This past weekend, Novi Vinodolski once again came alive with the spirit of wine and tradition. The 21st edition of the Wine Rose of Vinodol festival took place — a beloved event that has, for over two decades, celebrated the winegrowing heritage of the Vinodol region and brought together young women in a unique competition for the prestigious title of the most skilled and dedicated “Ružica.” Despite the challenges of bad weather, the program adapted and still drew many visitors, with Saturday night culminating in the crowning of the new Wine Rose of Vinodol 2025.

The competitive part of the festival, usually held on Thursdays, began this year on Friday, August 22, in the vineyards of the Pavlomir Winery. Nine contestants from across Croatia showcased their abilities in traditional vineyard tasks in front of a lively audience. Accompanied by music from Trio Nebuloza and Group Trend and a rich offer of local delicacies, the participants took part in old-time vineyard challenges: stomping and hand-crushing grapes, and handling the traditional “brentača” (a heavy grape container). The atmosphere in the vineyards was joyful, and meanwhile, the town center hosted parallel festivities. On the Korzo of Croatian Defenders, the band Insula performed, while the Frankopan Square welcomed the Wine Festival, featuring winemakers from Kvarner, the rest of Croatia, and Serbia. At the Square of the Vinodol Code, visitors enjoyed a display of traditional crafts and a market of homemade products.

The grand finale took place Saturday evening in the Old Town of Novi Vinodolski, where contestants demonstrated their skills in the final challenges: labeling and corking wine bottles, opening wine, and pouring it accurately into glasses. The last game — wine tasting — wasn’t officially scored but certainly added to the cheerful mood and fun. After two days of competition and six games, the new Wine Rose of Vinodol 2025 was announced on the Korzo: Gabrijela Antolović from Privlaka near Vinkovci, a student at the Faculty of Medicine in Rijeka. The 2023 winner Ana Kalanj crowned her successor, and the awards and sash were presented by Novi Vinodolski Mayor Tomislav Cvitković and Zdenka Železnik from the Katarina Line agency. Gabrijela also won a special prize — a cruise on the Adriatic Sea for two. First runner-up was Ivona Stahović Funarić, and the second runner-up was Sara Uremović. Several “Miss Congeniality” awards were also given: chosen by the jury — Lana Rupić; by the referees — Eleonora Brenc; and by fellow contestants — Monika Legac.

Although the weather did its best to interfere, most of the Saturday program went ahead as planned. The audience was entertained by Antonio Krištofić and his band, the Wine Festival and artisan market continued, and a special culinary delight was prepared by Antonija Mikac — a traditional “Novljanski pijat,” a fish dish made of potatoes, sardines, žlahtina wine, sea fennel, onions, and dried figs, specially created for the event. Once again, the Wine Rose of Vinodol blended history and modern spirit, and despite the weather, brought the wine-growing heritage of Vinodol to life. The aromas of wine, the sounds of music, and the charm of tradition created an experience that will continue into the coming year.

The Wine Rose of Vinodol event is organized by the Tourist Board of the City of Novi Vinodolski and the Tourist Board of the Vinodol Municipality, in cooperation with the City of Novi Vinodolski, the Municipality of Vinodol, the City Cultural Center, Pavlomir Winery, the Ružica Vinodola Association of Friends of Grapes and Wine, the Kvarner Wine Association, the Ilija Dorčić Cultural Society, and the Čakavian Assembly – Novljansko Kolo Chapter. The event is supported by the Kvarner and Croatian Tourist Boards, and sponsored by Katarina Line travel agency, Adria Mare Travel Agency, Health and Joy Beauty Center, Bartelo Mali, API Kvarner, Leut Souvenir Gallery, Zola Flower Atelier, and Pavlomir Winery.