The eno-gastronomic scene of Istria reached a new peak in November 2024, when the final evening of the prestigious event "Cabernet Sauvignon & blue fish, with love" took place in Poreč. This unique taste festival combines the magic of blue fish with wines of the highest quality, offering visitors an unforgettable experience. The event gathered true lovers of fine cuisine, passionate wine enthusiasts, and all those who enjoy innovative culinary combinations, creating synergy between the sea and wine. Three incredible Fridays, from November 8th to 22nd, marked this event, and the final evening, held on November 22nd at the restaurant Sv. Nikola, was the true culmination of the entire event.

Restaurant Sv. Nikola: Istria, the heart of eno-gastronomy

The restaurant Sv. Nikola in Poreč, the central host of this extraordinary event, is known for its exceptional offer and rich culinary tradition. Located in one of the most beautiful parts of this Istrian city, restaurant Sv. Nikola offers visitors more than just taste – it is a true oasis of pleasure for all senses. Here, every detail is carefully crafted, from the selection of ingredients to the preparation techniques that reflect true dedication to top-tier gastronomy. The ambiance of the restaurant, elegant and sophisticated, perfectly suited this exclusive eno-gastronomic event, and its food and wine offerings were fully aligned with the theme of the manifestation.

Creative chefs shaping eno-gastronomic miracles

One of the key reasons for the success of "Cabernet Sauvignon & blue fish, with love" is the extraordinary work of the culinary masters who shaped the menu of this event. Chefs Robert Benzia and Jurica Obrol, proud representatives of Istrian cuisine, created unique flavor combinations with their innovative approach that delighted everyone present. While respecting tradition, Benzia and Obrol successfully balance modern culinary techniques with local ingredients, allowing new generations of food lovers to experience the richness of Istrian cuisine in a completely new way.

The role of sommelier Emil Perdec: Expertise that enriched the evening

Sommelier Emil Perdec, an expert in wine selection, is yet another key protagonist of this event. His knowledge and experience in pairing wines with food further enriched the eno-gastronomic experience. Perdec shared his stories about the history of wine, the production process, and the characteristics of each wine paired with dishes, enabling guests to experience a deeper understanding of wine and its role in creating a harmonious flavor. As a great lover and connoisseur of Cabernet Sauvignon, Perdec selected wines that perfectly matched each dish, creating an exceptionally delicious experience.

Details of the evening: Pairing premium wines and blue fish

The evening started with a carefully selected aperitif, the sparkling wine Ružica Vinodola 2022, produced at the Pavlomir winery from Novi Vinodolski. This sparkling wine perfectly matched the atmosphere of the evening, with its freshness and rich flavors setting the tone for the next few hours of enjoying the crispy yet rich flavors. In the following courses, consisting of dishes with blue fish, all flavors were carefully harmonized with excellent wines, and the harmony of flavors was key.

• First course: A trio of anchovies with fine olive oil, paired with Rosé Amalia 2023 (Anđelini Wines, Pazin). This first course was a true surprise, as the freshness of the rosé wine contrasted excellently with the richness of the anchovies, creating a perfect balance between seafood and wine.


• Second course: Pasta enriched with pesto verde, smoked blue fish, and almonds, paired with Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (Sosich Wines, Lašići). This more complex course brought a deep connection to the history of Istrian cuisine, as the smoked fish and pesto were in perfect harmony with the red wine, which brought richness to the flavors.


• Main dish: Tuna brodet with Roman gnocchi, spinach, and crispy bread croutons, paired with Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (Siljan Wines, Šegotići). The main dish, which delighted everyone present, was distinguished by its lavish flavors, while the red wine created a strong complementary flavor image.


• Dessert: Pistachio, white chocolate, and raspberry, perfectly paired with the wine Porat Antenal 2009 (Roxanich Wines, Motovun). This sweet final note of the evening was a true delight for all lovers of sophisticated desserts.

Guest reactions: An event that leaves no one indifferent

Reactions from visitors who had the opportunity to participate in this unique event were extremely positive. Many expressed their delight at the quality of the food and wines, while numerous guests commented on the incredible harmony of flavors. This event was not only an opportunity to enjoy top-tier wines and food but also a chance to create memories, as everyone shared experiences and enjoyed an atmosphere filled with elegance and sophistication.

Tourist Board of the City of Poreč: Refreshing the eno-gastronomic offer

The director of the Tourist Board of the City of Poreč, Nenad Velenik, emphasized how the success of the event proved the growing interest in eno-gastronomy in Istria and beyond. Due to the specificity and high quality of this event, which combines top products and the tradition of Istrian cuisine, Poreč has become an indispensable destination for all lovers of good food and wine. Velenik also emphasized that the event will continue in the coming years, confirming the importance and popularity of events like this that push the boundaries of local gastronomy and wine.

On the importance of eno-gastronomic events in Croatia

Eno-gastronomic events like "Cabernet Sauvignon & blue fish, with love" greatly contribute to promoting Croatia as an eno-gastronomic destination. Such events not only attract tourists but also help preserve and promote indigenous grape varieties and traditional dishes, while also allowing restaurateurs and winemakers to connect with the global market. This event, in combining wine and blue fish, reflects Istrian and Croatian tradition but in a contemporary, innovative version that attracts more and more visitors and media attention every year. Given the growing interest in culinary tourism in Croatia, such events are becoming an indispensable part of the tourist offer.

Ultimately, the "Cabernet Sauvignon & blue fish, with love" event has added a further stamp to the eno-gastronomic offer of Poreč and Istria, highlighting the richness of the local cuisine and wine tradition, while also emphasizing the importance of synergy between food, wine, and culture. This event will undoubtedly continue to delight visitors, attracting lovers of exceptional flavors, and Istria will remain the epicenter of eno-gastronomic delights.