ITER VITIS – The Ways of the Vine in Europe, the Council of Europe Cultural Route dedicated to viticultural heritage and wine culture, is pleased to welcome Kvarner Wines as a new member of our network—bringing the distinctive wine, gastronomy, and coastal–island identity of Croatia’s Kvarner region into the European family of vine routes.
Based around Rijeka and the wider Kvarner area, Kvarner Wines is a dynamic association that connects wineries and local stakeholders across the region, working at the intersection of wine, gastronomy, tourism, and regional identity. Recently marking its 5th anniversary with the “Kvarner Wines Day” gathering at Wine&Co in Rijeka, the association brought together winemakers, hospitality professionals, sommeliers, distributors, and institutional partners—while presenting what was described as its most ambitious year to date.
From events to an integrated wine-tourism ecosystem
In just five years, Kvarner Wines has evolved beyond event organization into a structured ecosystem that strengthens the visibility and positioning of Kvarner wines in Croatia and abroad. According to reporting from Rijeka, the association has participated in more than 60 events in Croatia and internationally, contributing to the growing recognition of Kvarner on the wine map.
Among the flagship initiatives highlighted for the period ahead are:
- WineRi (Rijeka) – the region’s major international eno-gastro festival, returning to Exportdrvo with over 120 exhibitors announced for the next edition
- Kvarner International Wine Trophy (Vrbnik) – a national/international wine competition hosted in the historic wine setting of Vrbnik
- Kvarner International Wine Festival, plus a year-round calendar of Wine & Walk events, tastings, and workshops
As Kvarner Wines Director Žarko Stilin noted, these projects “continuously strengthen the position of Kvarner wines and winemakers.”
Towards the Kvarner Wines Route
Tourism stakeholders in the region are also advancing a dedicated platform for visitors and professionals. Irena Peršić Živadinov, Director of the Kvarner Tourist Board, announced the launch of a marketing platform titled “Kvarner Wines Route,” underlining its value for positioning Kvarner among leading eno-gastronomic regions and creating new reasons to visit.
Wine heritage, local varieties, and sustainable destination development
Kvarner’s wine identity is shaped by a rich landscape of coastal and island terroirs and an important base of autochthonous grape varieties—a theme also emphasized by regional leadership, alongside the need to support vineyard expansion and long-term production capacity.
In parallel, Kvarner Wines is reported to be working with Primorje-Gorski Kotar County on a dedicated wine and viticulture development programme, aiming to strengthen branding, raise quality, and expand vineyard areas with an emphasis on local varieties.
This trajectory aligns naturally with ITER VITIS’ mission: to safeguard vine landscapes and wine culture as living heritage, and to support destinations that build resilient, high-quality, and sustainable wine tourism experiences rooted in place.