53rd Festival of Refosco and Slovenian Istria: The King of Refosco Retains His Crown from Santomas Winery
Marezige once again hosted one of the most prestigious wine events in Slovenian Istria. At the 53rd Festival of Refosco and Slovenian Istria, last year’s winner Ludvik Nazarij Glavina from Santomas winery retained the title of King of Refosco, proving once more with his Refosco Grand Cuvée vintage 2016 that he stands at the very top of Istrian winemakers.
Expert Dialogue on the Future of Istrian Viticulture
On the first day of the festival, Friday, winemakers, restaurateurs and industry experts gathered in Marezige. Through a discussion moderated by Karlo Kopjar from the Science and Research Centre Koper, they addressed sustainable strategies for vineyard soil cultivation and management – essential for facing the climate challenges of Slovenian Istria. The Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Koper, Mateja Hrvatin Kozlovič, highlighted the importance of connecting experts, winemakers and the local community in developing Istrian viticulture.
Three Days of Wine, Music and Istrian Hospitality
Although Saturday was marked by unsettled weather, the Sunday highlight of the festival took place in sunshine and high spirits. Visitors tasted the highest-rated refoscos at Kanava, joined the Refošk Walk & Wine tasting hike around Marezige, enjoyed a Vinakoper cycling tour, and sampled wines on the panoramic terrace. The evening was rounded off by the traditional wind orchestra showcase and concerts by Dej še’n litro and Bend-it Orchestra.
Award Winners of the 53rd Festival of Refosco 2026
This year’s expert jury evaluated 81 samples across four categories: aged refosco, young refosco, rosé, and sparkling wines. The result: 2 champions and 2 category winners.
- Champion – Ludvik Nazarij Glavina, Santomas Winery: Refosco Grand Cuvée 2016
- Champion – Young Refosco – Kmetija Jogan Damijan: Refosco 2025
- Sparkling Wine Category Winner – Vinakoper: Capris rosé sparkling wine
- Rosé Category Winner – Vinakoper: Koper rosé 2025
The Festival of Refosco has once again confirmed its standing as the central wine and culinary event of Slovenian Istria – a place where tradition, local winemakers, culture and authentic Istrian hospitality come together in a glass of the finest refosco.
