Serbia at Vinitaly: Strengthening the Global Position of Wines and Rakija and Promoting Wine Vision by Open Balkan

For the fourth consecutive year, Serbia is participating in the Vinitaly wine fair in Verona—one of the most prestigious and largest events of its kind in the world—with a clear goal: to strengthen the international position of Serbian wines and rakija and to promote the Wine Vision by Open Balkan fair, which will take place in Belgrade from October 10 to 12. At the Wine Vision by Open Balkan pavilion, more than 140 carefully selected wines and rakija from Serbia are being presented to the international professional audience in Verona from April 12 to 15.

The selection of premium beverages has been prepared by the Serbian Association of Winemakers and Winegrowers and the Serbian Association of Rakija Producers, in cooperation with leading domestic wineries and distilleries, with the aim of showcasing the quality, authenticity, and diversity of Serbia’s offerings in one place. Through professionally guided tastings, visitors have the opportunity to explore indigenous grape varieties, contemporary styles, and the export potential of Serbian wines and rakija.

Established in 1967, Vinitaly gathers more than 4,000 exhibitors and professional buyers from over 130 countries, making it one of the key global platforms in the wine industry. In such an environment, Wine Vision by Open Balkan continues to strengthen its international recognition. Cooperation with Vinitaly has developed as a partnership that includes the exchange of knowledge, business contacts, and active engagement of international buyers. As a result, an increasing number of Italian wineries participate in the Belgrade fair each year, while the partnership also ensures the presence of professional buyers from the Vinitaly network.

“It is a particular pleasure that our country is presenting itself at this fair through the prestigious event ‘Wine Vision by Open Balkan,’ which is the result of the personal commitment of the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić. This clearly demonstrates that Serbia has become a relevant player on the European wine map. Visitor interest in our wines is significant, and this success is the result of coordinated efforts by the Government of the Republic of Serbia, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, the Association of Winemakers and Winegrowers, and the Association of Rakija Producers. The state has provided substantial incentives for our winemakers and winegrowers, and we will continue to pursue new export arrangements and further develop Serbia’s wine sector,” said Dragan Glamočić, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Serbia, during his visit to the Wine Vision by Open Balkan pavilion.

“Direct contact with top-tier buyers and the opportunity for them to taste our wines and rakija are crucial for entering new markets and achieving tangible business results,” emphasized Igor Popović, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.

“At Vinitaly, we present a cross-section of the very best Serbia has to offer today—from indigenous varieties to authentic expressions of Serbian terroir. The strong interest of the professional audience confirms that our wines, like our rakija, have growing international potential,” said Stevan Rajta, Director of the Serbian Association of Winemakers and Winegrowers.

In line with the regional concept of the initiative, wines from North Macedonia and Albania are also being showcased at the pavilion, further strengthening the regional identity and recognition of the wine offering.

Photo: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management and Nina Mirković, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia