from light whites like Graševina, Škrlet, Riesling, Sauvignon, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris, to red varieties such as Frankovka, Zweigelt, or Cabernet Sauvignon, and of course, special predicate wines.

How to Participate in the 57th Evaluation?

All interested winemakers from the continental Croatia area are invited to submit their samples and become part of this renowned wine story. The application procedure is clearly defined to ensure transparency and efficiency. For each registered sample, it is necessary to submit six bottles of standard volume, typically 0.75 liters or 1 liter. An exception applies to predicate and dessert wines, for which packaging with a minimum volume of 0.275 liters is permitted. Samples must be properly prepared for evaluation.

A key part of the application is filling out the official application form. The document is available online and can be downloaded here (Note: The link leads to the application form from the previous edition; check the organizers' official website for the updated link for the 57th edition). Accurate completion of all required information is crucial for a valid application.

The main location for receiving samples will be the Town Hall in Sveti Ivan Zelina. Winemakers can personally deliver their samples on May 15th, 16th, 17th, and 19th, 2025, between 9 AM and 3 PM. This is the central location where the majority of samples for the upcoming evaluation will be collected.

To facilitate participation for winemakers from more distant parts of continental Croatia, the organizers have provided alternative locations for sample submission. In cooperation with the Directorate for Professional Support to Agricultural Development, samples can also be submitted at their branch offices in numerous towns. From May 6th to 9th, 2025, during regular working hours or by prior arrangement, winemakers can deliver their bottles to branches in Varaždin, Čakovec, Ludbreg, Krapina, Đurđevac, Križevci, Koprivnica, Bjelovar, Daruvar, Đakovo, Čazma, Orahovica, Beli Manastir, Ilok, Oriovac, Kaptol, Ozalj, and Jastrebarsko. This wide network of collection points significantly simplifies logistics for producers from all parts of the region.

Application Logistics: Participation Fee and Contact Information

Participation in the 57th Wine Evaluation of Continental Croatia requires a participation fee. The fee per registered sample is 15.00 euros. Organizers offer two payment options. Winemakers can pay the fee in cash upon submitting the wine samples at the Town Hall in Sveti Ivan Zelina or at one of the regional locations. The second option is payment via bank transfer (virmanom). The payment should be made to the IBAN of the Town of Sveti Ivan Zelina: HR9023600001842900004. When making the payment, it is mandatory to use payment model 68 and reference number 7706-0IB. In the payment description (purpose of transfer), state: "Kotizacija za izložbu vina" (Participation fee for the wine exhibition). If paying by bank transfer, it is important to keep the payment confirmation and submit it together with the wine samples as proof of payment.

For any potential ambiguities, additional questions, or the need for more detailed information regarding the application, sample submission, or the event itself, winemakers can contact Mrs. Štefica Kramarić, graduate engineer of agronomy. She is available by phone at 099/239-1112 or via email at: stefica.kramaric@zelina.hr. Mrs. Kramarić is available to provide all necessary clarifications and support to winemakers during the application process.

More Than Just Evaluation: Exhibition, Awards, and Visual Identity

The wine evaluation itself, which will be conducted by an expert commission composed of renowned oenologists and wine judges, will take place on May 27th and 28th, 2025. The evaluation is traditionally carried out according to strictly defined international methods, most often using the 100-point system, ensuring objectivity and high standards in assessing the quality of each sample. The commission will thoroughly analyze the wine's color, clarity, aroma, and taste, assigning points that will result in the awarding of gold, silver, and bronze medals, as well as special awards for the best-rated wines in specific categories.

The highlight of the event is scheduled for June 13th, 2025, when the ceremonial Exhibition of Wines of Continental Croatia and the awarding of deserved prizes and recognitions to the best winemakers will take place. This event is an opportunity not only to celebrate the success of the award winners but also for the wider public to taste some of the best wines of the region and learn about the work of hardworking winemakers.

An interesting addition to this evaluation is the competition for the best visual identity of the bottle. Bottles equipped with an original label automatically enter the competition for this award. This emphasizes the importance not only of the quality of the wine itself but also of the overall impression of the product, including the design of the label and packaging, which plays an increasingly significant role in the market positioning of wine.

Patronage and Significance for the Region

The importance of the 57th Wine Evaluation of Continental Croatia is confirmed by the impressive list of patrons. The event is held under the co-patronage of Zagreb County, which thereby expresses support for the development of viticulture and winemaking in its area, including the Zelina region. Additional weight is given to the event by the patronages of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, highlighting the connection between winemaking, agricultural production, and the region's tourist offer. The high patronage of the President of the Republic of Croatia further enhances the reputation of this traditional event.

Such support from the highest levels confirms the strategic importance of winemaking for continental Croatia. The evaluation in Sveti Ivan Zelina is not just a competition, but also an important tool for promoting the region, its indigenous varieties like Kraljevina and Škrlet, as well as the successful adaptation of international varieties such as Graševina, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Pinot, and others. Awards won at this exhibition serve winemakers as confirmation of quality and an important marketing tool, while the event itself contributes to strengthening wine culture and wine and food tourism.

Sveti Ivan Zelina - Town of Wine and a Thousand Hills

The Town of Sveti Ivan Zelina, situated on the gentle slopes of Prigorje, rightly bears the epithet "the town of 1000 hills". These hills are not only a picturesque landscape but also home to numerous vineyards that testify to the long tradition of grapevine cultivation in this area. By organizing the oldest evaluation of continental wines, Sveti Ivan Zelina confirms its commitment to preserving and promoting its wine heritage. The Zelina Wine Route, which winds through the wine-growing hills, is a popular destination for wine and nature lovers. The town's Tourist Board actively works on promoting local winemakers and wine cellars, and this event is the culmination of these efforts.

The organizers, the Town of Sveti Ivan Zelina and the Tourist Board of the Town of Sveti Ivan Zelina, extend a cordial invitation to all winemakers of continental Croatia to apply for the 57th Evaluation. They express their wish for achieving excellent results and look forward to meeting winemakers and wine lovers in June, when the best of what continental Croatia's wine scene has to offer will be celebrated.