Stanušina is an ancient indigenous grape variety that we can find only in the vineyards of North Macedonia and nowhere else in the world! It produces white, red, and rosé wines, and is best known for the latter. Almost on the brink of extinction, it has been saved by small winemakers who have dedicated special attention to it in recent years. The variety is characterized by fine acidity and elegance, unique aromatics, as well as a delicate color. The masterclass led by Jadranka Klarić brings the best examples of this variety.

A top-notch wine list is one of the most important hospitality tools, especially in fine dining restaurants. How to write it, what elements it must contain, which wine regions it must cover, what the secrets of quality and simple wine procurement at good prices are, how wine prices are formed, and finally, how to properly form a wine collection, how to store bottles, and how to organize for easy replenishment, will be discussed by experienced sommelier and F&B manager Dušan Vranić, head of the restaurant Fleur de Sel.

Serbia is characterized by an extraordinary diversity of different climates, microclimates, and soils in its wine regions. The uniqueness and quality of Serbian terroirs are best seen through the authentic expressions of well-known global varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, or Sauvignon Blanc. Caroline Gilby MW will discuss the quality, potentials, and differences in the terroir of Serbian wine regions, as well as the best wines that come from them.

Pinot Noir is a variety characterized by elegance in every aspect – the wines are gently colored, moderately full, with soft tannins and subtle aromas. At the same time, a good Pinot Noir is complex, layered, harmonious, and suitable for long aging, with some of the most valued and expensive wines in the world made from this variety. Wine expert Robert Gorjak guides us through the styles and wines of Pinot Noir.

California today has more than four thousand wine producers and is one of the most famous wine regions in the world, ranking fourth among the largest wine producers. The history of winemaking in California dates back to the 17th century; however, it is only in the last fifty years that California wines have secured a place at the top. Through the diversity of Californian wines and some of their most famous labels, we will be guided by American wine expert Liza Zimmerman.

How long can white wines age in a bottle? There is no better way to find out than through a masterclass featuring wines from the Puklavec winery’s collection, which brings to the audience in Belgrade Grašac from 1993, Furmint from 1971, Pinot Blanc from 1979, Gewurtztraminer from 2008, and Riesling from 1992. The wines come from the Ljutomer – Ormož wine region of Podravina in Slovenia.

Orange, amber, or macerated white – what is the correct term? Do all orange wines have to be made using alternative winemaking practices? How is it that the newest global wine style is also the oldest method of production, used since antiquity? What is the place of orange wine in gastronomy? What are the wines of Georgia like, what about those from Slovenia, and what about those from Serbia? Simon Woolf offers answers to all these questions!

Rakija has finally found its universal glass! This panel discussion, organized in collaboration with the Association of Serbian brandy producers and Riedel, the global leader in fine glassware for wine and other premium beverages, will mark the official launch of the glass designed specifically for our national drink. Joining the conversation will be Stefano Canello from Riedel, with moderation by Milan Zarić from the Association of Rakija Producers of Serbia.

Winemakers from Southeast European countries are increasingly present in developed global markets. The competition for the favor of local consumers comes from all over the world, but wines from Serbia, North Macedonia, Croatia, Bulgaria have found their way to wine shops and restaurants, as well as supermarket shelves. We will discuss the principles for successful export and positioning in the British market with Christopher Burr MW.

Did you know that wines from the Teroldego variety are produced in Serbia? That there are pure, varietal spices? How many times have you enjoyed Seduša? And wines from Rumenika? Malagousia? Dionysus? There are also much more well-known varieties, but also wines from them that have long been off the market or have never seen the light of day and presented themselves to consumers. Igor Luković presents rare gems from Serbian vineyards.

From the Decanter World Wine Awards to the Open Balkan Wine Trophy, BIWC, GROW du Monde, Mundus Vini, and other global and regional competitions, wines from the Western Balkans have been collecting significant, relevant awards for years. Among the award-winning wines are true gems, especially those created from indigenous varieties. We enjoy great wines with Caroline Gilby MW.

A variety deeply rooted in Balkan and Mediterranean viticultural tradition, primarily planted in the southern Balkans, Vranac is now the most widespread in the vineyards of North Macedonia and has become a hallmark of the local wine scene. The experienced wine expert Zvonko Herceg leads a journey through powerful, deep, and complex Vranac wines.

How can we effectively position wines from lesser-known regions? What strategies can we employ to brand and introduce them to the market? How should we approach our presence at trade fairs and other events? Might the solution lie in specialized gatherings that highlight varieties, styles, and regions that might otherwise go unnoticed? These questions and more will be explored in a lecture by seasoned educator and wine marketing expert Zsuzha Toronyi, alongside Caroline Gilby MW, a leading authority on wines from our region.

Great wine is made in the vineyard – an old winemaking proverb. Marjan Simčić, an icon of Goriška Brda, has been practicing this principle for decades. Through the famous terroir wines that he is known for worldwide, the audience will have the opportunity to discuss all the secrets of sustainable viticulture and the production of authentic, terroir wines with the renowned winemaker.

What defines good rakija, what gives it character, and how to recognize, serve, and enjoy it, will be explained by creators of well-known website Rakija, uglavnom (Rakija, mostly). Along with tasting several masterpieces from Serbian distilleries, they will discuss fruit varieties, especially plums, production methods, stylistic expressions, and pairing rakija with food.

GROW is an acronym composed of the names Grašac / Graševina, Olaszrizling, and Welschriesling, unique grape varieties widespread throughout Central Europe and the Danube Basin. In recent years, wines made from Grašac have undergone a renaissance, attracting the attention of the international wine community, with increasing popularity in the market and high accolades from relevant competitions. Wines will be presented by Saša Špiranec, one of the founders of the GROW du Monde platform.

Wine packaging in the 21st century is often aligned with sustainable production standards, with special attention given to corks. The company Vinventions, through its cork lines such as Nomacorc Green Line and Blue Line, strives to contribute to high-quality winemaking while also caring for the planet through recycling and minimal carbon footprint. Wine expert Eniko Kiraly will guide participants through the portfolio of this company and its philosophy of sustainable production.