Opatija, the pearl of the Adriatic, proudly prepares to host a unique and prestigious event – the Knightly Ceremony of the European Wine Knights Order. This Saturday, May 17, 2025, will be recorded as the day when more than a hundred members of this distinguished order, dressed in ceremonial historical robes, will gather in the heart of Kvarner to celebrate wine, knighthood, and rich European cultural heritage. Opatija thus becomes the center of an international gathering that attracts not only wine knights and knightly ladies from Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria, but also a numerous high-level delegation from Austria, as well as renowned winemakers, oenologists, viticulturists, business people, and all lovers of wine culture. This event not only enriches the cultural offer of the city but also confirms its status as an important oeno-gastronomic destination.

Ceremonial Procession and Ancient Rites in the Heart of Opatija

The program of this exceptional Saturday ceremony begins at 13:45 hours with a Holy Mass in the historic Church of Saint James, an architectural jewel of Opatija dating back to the early 15th century and after which, according to tradition, Opatija was named. During the Mass, a solemn blessing of knightly insignia and carefully selected bottles of wine will take place, symbolizing the deep connection between spirituality and wine tradition. Immediately before the Mass, participants will gather at the renowned Hotel Admiral, from where the ceremonial procession will depart at 13:15 hours. The wine knights, in their impressive robes, will pass through the central streets of Opatija, attracting the attention of passers-by and tourists. Their procession will be accompanied by the authentic sounds of the sopila, a traditional wind instrument of this region which is an indispensable part of Kvarner's cultural heritage, and a performance by the Frankopan Folklore Group, guardians of traditional dances and songs.

The central part of the event, the act of accreditation and enthronement of new members, will take place at 14:30 hours. This solemn rite represents the admission of new members to the status of apprentice of the European Wine Knights Order, while deserving existing members will be promoted to higher knightly statuses. This is the sixth enthronement to be held in the area of the Legate for the Croatian Littoral and Istria, but for the first time, such a significant ceremony is being held in Opatija and, what is particularly important, it will be open to the general public. This provides citizens and visitors with a unique opportunity to witness this ancient ritual up close and feel a touch of European knightly tradition.

After the formal part, from 16:00 hours, the gathering continues in a more relaxed tone on the beautiful terrace of the Hotel Kvarner, a historic building and the first hotel on the Adriatic coast, opened way back in 1884. Guests will have the opportunity to taste exquisite sparkling wines and wines, including specific ones matured in the Kvarner seabed, which represents a unique oenological curiosity. The atmosphere will be further enriched by performances by the Zora Folklore Ensemble from Opatija, known for nurturing local folklore, and the Frankopan Cultural-Artistic Society from Vrbnik on the island of Krk, who will present the richness of traditional music and dance of their region. The event will be officially opened by Proconsul Senior Anton Toni Fućak, Legate for the Croatian Littoral and Istria, with welcome speeches by the Mayor of Opatija Fernando Kirigin, the Mayor of Kastav Matej Mostarac, and the representative of the Opatija Tourist Board, Alida Domijan, which further emphasizes the importance and support of the local community for this event.

Three-Day Celebration of Wine and Knighthood

The Knightly Ceremony in Opatija is not limited only to the Saturday program. The entire "Knightly Weekend" begins on Friday, May 16, 2025. On that day, the Knightly Academy will be held, a professional conference dedicated to wine culture, history, and the significance of knighthood, as well as a session of the Senate of the European Knightly Institution. These events will take place alongside a special tasting of autochthonous wine varieties from the Croatian Littoral and Istria, providing an opportunity for a deeper acquaintance with the rich oenological offer of the region. Discussions will cover the latest trends in winemaking, the preservation of tradition, and the role of knightly orders in promoting quality and responsible wine consumption.

The program continues on Sunday, May 18, 2025, with a planned visit to the historic town of Kastav, situated on a hill above the Kvarner Gulf. Kastav, with its rich history and preserved old town core, will offer the wine knights and their guests a special experience. As part of the visit, they will tour Belica House, known for the production of traditional products, and the renowned Plovanić Winery, where they will have the opportunity to taste local wines and learn about their production process. A tour of Kastav's old town core, with its narrow stone streets, town walls, Loggia, and the Church of St. Helen of the Cross, as well as an introduction to the collection of a former cooperage, will round off this three-day event, offering participants insight into the rich cultural and historical heritage of this area. Find your ideal accommodation in Opatija and its surroundings to fully experience this unique weekend.

European Wine Knights Order: Guardian of Tradition and Promoter of Peace

The European Wine Knights Order (Ordo Equestris Vini Europae – OEVE) is an imposing institution with deep historical roots. It was revived in 1984 in Eisenstadt (Željezno), a picturesque town in the Austrian province of Burgenland (Gradišće), known for viticulture. The Order proudly inherits a tradition of knighthood dating back to the Order of Saint George, founded way back in 1468, and some sources even mention the year 1333. The primary mission of the OEVE is the cultivation, improvement, and dissemination of wine culture, as well as scientific knowledge about wine. The Order advocates for the promotion of noble wines and their best qualities, simultaneously emphasizing the cultural-ethical values associated with wine. The Order's activities are not burdened by political, economic, or positional interests, but are aimed at connecting people and nations on a cultural basis, promoting friendship and peace in Europe.

Members of the European Wine Knights Order, numbering several tens of thousands across Europe today, are dedicated to the idea of true nobility of spirit, advocating for all that is beautiful, good, and true, and cultivating ideal values and knightly friendship. Knighthood in this context does not symbolize weapons and conflicts, but the noble drop – wine – as a symbol of peace, joy of life, friendship, and mutual understanding among nations. The Order's motto, "In honorem Dei et in honorem vini" ("In honor of God and in honor of wine"), perfectly encapsulates the spirit and philosophy of this organization. This motto reflects respect for the Creator, but also for the gift of nature and the labor of human hands that result in wine, a beverage that has accompanied humanity for millennia in celebrations, rituals, and daily life.

Croatian Knightly Consulate: Twenty Years of Dedication to Wine Culture

The Croatian branch of the European Wine Knights Order, known as the Croatian Knightly Consulate, was founded in 2002 with its headquarters in Zagreb. Since its establishment, the Consulate has been actively working to promote the Order's goals in Croatia, gathering wine lovers and enthusiasts of knightly tradition. Today, it has about 200 members, including many distinguished winemakers, viticulturists, oenologists, scientists, entrepreneurs, cultural workers, and other public figures who contribute through their activities to the development and affirmation of wine culture in Croatia. The Legate for the Croatian Littoral and Istria, under whose authority this ceremony in Opatija is also held, is one of the active parts of the Croatian Consulate, dedicated to the specificities and richness of the wine tradition of this region. The Consulate's activities include organizing professional conferences, tastings, knightly ceremonies, promoting autochthonous varieties, and educating on responsible wine consumption.

Wine: More Than a Drink – A Symbol of Culture, Friendship, and Identity

Wine holds a special place in Croatian culture, deeply rooted in tradition and history. Since ancient times, it has been not only an agricultural product and source of income but also an important part of social life, customs, and national identity. It is mentioned in folk songs, legends, and even in the verses of the Croatian national anthem, which testifies to its importance. Croatia, with its diverse climate and geological soil composition, offers excellent conditions for vine growing and the production of a wide range of quality wines. Regions like Istria and Kvarner are particularly known for their autochthonous varieties such as Malvazija istarska, Žlahtina, Teran, and many others, which attract the attention of wine lovers from all over the world.

Events like the Knightly Ceremony of the European Wine Knights Order further emphasize this cultural dimension of wine. They are not only an opportunity for tasting and evaluating wines but also a platform for celebrating the efforts of vine growers and winemakers, for exchanging knowledge and experiences, and for strengthening ties between people and nations. Wine is presented here as a powerful symbol that transcends borders, connects different cultures, and promotes values of community, tolerance, and friendship. In today's world, such messages are of exceptional importance.

Contribution to the Tourist Promotion of Opatija and Kvarner

Hosting the Knightly Ceremony of the European Wine Knights Order in Opatija represents a significant contribution to the tourist offer of the city and the entire Kvarner region. Opatija, known as the "Old Dame" of Croatian tourism, with a long tradition of welcoming visitors from all over the world, further confirms its status as a prestigious destination with such events. Manifestations that celebrate culture, tradition, and oeno-gastronomy attract a specific type of tourist – those seeking authentic experiences, quality content, and an opportunity to get to know the local way of life. The presence of distinguished guests from several European countries, media coverage, and the promotion of local wines and cultural heritage will have a positive impact on Opatija's image as a destination that offers more than sun and sea. An event like this enriches the events calendar, extends the tourist season, and encourages the development of wine tourism, which has great potential in Kvarner and Istria. The synergy between cultural events, oeno-gastronomic offerings, and natural beauties makes Opatija an even more attractive destination for visitors throughout the year.

Throughout centuries, wine has been a source of inspiration for artists, poets, and philosophers, an indispensable part of festivities and rituals, but also a silent companion of everyday life. The European Wine Knights Order, through its activities and ceremonies like this one in Opatija, reminds us of this deep and complex role of wine, celebrating it not only as a product but as part of the priceless cultural heritage of humanity. Opatija will this weekend proudly raise a glass in honor of wine and knighthood.