The Fifth Wine Vision by Open Balkan Opens: One Place. The Whole World.

The fifth anniversary edition of Wine Vision by Open Balkan, an international wine, rakija, food and tourism fair, officially opened today at the Belgrade Fair with a ceremonial opening ceremony. Under the slogan “One Place. The Whole World,” Wine Vision brings together wine, rakija and food producers, distributors, hoteliers, professional buyers, experts and visitors from Serbia, the region and numerous countries around the world over three days.

More than 550 exhibitors from over 30 countries are presenting their products at this year’s fair, alongside professional buyers and traders from 45 countries. More than 2,000 pre-arranged business meetings are expected to take place during the event.

“I remember five years ago, when the leaders of Serbia, Albania and North Macedonia decided to launch an initiative such as Wine Vision by Open Balkan. We created a place where our region could present itself to the world together for the first time,” said Marko Čadež, President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, at the opening ceremony.

Čadež emphasized that Wine Vision by Open Balkan had brought the region together around what connects people and nations: wine, rakija and food.

“The fifth edition of the fair has shown that we can jointly organize one of Europe’s largest wine, rakija and food fairs. And that means we can achieve much more,” Čadež stressed.

According to him, Wine Vision by Open Balkan now provides an opportunity for the region to present itself to the international business community.

“In the past, we had to go out into the world to prove ourselves. Today, the world is coming to us, to our region, to discover the very best we have to offer,” Čadež said.

Igor Luković, Programme Director of Wine Vision by Open Balkan, noted that the fair brings together products, people and stories that reflect the character of a country.

“I often point out that we can no longer grow in quantitative terms, because physical space has its limits, but we can and must grow in quality. And I believe that is exactly what we are doing. We are growing in quality not only thanks to exhibitors, experts, guests and buyers from around the world, as well as the most prominent wine houses, but also with every bottle, every wine and every new vine planted in Serbia and throughout the Balkans.

“That is precisely why Wine Vision by Open Balkan exists: not simply to socialize and enjoy wine, but above all to learn, exchange knowledge and build serious business,” Luković said.

Leading International Experts Meet Their Audience

This year’s professional programme brings some of the most prominent figures in the contemporary wine world to Belgrade. Among the guests is James Suckling, one of today’s most influential wine critics and a former editor of Wine Spectator magazine. Together with vineyard expert Marco Simonit, he will discuss vine longevity and vineyard management. Suckling will also lead a masterclass on whole-bunch fermentation with Romain Bouchot.

“It is a great pleasure to be here. First of all, I would like to thank the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Serbian Chamber of Commerce for inviting me to speak and conduct masterclasses during today’s and tomorrow’s fair.

“My journey through the Balkans began in Slovenia, as I spend part of the year living in Italy, very close to the border. As for Serbia, I have been following its wine scene for around four years, and for the past two years I have been actively evaluating local wines.

“I have been genuinely impressed by their quality. It was almost unbelievable to see such a high standard in a country of this size. That is why I felt the need to come in person, visit the vineyards and meet the people behind these wines,” James Suckling said.

Visitors will have the opportunity to attend 17 masterclasses dedicated to wine and rakija, featuring 22 speakers from 14 countries. Participants include Caroline Gilby, Rod Smith, Thomas Curtius and other recognized experts. Topics range from award-winning Serbian wines and Serbian sparkling wines to Tokaj, Georgia, Istria, Sardinia, North Macedonia, Albania and contemporary Spain.

A particular highlight is the masterclass entitled “What Makes a Great Wine? Seven Masters, Seven Perspectives,” where six experts holding the title of Master of Wine and one Master Sommelier will discuss the origins, complexity, balance, longevity and emotion that make a wine truly great.

More Than 800 Wines Before an International Jury

International wine competitions are an important part of Wine Vision. This year, more than 800 wines are competing in the Open Balkan Wine Trophy, judged by 26 experts from 18 countries, including six holders of the prestigious Master of Wine title.

The judging focuses on quality and authenticity, as well as grape varieties, terroir and winemaking ideas shaping the contemporary Balkan wine scene.

Rakija also has a special place at the fair. As part of the Open Balkan Rakija Trophy, spirits are evaluated by international experts associated with the Spirits Selection by CMB competition. Meanwhile, a masterclass led by Dr Ivan Urošević will explore the journey of Serbian rakija, from its status as a national heritage product to a spirit with growing international potential.

Food Vision: Gastronomy Live

Food Vision, an integral part of the fair dedicated to gastronomy and hospitality, features masterclasses, live culinary demonstrations, competitions and the Gastro Theatre, where restaurants and hotels prepare dishes in front of an audience.

As part of Food Vision, Belgrade is hosting the Southern European semi-final of the international Global Chefs Challenge competition, as well as the Open Balkan Culinary Challenge, where young and promising chefs will demonstrate their knowledge, technical skills and creativity.

Guests include Swedish chef Jimmy Eriksson, recipient of a special award at Bocuse d’Or 2023, and Darren Liew, chef-patron of London restaurant Nanyang Blossom.

The programme also brings together professionals from the hospitality, hotel and food industries, connecting local ingredients with contemporary culinary techniques.

Wine Vision by Open Balkan is being held at the Belgrade Fair until 12 October. The fair is open to visitors daily from noon to 8 p.m. The full programme is available on the official Wine Vision website.

Wine Vision holds UFI Approved Event status, awarded by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. At its previous edition, the fair brought together 535 exhibitors from 34 countries and professional visitors from 68 countries.

Photo: M2C

Photo and video: Serbian Chamber of Commerce (PKS) — Boban Ristić

Media Materials

Photos: https://we.tl/t-UJoZkM4umMEiKM...

Video — Marko Čadež, President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce: https://we.tl/t-XbEomrrEjD66Lz...

Video — Igor Luković, Programme Director of Wine Vision by Open Balkan: https://we.tl/t-xs1vu2uXyeFXNx...

Video — James Suckling, wine critic and former editor of Wine Spectator magazine: https://we.tl/t-1rRbZoBxUxyJCV...

General event footage: https://we.tl/t-mZfHEiaFzNssC6...