The third Wine Vision by the Open Balkan Fair in Belgrade has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the international wine scene. This year’s event brought together wine producers, distillers, culinary artisans, and enthusiasts from 38 countries, solidifying the region’s reputation as a dynamic contributor to global gastronomy.
With more than 650 exhibitors, 10,000 wine labels, and over 2,000 business meetings, the fair showcased the unparalleled quality and diversity of Balkan wines. The event’s grand opening featured prominent regional leaders, including Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, and Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik, emphasising the importance of regional collaboration through the Open Balkan initiative.
The highlight of the fair was the awards ceremony, where the best wines were celebrated across 12 categories. National trophies went to Albania’s Shesh I Bardhe 2024 from Enofama Winery, North Macedonia’s Bela Voda Red 2021 by Tikveš Châteaux & Domaines, and Serbia’s 1903 Merlot 2016 from Delena Winery.
Specialty awards underscored the region’s extraordinary winemaking talents. Serbia’s Beli Kamen Merlot 2019 by Temet winery earned the title of Best Red Wine, while North Macedonia’s Vranec Terroir Grand Reserva 2020 from Chateau Kamnik was recognised as the best indigenous red. For white wines, Serbia triumphed with Signum Chardonnay 2022 from Frug Winery and Grašac Grand Fru 2020 by Vinčić Winery.
Other standout winners included North Macedonia’s Pure Elegance Rose 2023 by Chateau Kamnik for rosé, Serbia’s Trijumf Rose Sparkling 2019 by Aleksandrović winery for sparkling wine, and the award-winning orange wine Moma Traminac 2023 by Bikicki winery. Sweet and fortified wine categories saw exceptional entries like Tri Sunca Traminac Kasna Berba 2019 from Fruškogorski Vinogradi and Bermet Krokan 2012 from Stojanović winery.
The Rakija Trophy celebrated excellence in distillation, with Serbia’s Gorda XI Grand Cru by Gorda Distillery taking the overall prize. Notable fruit brandies included Radost Dunja 5 Barrique from Podrum Radost and Želja 12 from Podrum Želja.
Running alongside Wine Vision, Food Vision by Open Balkan offered a platform for culinary excellence, with highlights such as the Best Young Chef Culinary Challenge, won by Milana Čugalj, and masterclasses celebrating the region’s gastronomic artistry.
This year’s fair welcomed delegations from 48 countries, including the UK, US, China, and Austria. Over 2,000 business meetings facilitated new global partnerships, cementing the event’s role as a hub for collaboration and innovation.
Among the standout achievements was the award for Moma Traminac 2023, which earned Bikicki Winery a top honour in the orange wine category. In this interview, we speak with Đorđe Bikicki, the passionate owner behind Bikicki Winery, about their journey, their award-winning wine, and their vision for the future of winemaking in the Adria region and beyond.
