This unique event, founded under the auspices of the Governments of Serbia, North Macedonia and Albania, offered visitors an entirely new wine experience and the opportunity to discover the exciting world of authentic and autochthonous wines of the Western Balkans, as well as those whose geographical indication suggests they are of the best-known wine regions.

Wine Vision by Open Balkan was organized with great success in September 2022, and the event was held in as many as six halls of the Belgrade Fair. The event promoted the entire region as an original and unique travel, cultural and geographical destination, which offers magnificent natural resources and diverse historical sights.

Masterclass workshops will also be organized during the Wine Fair, the aim of which is to present the general and professional public the art of making top-quality wine, and to bring closer the historiographical aspects of wine production and the perspectives of this dynamic and propulsive industry. Lectures and workshops will be held by the most renowned experts, sommeliers and wine connoisseurs from the region and the world.

In addition to exquisite, authentic wines, the Balkan countries are also famous for its rich culinary heritage, which we owe to interweaving influences from the Mediterranean, the Orient and Central Europe. A part of the fair will be dedicated to gastronomy and food producers, with a special programme in which the best chefs and cooks of the region, including Michelin-star-awarded chefs, will participate.

At Wine Vision by Open Balkan, we are all about partnerships and cooperation, which is why the first day of the fair is reserved only for professional visitors. Comfortable space for B2B meetings, presentations and workshops is provided to all buyers, as well as peaceful food and wine tasting. Representatives of retail chains, HORECA industry, importers and distributors, and wine shops provide an opportunity to enhance cooperation, and networking between the regional wine and related industries and strengthen business partnerships.

Recognition and accolades from wine and spirits experts and connoisseurs around the world are what define winemakers and distillers at Wine Vision by Open Balkan.
Authenticity, quality and competitiveness is what we bring to the table to professional visitors seeking to establish new partnerships, suppliers and buyers.
Dedicated to growth and cooperation, we are the region’s focal point for HORECA industry, importers and distributors for wine, spirits, hospitality, and related industries.

Open Balkan Wine Trophy competition is organized in the categories of white, red, rose, sparkling, sweet, orange and fortified wines, and special trophies were awarded to wines made from Balkan’s autochthonous varieties. The jury panel, which includes Masters of Wine, evaluates wines according to the system of judges’ panels and according to the standards that apply to all world wine evaluations.

Over 800 wines from Serbia, Albania and North Macedonia will participate at the second Open Balkan Wine Trophy 2023 Wine Competition. The wines were judged by internationally jury composed of experienced experts from all over the world, among which we had five Masters of Wine. Wines were judged according to the panel judging system, the same way as it is at the most appreciated competitions all over the world. The president of the jury was famous Caroline Gilby MW, an expert on the wines of the Balkans and Southeastern Europe.

The primary goal of this event, among other things, is to present and promote the gastronomic specificities of the countries from the region with its innovative and diverse content, while demonstrating the impact of modern innovations and the latest culinary achievements on already existing trends.

During these 4 (four) days, you will have a unique opportunity to enjoy a competitive performance by professional chefs, various presentations, culinary demonstrations and tastings, masterclass sessions and motivational speeches by some of the most recognized and esteemed chefs, gastronomic experts and the most promising young cooks from the countries of the region.

This year’s Wine Vision by Open Balkan will feature distillers that will showcase national brand – rakija, artisanal spirit made from locally grown fruit. As the method of making rakija is passed down from generation to generation, it has become part of the national identity. As such UNESCO listed social practices and knowledge related to the preparation and use of the traditional plum brandy as an element of intangible cultural heritage of Serbia.

Rakija is significantly more than just a national drink or UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This spirit, manufactured entirely from locally grown fruits, exemplifies artisanal distilling at its best. It tells the tale of the land and its people. There are no vintages of rakija; each bottle ensures consistent taste, scent, and, above all, quality. It is a mood to be shared in good company; whether for greetings or farewells, it is always there to commemorate the event.