Wine Vision at Vinitaly: The Friendship That Lasts
Verona, Italy— April 2025— For the third consecutive year, the Wine Vision fair made a strong and flavorful impression at the prestigious Vinitaly fair in Verona. Nestled among some of the world’s most renowned wine and spirits producers, the Wine Vision stand—representing Serbia, North Macedonia, and Albania—stood out with its vibrant offerings of wines, rakijas, and traditional cuisine, drawing considerable attention from both international professionals and casual visitors.
This year’s presentation continued the fruitful collaboration between Vinitaly and Wine Vision by Open Balkan, a partnership that has grown deeper with each edition. The synergy between the two fairs not only provides a platform for regional producers to reach new markets but also enriches Vinitaly’s diversity by showcasing the cultural and viticultural richness of Southeast Europe.
“Wine Vision is more than just a trade fair—it’s a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and regional identity, and our winemakers and distillers have a lot to be proud of.” said Igor Luković, a wine critic, writer, journalist, and certified sommelier. “Being part of Vinitaly for the third year now reinforces the idea that Balkan has something truly special to offer and to amaze the world with, in terms of gastronomy,” remarked Uroš Urošević, hospitality consultant and an executive chef.
The 2025 stand featured an array of wines from Serbia, North Macedonia, and Albania, highlighting native grape varieties but also the international grape varieties in the Balkans’ terroir, thus gaining additional attention from both professionals and casual visitors. Complementing the wine selection were rakijas— expertly crafted spirits made from fruits—along with a curated selection of traditional foods in a modern interpretation.
Attendees from across Europe and beyond crowded the Wine Vision’s stand throughout the fair, eager to sample the authentic flavors and discover up-and-coming labels. “It’s always a pleasure to reconnect with old friends from the industry here,” said a returning guest from Italy’s Friuli region. “But it’s just as exciting to meet new producers, especially those from the Balkans, where so much innovation and tradition coexist.”
The friendly, welcoming atmosphere and remarkable staff only added to its popularity. From spontaneous toasts with visitors to lively conversations between importers and winemakers, the Wine Vision booth was alive with the spirit of cooperation and celebration.
This ongoing presence at Vinitaly also reflects Wine Vision’s broader mission: to place the Balkans on the global wine map. Events like Vinitaly are a clear indication that Wine Vision will continue to promote cultural and economic connections both inside and outside the region.
There was a noticeable sense of achievement and anticipation for the future as the fair drew to a close. Producers, partners, and guests alike shared memories and contacts and raised their glasses to continued success.
“Each year, we come back with more confidence, more recognition, and more love from the crowd,” Stevan Rajta, the president of the Association of Winemakers and Winegrowers of Serbia, reflected. “And each year, we leave inspired by new connections and friendships that remind us why we do this.”
With such strong momentum and growing global interest, it’s clear that Wine Vision’s presence at Vinitaly is becoming a beloved tradition—and a toast to the future of Balkan wine.
