On the slopes of Fruška Gora, where the Danube kisses the sky, lies Ilok, a town whose name resonates with a thousand-year tradition of winemaking and viticulture. It was this pearl of the Croatian Danube region that yesterday, June 7th, once again confirmed its status as a wine capital by hosting the seventh edition of the prestigious Traminer Festival. The event, which celebrates the grape variety that made Ilok famous throughout the world, brought together numerous lovers of the noble drop, experts, and curious visitors, turning the town into an epicenter of oenological and gastronomic delights. The entire day was dedicated to tastings, educational workshops, music, and creating unforgettable memories, and the atmosphere exuded a passion for wine that is deeply rooted in the identity of this region. Many visitors took the opportunity and secured accommodation in Ilok to fully experience everything the festival has to offer.
A Historic Moment in the Old Cellar: The First Croatian Sparkling Wine from Traminer Unveiled
One of the most anticipated moments of the festival took place at exactly 10:10 AM in the heart of Ilok's wine history – the monumental Old Cellar. In an ambiance that exudes centuries of tradition, before a select audience, the sparkling wine "10," the first Croatian sparkling wine produced exclusively from the Traminer grape variety, was premiered. This innovative oenological endeavor by Iločki podrumi represents the crown of many years of work and dedication and a bold step forward in valorizing the potential of this aromatic variety. The presentation of this unique sparkling wine, whose name symbolizes perfection and excellence, marked a new chapter not only for Ilok winemaking but for the entire Croatian wine scene, proving that Traminer possesses incredible versatility.
A Superior Wine Workshop: A Journey Through Sixteen Faces of Traminer
The central educational part of the festival was a grand masterclass, conceived as a journey through the diversity and richness of the Traminer variety. Under the expert guidance of the renowned wine publicist and journalist Ivo Kozarčanin, participants had the unique opportunity to taste and compare as many as sixteen different Traminers. The palette was impressive, encompassing wines from different terroirs, from the local, Ilok terroir, which is considered the classic expression of the variety, to those from the far north of Croatia, from Hum na Sutli. This workshop provided a deep insight into how different climatic conditions, soil composition, and winemaking techniques affect the final character of the wine. Special attention was drawn to the exclusive tasting of a rare archive Traminer from Iločki podrumi from the 1998 harvest, a gem that testifies to the extraordinary aging potential of this variety and the complexity it develops over the years. Many wine enthusiasts booked their accommodation in Ilok in advance so as not to miss this extraordinary opportunity for learning and tasting.
A Meeting of Wine Worlds: International Guests and Domestic Expertise
The seventh Traminer Festival confirmed its international character by hosting prestigious winemakers from two European regions known for their top white wines – French Alsace and Italian Alto Adige. Their presence allowed visitors to taste world-renowned Gewürztraminers (as Traminer is called in those regions) and compare them with Croatian flagships. This meeting of different styles and production philosophies was extremely beneficial for all present, offering a broader perspective and understanding of the global context of this variety. Alongside international guests, the festival also brought together the cream of the domestic wine profession. Esteemed experts such as Stjepan Đurinski and Nikola Grozaj shared their knowledge and experience with visitors, whose presentations and guided tastings further enriched the program. Their expertise and passion for wine provided valuable insight into the secrets of producing top-quality Traminers.
Traminer Salon: A Showcase of the Best Domestic and World Wines
The main gathering and socializing spot was the Wine Salon, where about twenty carefully selected wineries from Croatia and abroad presented themselves. Visitors had the opportunity to freely taste hundreds of different labels, from fresh and lively young Traminers, through complex and aged examples, to sweet predicate harvests that represent the pinnacle of oenological art. The atmosphere in the salon was lively and filled with conversations, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. The winery owners and oenologists were available for all questions, gladly sharing stories about their vineyards, cellars, and the passion that drives them. This part of the festival was a true celebration of diversity and quality, offering every visitor the chance to find their favorite and discover new wine gems. An event of this caliber reaffirms every year why Ilok is an unmissable destination for all wine lovers.
A Musical Backdrop for the Wine Experience
To make the overall experience complete, the organizers provided a superb musical background that perfectly complemented the wine story. During the day, the band Sing Song Swing lifted the atmosphere with their elegant and energetic performance, whose swing and retro melodies created a relaxed and refined atmosphere, ideal for enjoying wine. As the day drew to a close and the evening brought new energy, DJ Bobo, widely known as Bobo Knežević, the drummer of the cult Croatian rock band Kojoti, took to the music deck. His eclectic musical selection got the attendees dancing and ensured that the seventh edition of the Traminer Festival is remembered not only for its outstanding wines but also for the great fun and positive energy that filled the ancient town of Ilok.
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Creation time: 08 June, 2025