Novi Vinodolski – a town of rich history, cultural heritage and natural beauty, but also a proud guardian of its winemaking and viticulture tradition – the town of Žlahtina – is preparing this year’s Martinje celebration in a completely new edition. As the town’s very name reflects its deep-rooted wine tradition, this year’s Martinje is the perfect occasion to showcase how Novi Vinodolski lives and breathes wine – with an abundance of fine wine, the aroma of delicious food, and a joyful atmosphere.

The old folk tradition of turning must into young wine – the festive “christening of wine” – will be celebrated on November 8 at Vinodol Law Square, with the program starting at 5 PM. The square will come to life with the sounds of the popular klapa Rišpet and music from DJ Boris, while the scents of wine and local delicacies create a truly autumnal festive mood.

Visitors can enjoy a large wine exhibition featuring amateur winemakers from the Vinodol region. With the purchase of a special Martinje wine glass for just €6.00, guests can enjoy free wine tastings throughout the exhibition. The same glass can be used all evening to purchase 1 dl of wine at the Martinje stand, Caffe Bar “M”, and Konoba Hata for a symbolic price of €1.00.

And since great wine always pairs well with good food, a special Martinje food menu will also be available. At the Martinje stand and Konoba Hata, guests can enjoy wild game goulash, homemade sausages with sauerkraut, and Ukrainian-style cabbage rolls with buckwheat and beef, all at a promotional price of just €6.00.

The square will shine with the spirit of celebration – fine wines, mouth-watering Martinje dishes, and unforgettable live music from Klapa Rišpet. A traditional wine christening ceremony will take place, adding humor and symbolism as we celebrate the “birth” of young wine and the unity of local winemakers.

Since Novi Vinodolski expresses its love for wine through nature and active living too, the Martinje weekend doesn’t end with Saturday’s celebration. On Sunday, November 9, starting at 9:30 AM, the Nordic Walking Festival will take place. Participants can choose between four scenic routes – including one very special route through the Valley of Wine. After the walk, the event will conclude with a lively program at Ivan Mažuranić Square, because in Novi Vinodolski, Martinje lasts all weekend long.

This year, Hotel Lišanj is also joining the celebration with a 10% discount on accommodation from November 6 to 9. Reservations can be made via their official website: https://www.aminess.com/en/using the promo code NORDIC25.

There are plenty of reasons to visit – wine, music, the smell of homemade cooking, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere await you in the proud town of Žlahtina! Come raise a glass with us!

The event is organized by the City of Novi Vinodolski, Novi Vinodolski Tourist Board, Cultural Centre Novi Vinodolski, and the Association of Friends of Grapes and Wine “Ružica Vinodola.”