During April and May, the Kutjevo winery, in collaboration with the Croatian Sommelier Club, organized the Sommeliers Choice competition in four different regions of Croatia: Opatija, Zadar, Osijek, and Zagreb. Each of these regions produced five finalists who have qualified for the grand finale, which will be held on October 28th and 29th at the Kutjevo winery, the European capital of wine and viticulture.
Through numerous educational sessions and workshops, the finalists will be educated on various wine styles, wine service, and the fundamental organoleptic analysis required for wine description by experts. In addition, they will have the opportunity to learn about the key processes in wine production and savor gastronomic delights from local family-owned agricultural estates.
Considering that the finale takes place in a renowned winemaking town, participants will also get acquainted with the region’s oldest wine cellar dating back to 1232. There, they will explore a renovated cellar from the era of the famous Turković family, responsible for the flourishing of winemaking in the late 19th century. They will also visit the largest Wine Archive, preserving valuable bottles from 1960, and the unique Trezor 1232, where each of you can store a precious premium bottle of your choice from the De Gotho, Maximo, and Koria lines.
After the first round of the finals, out of twenty finalists, a panel of experts consisting of renowned sommelier Darko Lugarić, wine journalist Saša Špiranec, the owner of a wine bar, Dado Tašner, and Kutjevo winery enologist Zrinska Vinković Jergović will select the top ten who will compete equally for victory. The winner, in addition to surprise gifts prepared by the featured winery, will receive a valuable cash prize of €2,000 and sponsorship for the first-level course from the Croatian Sommelier Club, while the remaining participants will receive consolation promotional packages.
With guaranteed entertainment, memorable moments, and the anticipation of a happy winner, reserve the last weekend in October for an unforgettable finale. See you at the Kutjevo winery!