Rakija Revelry at Wine Vision by Open Balkan 2023

A Toast to Tradition: Honouring the Finest Distilleries and Rakijas

Embarking on a journey steeped in tradition and craftsmanship, the Wine Vision 2023 opened its arms to the illustrious world of Rakija. This inaugural celebration witnessed over 50 distilleries proudly unveiling their artistry, marking not just a competition but a seminal moment in Balkan spirits. As UNESCO acknowledges the cultural and historical significance of Rakija, this event not only pays homage but pioneers recognition within the prestigious Wine Vision of Open Balkan. These awards are more than accolades; they symbolize the dawn of a new era for Balkan distillers, a realm where tradition meets innovation, and the spirit of Rakija transcends borders.

Awards in the “Other Rakijas” Category:

Bronze Medal:

• DESTILERIJA VK Craft, North Macedonia: LOZOVA VK RAKIJA OD LAVANDE

Silver Medals:

• RADOST KOLO-KAJSIJA BARIK
• POTPIS-POTPIS KAJSIJA
• SIMEX ORIGINAL-VUCIJA RAKIJA KAISIJA
• ZLOKOLICA-VILJAMOVKA
• MLADENOVIC-LILJANA RAKIA OD VILJAMOVKE
• KLEKOVACA-DIVLJA KRUSKA
• TOK-STOM TRAVARICA
• ZAVET-TRAVARICA

Gold Medals:

• BRACA TOMASEVIC – RAKIJA OD JABUKE
• HUBERT- VILLAMOVKA

Best in Category:

• DESTILERIJA ZARIC – OPSESIJA RAKIJA OD MALINE

Awards in the “Rakija from Grapes” Category:

Bronze Medal:

• VK CRAFT DESTILERIA LOZOVACA

Silver Medals:

• VINSKI PODRUM POPOVI – VINJAK GENTLMEN
• TRAIKOVSKY WINES SPIRIT – STARA ZOLTOVA RAKIJA
• MONESTRY WINERY – LOZOVACA
• SALAS NAS – NASA SA SALASA LOZA
• VINSKI PODRUM POPOVI – BISTRA VODA
• IVICA ZLATKOVIC – ZOLTA LOZOVA RAKIJA
• MONESTRY WINERY – MUSKAT
• HUBERT 1924 – HUBERTOVA RAKIJA OD GROZDA
• VK CRAFT MK – LOZOVACA
• VLADANKA RISTIKIJ – SLOGAN MK – LOZOVACA

Gold Medals:

• RADNJANSKI – BAREL LOZA
• DAFINKA DAMJANOVA MK – STARA ZOLTA (Best in Category)

Awards in the “Rakija from Quince” Category:

Bronze Medals:

• KLEKOVACA – ZLATNA DUNJA
• SALAS NAS – NASA SA SALASA DUNJA

Silver Medals:

• ZLOKOLICA – DUNJA
• KOSA TRADE – DUNJA PREMIUM
• TIM DOO, STARA PESMA – DUNJA 5
• EMPERUS SPIRIT – VICTORY DUNJA BARIK 10
• ILIC – DUNJA

Gold Medal (Best in Category):

• DUNJA 5 BARIK, Destilerija POTPIS

Awards in the “Rakija from Plum” Category:

Bronze Medal:

• MLADENOVIC – MILIKA SUIVA

Silver Medals:

• RADOST KOLO – SLIVA
• BOSILICIC – EKSELENCIJA BOSILICIC 5
• KOSA TRADE – SLIVA PREMIUM
• EKO TECHNOLOGY – CEDINA 12.GOD STARA PREPECENICA
• DESTILERIJA ILIC – SLIVA BARRIQUE
• TOK – ALBA SLIVA PREPECENICA
• SIMEKS – VUCIA SLIVA

Gold Medals:

• BOSILICIC – EKSELENCIJA BOSILICIC 10
• BRACA TOMASEVIC – RAKIA OD SLIVE (Best in Category)

Top Honors:

• Grand Gold for the “Rakija from Plum” Category:
• EMPERUS SPIRIT – SLIVOVICA BARIK 12
• TIM DOO STARA PESMA – SUJIVOVICA 12
• ZARIC – KRALICA OD SLIVE

Overall, Winner:

• ALEKSIC PRVI – GRUZANSKA NIT

Continuing the Rakija journey, these awards signify more than recognition; they represent a promise of opportunity and growth for distilleries in the Balkans. This first step into the limelight provides a platform for distillers to showcase their traditions and innovations, with endless opportunities for collaboration and recognition on the global stage.

Let’s raise a glass to the first step of what promises to be an exciting journey, full of opportunities and global recognition. Cheers to Rakija and the vibrant legacy it brings to the forefront on this esteemed platform!