DAY 2
Saturday 23rd November 2024
- 1200HALL 2A / ROOM 1Stanušina – the best kept secret of North Macedonia vineyards
WINE MASTERCLASS
HALL 2A / ROOM 1
12:00
Stanušina – the best kept secret of North Macedonia vineyards
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.
JADRANKA KLARIĆ
LECTURER
Jadranka Klarić is a wine expert from North Macedonia, with many years of experience in sales and marketing acquired at some of the largest wineries in the country. Today, she runs the most famous wine bar in Skopje, and works as a wine critic and educator.
- 1400HALL 2A / ROOM 1Creating the perfect wine list and the wine cellar
WINE MASTERCLASS
HALL 2A / ROOM 1
14:00
Creating the perfect wine list and the wine cellar
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.
DUŠAN VRANIĆ
LECTURER
Dušan Vranić is the head sommelier at the Fleur de Sel restaurant and the general manager of the Ateljea Vina Šapat restaurant. He has a background gained in the best American schools and restaurants, and he has received numerous awards for his work.
- 1600HALL 2A / ROOM 1Pinot noir – comprehensive guide to styles and terroirs
WINE MASTERCLASS
HALL 2A / ROOM 1
16:00
Pinot noir – comprehensive guide to styles and terroirs
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.
ROBERT GORJAK
LECTURER
Robert Gorjak, a wine writer, educator, and judge (Decanter World Wine Awards), has been writing about wine since 1994. In 2002, he founded Belvin, the first wine school in Slovenia. He organizes numerous wine events and gatherings.
- 1800HALL 2A / ROOM 1Great terroirs of Serbia – international varieties with local heritage
WINE MASTERCLASS
HALL 2A / ROOM 1
18:00
Great terroirs of Serbia – international varieties with local heritage
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.
CAROLINE GILBY MW
LECTURER
British Caroline Gilby MW is a Master of Wine, a wine judge, and the chair of the judging panel for the Balkans, Eurasia, and Eastern Europe at the Decanter competition. She is a tireless promoter of wines from our region.
- 1300HALL 2A / ROOM 2California Dreamin’ – an introduction to the famed American region
WINE MASTERCLASS
HALL 2A / ROOM 2
13:00
California Dreamin’ – an introduction to the famed American region
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.
LIZA ZIMMERMAN
LECTURER
Liza Zimmerman (Liza the Wine Chick) is a versatile wine expert from the USA who has been writing about wine for over two decades, educating the wine public, consulting, and writing for prestigious wine magazines.
- 1500HALL 2A / ROOM 2Decades in the bottle – a tasting of vintage wines of Puklavec winery
WINE MASTERCLASS
HALL 2A / ROOM 2
15:00
Decades in the bottle – a tasting of vintage wines of Puklavec winery
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.
LUKA RADIČEK
LECTURER
Luka Radiček is a rising star of the Balkan wine scene, and head winemaker at Puklavec winery since this year. His work focuses on terroir, and his motto inspired by Mark Twain is: “Do the job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
- 1700HALL 2A / ROOM 2Amber Revolution – orange wines from Georgia to the Balkans
WINE MASTERCLASS
HALL 2A / ROOM 2
17:00
Amber Revolution – orange wines from Georgia to the Balkans
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!
SIMON WOOLF
LECTURER
Simon J. Woolf, a British wine writer, has been writing about wine since 2011. He authored the well-known book on orange wines, "Amber Revolution." He is one of the wine judges at the Decanter competition, focusing on sustainable viticulture and winemaking.
- 1900HALL 2A / ROOM 2The perfect glass for the perfect drink – Rakija & Riedel
WINE MASTERCLASS
HALL 2A / ROOM 2
19:00
The perfect glass for the perfect drink – Rakija & Riedel
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.
MILAN ZARIĆ
LECTURER
Milan Zarić, a member of the Board of the Association of Serbian brandy producers, is dedicated to promoting our national spirit on the global stage. The Association is committed to ensuring that rakija, renowned for its exceptional aroma, receives the recognition it deserves.
- 1500GRAND HALLHow to export wines to the UK? A guide for winemakers
WINE MASTERCLASS
GRAND HALL
15:00
How to export wines to the UK? A guide for winemakers
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.
CHRISTOPHER BURR MW
LECTURER
British Christopher Bur MW has been present in the wine scene for over 45 years. He has worked for renowned wine houses such as Bollinger, Krug, and Lafite Rothschild, and now works as an independent consultant.
DAY 3
Sunday 24th November 2024
- 1200HALL 2A / ROOM 1You havent’t tasted this – rare wines and varieties of Serbia
WINE MASTERCLASS
HALL 2A / ROOM 1
12:00
You havent’t tasted this – rare wines and varieties of Serbia
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.
IGOR LUKOVIĆ
LECTURER
Igor Luković is a wine writer and critic from Serbia, as well as an international wine judge who, among other things, judges at the Decanter WWA. He is a co-founder of the GROW du Monde wine competition and the editor-in-chief of the magazine Vino&Fino.
- 1400HALL 2A / ROOM 1Award-Winning Wines from Indigenous Grapes of the Western Balkans
WINE MASTERCLASS
HALL 2A / ROOM 1
14:00
Award-Winning Wines from Indigenous Grapes of the Western Balkans
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.
CAROLINE GILBY MW
LECTURER
British Caroline Gilby MW is a Master of Wine, a wine judge, and the chair of the judging panel for the Balkans, Eurasia, and Eastern Europe at the Decanter competition. She is a tireless promoter of wines from our region.
- 1600HALL 2A / ROOM 1Character, boldness and power – a guide to great Vranac wines
WINE MASTERCLASS
HALL 2A / ROOM 1
16:00
Character, boldness and power – a guide to great Vranac wines
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.
ZVONKO HERCEG
LECTURER
Zvonko Herceg is a WSET wine educator from North Macedonia, an international wine judge, and the president of the Macedonian Sommelier Association (MASOM). This wine erudite is an active promoter of wines from North Macedonia.
- 1800HALL 2A / ROOM 1Marketing and sales strategies for wine in competitive markets
WINE MASTERCLASS
HALL 2A / ROOM 1
18:00
Marketing and sales strategies for wine in competitive markets
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 ZhuzhaToronyi, alongside Caroline Gilby MW, a leading authority on wines from our region.
ZHUZSA TORONYI
LECTURER
Zhuzsa Toronyi, originally from Hungary, is the manager of Wine Communication, a marketing agency based in London focused on wines from Central and Eastern Europe. She also serves as a judge at international wine competitions, Decanter WWA and IWC.
- 1300HALL 2A / ROOM 2Marjan Simčić – Precise Viticulture Produces Precise Wines
WINE MASTERCLASS
HALL 2A / ROOM 2
13:00
Marjan Simčić – Precise Viticulture Produces Precise Wines
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.
MARJAN SIMČIĆ
LECTURER
Marjan Simčič is one of the most renowned Slovenian and regional winemakers. His terroir wines from Goriška Brda regularly win awards at major global competitions. He tirelessly shares wine knowledge with colleagues in the region.
- 1500HALL 2A / ROOM 2Get acquainted with rakija – workshop and guided tasting
WINE MASTERCLASS
HALL 2A / ROOM 2
15:00
Get acquainted with rakija – workshop and guided tasting
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.
MALOVIĆ / RADOMAN
LECTURER
Ilija Malović and Zoran Radoman are the founders of the blog Rakija, which has grown over the years into the most important platform in Serbia for the promotion of rakija. They also hold workshops on rakija and closely follow the regional distillers’ work.
- 1700HALL 2A / ROOM 2The best of GROW – authentic wines from an outstanding variety
WINE MASTERCLASS
HALL 2A / ROOM 2
17:00
The best of GROW – authentic wines from an outstanding variety
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.
SAŠA ŠPIRANEC
LECTURER
Saša Špiranec is an wine journalist and writer from Croatia, the founder of the Vinart Grand Tasting event, a wine judge, and a co-founder of the first international wine competition for grašac grapes, GROW du Monde.
- 1900HALL 2A / ROOM 2Vinventions – Innovative and Sustainable Solutions for Wine Closures
WINE MASTERCLASS
HALL 2A / ROOM 2
19:00
Vinventions – Innovative and Sustainable Solutions for Wine Closures
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.
ENIKO KIRALY
LECTURER
Eniko Kiraly has been present in the Hungarian wine scene since 1995. For almost three decades, she has participated in promoting the wines of this country, particularly from Tokaj, around the world, and she currently works at Vinventions.