The Balkan International Wine Competition will be held for the first time in two countries with deep wine traditions. From June 4 to 8, 2024, Bulgaria and Turkey will host the most prestigious wine event. The event will be in wineries with many years of experience in the industry and a focus on sustainable agriculture.
The aim of the competition is to promote wine culture by creating a platform for establishing new trade links in the Balkans.
In recent years, the Balkan International Wine Competition has surpassed its regional importance, becoming a significant event for participants from different parts of the world. This year a record number of wine cellar registrations are expected, which find the Balkan Wine Forum a distinctive platform and an opportunity to enter one of the largest markets in Europe, namely the Balkans with its 82 million inhabitants.
In turn, the number of samples presented at the competition continues to grow steadily and sustainably. For last year’s edition, over 1,000 wines were registered for participation, which represents an increase of over 180% compared to the first edition of the competition in 2012. Over the past decade, the number of wineries participating in the competition has increased more than fivefold.
The best wine in the Balkans will be selected by a prestigious jury of 25 people, which this year includes holders of the titles “Master of Wine” and “Master Sommelier” from Great Britain, France, Switzerland, USA, Georgia, Serbia and Greece and famous wine personalities from the Balkans and Europe.
At the gala dinner, known as the “Balkan Wine Oscars”, the “Best of Show” trophies will be awarded. The remaining 15 trophies in the various categories will be announced at the opening of the Balkan Wine Festival on June 27 at 21:00 in the Wine Town in front of the National Palace of Culture city of Sofia This year’s edition of the Balkan International Wine Festival will be held from June 27 to 29 inclusive.
The Balkan International Wine Competition and Festival is an excellent opportunity for winemakers from the region to demonstrate their craftsmanship and gain recognition on the international stage. By participating, they not only share their wines with the general public, but also contribute to increasing the visibility and prestige of Balkan wines, promoting high standards, sustainable agriculture and innovation in winemaking.
