Ana Kalanj, a 30-year-old economist from Klenovica and Zagreb, is the new Wine Rose of Vinodol! This hardworking young woman, who besides her job plays tennis and manages social media, proved to be the most successful by accumulating results after nine games played over three days at the 19th edition of this unique and popular event.

After a brilliant start of the 19th Wine Rose of Vinodol at the Pavlomir Wine House and the second evening at Frankopan Square in Novi Vinodolski, the final evening began in front of the Novi church, where 11 candidates competed in three disciplines. After vineyard and household tasks, the third evening was thematically dedicated to wine pouring. Like the previous two evenings, this one was marked by a competitive yet joyful and positive spirit among the contestants competing in three disciplines: labeling bottles, decanting and sealing wine bottles, and uncorking and precisely pouring wine bottles.

The third evening thrilled the large audience who gathered, closely followed every moment of the competition, and cheered, all under the guidance of host Irena Grdinić. The girls took turns competing in interesting disciplines under the watchful eyes of the judges and jury, which included: Tena Peričić – director of the Novi Vinodolski Tourist Board, Alenka Spoja – director of the Vinodolske Municipality Tourist Board, Ivana Tropčić –Wine Rose of Vinodol 2022, Zoran Tomić – jury president and representative of Novi Vinodolski, and Monika Piškulić – representative of the Novi Vinodolski Tourist Board. The outstanding contestants gave their best throughout all three days, making the jury’s decision difficult, but the rules require the best to be chosen. Ana Kalanj scored the most points, first runner-up was Nensi Preden, and second runner-up Lucija Biondić. The winner received a cruise on the Adriatic for two, gifted by sponsor Katarina Line agency; the first runner-up won a weekend half-board stay for two at the Eden hotel in Rovinj, provided by Adria Mare agency from Novi Vinodolski; and the second runner-up received two tickets to Plitvice Lakes National Park, also from Adria Mare.

The awards didn’t stop there as the judging panel, referees, and the contestants themselves voted for the most charming competitor. According to the judging panel, the most charming was Daria Lencović; the referees chose Roza Piškulić; and the contestants awarded the title to Ružica Orešković.

During the final evening, alongside the competition and entertainment with the popular Giuliano and Diktatori band, a presentation of old crafts was held at Vinodol Law Square, along with an attractive wooden carousel for the youngest visitors and a well-attended fair of products and souvenirs. Wine lovers enjoyed the “Kvarner Wines” festival, where many visitors took the opportunity to taste local wines as well as a special sparkling and rosé wine “Wine Rose of Vinodol” named after this popular event. The organizers also prepared special photo points showcasing Novi and Ružica Vinodola in the best light, while many female visitors wore flower wreaths, a novelty inspired by the old custom where Wine Rose of Vinodol was crowned with a vine wreath when leaving the vineyards.

The Novi celebration lasted deep into the night, honoring Ružica Vinodola, which once again proved to be a true and unique brand of the region. The director of the Novi Vinodolski Tourist Board already announced the 20th jubilee edition next year, promising many novelties and surprises. Preparations will start on Monday…

Organizers of Wine Rose of Vinodol are the Novi Vinodolski Tourist Board and the Vinodolske Municipality Tourist Board, co-organized by the City of Novi Vinodolski, Vinodolske Municipality, Novi Vinodolski Cultural Center, Pavlomir Wine House, Ružica Vinodola Association, Kvarner Wines Association, and Omnes agency. The event is sponsored by the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture, with additional support from the Croatian Tourist Board, Kvarner Tourist Board, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Katarina Line agency, Adria Mare, Arriva, Drveni val Gallery, Primus Physio, and Studio Nijansi.