This past weekend, Novi Vinodolski was not just a tourist destination on the Adriatic; it transformed into a vibrant stage where, despite challenging weather conditions, the story of wine, tradition, and the unbreakable bond between man and earth was told for the 21st time. The entire town exuded the spirit of the Ružica Vinodola event, a unique occasion that year after year successfully revives the rich winemaking heritage of the Vinodol region. From Friday, August 22, until the late evening hours of Saturday, the smells of must, the sounds of traditional music, and the murmur of visitors intertwined in the streets, squares, and vineyards, all culminating in the announcement of the new holder of the prestigious title – Ružica Vinodola for the year 2025. Although rain threatened to disrupt the carefully planned program, the organizers showed exceptional resourcefulness, ensuring that the spirit of the event was not extinguished but shone even brighter, attracting numerous visitors eager for an authentic experience.

A Revived Legend of the Frankopan Vineyards

Ružica Vinodola is not just a modern summer festival; its roots reach deep into history, to the time when the Frankopan princes ruled these lands. According to oral tradition, which is carefully preserved and passed down through generations, after the arduous grape harvest, the most diligent and beautiful among the hardworking female pickers was chosen. She would then be crowned with a wreath of grapevine and leaves and, at the head of a cheerful procession, with song and the sounds of sopila, triumphantly led into the city. This ancient custom, according to records, was last held in the distant year of 1880, after which it fell into oblivion. The modern edition of the event, launched more than two decades ago, has successfully reconstructed this beautiful story, turning it into an event that celebrates not only wine but also the identity, culture, and history of the entire Vinodol. Today's event faithfully follows the traces of that legend, turning the competition for girls into a picturesque journey through forgotten customs and skills that were once an integral part of life.

The Path to the Title: From the Vine to the Bottle

The competitive spirit of the event was already felt on Friday, August 22, when nine girls, arriving from different parts of Croatia, gathered in the picturesque setting of the vineyards of the Pavlomir Wine House. It was this very place, a symbol of the revitalization of viticulture in the Vinodol Valley, that served as the perfect backdrop for the first disciplines. Accompanied by the music of the Trio Nebuloza and the Grupa Trend, and with a rich offering of local delicacies, the candidates had to demonstrate enviable skill in traditional vineyard tasks before the watchful eye of the judges and the audience. The first challenge was manually crushing grapes, an ancient technique of squeezing the berries by hand, immediately followed by the attractive foot-treading of grapes, a scene that irresistibly evokes romantic images of the past. A special challenge was handling the brentača, a heavy wooden container for carrying grapes on one's back, which required not only strength but also exceptional balance and skill. The cheerful and relaxed atmosphere in the vineyard was just a prelude to what was to follow.

The grand finale moved to the historic core on Saturday, to the Old Town, where the finalists faced more modern, but equally demanding, tasks. Precision and a steady hand were crucial in the disciplines of labeling and corking bottles, where every second and every millimeter counted. This was followed by a test of sommelier skills – opening a bottle of wine and precisely pouring it into glasses, a task that requires elegance and knowledge of wine culture. Finally, as a sort of cheerful epilogue to the competitive part, a wine-drinking game was organized. Although this last discipline was not scored, it further lifted the atmosphere and provoked bursts of laughter and approval from the audience, perfectly rounding off two days filled with tradition and fun. If you are looking for accommodation in this beautiful place, be sure to check the available options in Novi Vinodolski.

Gabrijela Antolović Crowned Ružica Vinodola 2025

After tallying the scores from all six demanding games, the most solemn moment of the event followed on the Korzo of Croatian Defenders – the announcement of the winner. The title of Ružica Vinodola 2025 was won by Gabrijela Antolović, a student at the Faculty of Medicine in Rijeka, originally from Privlaka near Vinkovci. Visibly excited, Gabrijela took the crown from last year's winner, Ana Kalanj, and the sash and the main prize – an unforgettable Adriatic cruise for two – were presented to her by the Mayor of the City of Novi Vinodolski, Tomislav Cvitković, and a representative of the Katarina Line agency, Zdenka Železnik. With her smile, dexterity, and resourcefulness, Gabrijela won the sympathy of the jury and the audience, proving that she is a worthy successor to this prestigious title. The first runner-up was Ivona Stahović Funarić, while Sara Uremović was declared the second runner-up. Special awards for charm were also given; Lana Rupić was named the most charming by the judging panel, Eleonora Brenc won the sympathy of the judges, while the contestants themselves gave the most votes to Monika Legac.

A Town that Celebrates Wine, Crafts, and Gastronomy

Ružica Vinodola is much more than just a competition; it is a festival that permeates the entire town, offering a diverse program for all tastes. The center of the events was Frankopan Square, where the Wine Festival was held. In cooperation with the Kvarner Wines Association, visitors had the opportunity to taste top-quality wines not only from Kvarner winemakers but also from visiting wineries from the rest of Croatia and neighboring Serbia. It was a true oenological promenade that confirmed Kvarner's status as an important wine region. At the same time, Vinodol Law Square turned into a colorful market where skilled artisans presented old crafts, while at the fair of local products one could find everything from honey and cheese to unique handicrafts. The music program was not far behind; on Friday, the Korzo of Croatian Defenders echoed with the sounds of the band Insula, while Saturday evening was graced by the performance of the popular Antonio Krištofić with his band. A special treat was prepared by Antonija Mikac, who presented the authentic "Novljanski pijat" (Novi Vinodolski Plate). This is a traditional fish dish that combines humble but extremely tasty ingredients: potatoes, salted sardines, grapes and Žlahtina wine, rock samphire, onions, and dried figs, creating a unique harmony of flavors that tells the story of the sea and the hinterland. Many visitors who come to this event every year often look for accommodation in the very heart of Novi Vinodolski to fully experience the atmosphere.

The Power of Community and Heritage Preservation

The successful organization of such a complex event, especially in light of the adverse weather conditions, testifies to the great effort and enthusiasm of the entire community. The main organizers, the Tourist Board of the City of Novi Vinodolski and the Tourist Board of the Vinodol Municipality, with the co-organization of the City, the Municipality, the Center for Culture, the Pavlomir Wine House, and numerous associations such as the Association of Friends of Grapes and Wine "Ružica Vinodola", the Kvarner Wines Association, KUD Ilija Dorčić, and the Chakavian Assembly Cathedra Novljansko kolo, showed how cultural heritage can be preserved and promoted through joint efforts. The support of the Kvarner Tourist Board and the Croatian National Tourist Board, as well as numerous sponsors, including the travel agency Katarina Line, Adria Mare Travel Agency, the Health and Joy beauty center, and others, ensured that the event maintained a high level of quality in its 21st edition. Ružica Vinodola has once again proven that it is more than just an event; it is a living monument to tradition, a celebration of life, and a driving force that turns Novi Vinodolski into an unmissable destination at the end of every August.