Not even the persistent bura wind could spoil the atmosphere of the first Kvarner Sparkling Breakfast in the Vineyard, held on Saturday, June 24th, among the vines of the Pavlomir Winery. This truly hedonistic event offered visitors a full experience of pleasure and enjoyment.

In a romantic countryside setting, guests were treated to lively bubbles of sparkling wines presented by Krk winemakers from the Kvarner Wines association — host Miroslav Palinkaš from Pavlomir Winery, Franko Ružić from OPG Ružić, and Dejan Rubeša from OPG Plovanić. Sparkling wines were showcased by Nada, Šipun, Ivan Katunar, Anton Katunar, and two cooperatives — PZ Vrbnik and Gospoja. One of the delightful surprises of the event was a guest from Slovenia — Albiana Winery from Dolenjska, whose Penina Brut won the category for best white sparkling wine at the friendly Salon of Sparkling Wines in Ljubljana, and which guests had the chance to taste on Saturday.

Since this was a breakfast event, there was no shortage of delicious bites perfectly paired with the bubbly offerings. Guests could treat their taste buds to authentic local specialties such as cheeses from Runolist dairy (Krasno), charcuterie from Buretić Breg, traditional Bakarski baškoti, Bribir-style prisnac from OPG Kršul, fresh cherries from Ledenice, delightful sweets from Vilma (Rab), and honey and honey cookies from OPG Komadina.

To complete the experience, the Zvonimir Radišić Trio set the perfect relaxed tone with smooth jazz melodies flowing through the vineyard.

The second part of the program had an educational twist. Special pralines from Toš patisserie were paired with selected sparkling wine varieties. It was fascinating to explore how flavors of pistachio, hazelnut, and fruit-filled pralines reacted with the bubbles, creating completely new sweet nuances.

The event also featured “En Primeur Kvarner” – a presentation of new wines. The best sign that the first Sparkling Breakfast was a success? An impromptu continuation of the celebration in the Pavlomir Winery tasting room!

The Sparkling Breakfast is a sub-project of the Zagreb Salon of Sparkling Wines, organized in cooperation with the Tourist Board of Novi Vinodolski, the Kvarner Tourist Board, and the Kvarner Wines association.

“This year, in addition to marking 145 years of tourism, Novi Vinodolski also celebrates 25 years of winemaking at Pavlomir Winery. These anniversaries speak to the long-standing tradition and importance of our historic town, and the Kvarner Sparkling Breakfast in the vineyard is one of the events that highlights this,” said Tena Peričić, Director of the Novi Vinodolski Tourist Board.

The event was also attended by the Director of the Kvarner Tourist Board, Irena Peršić Živadinov, who emphasized Kvarner’s ongoing commitment to enogastronomy: “As you may know, in 2026 Kvarner will be the European Region of Gastronomy. Events like this Sparkling Breakfast play a meaningful role in that journey, and we’re thrilled to be part of it.”

“The idea for the Sparkling Breakfast was born during the COVID pandemic, when Croatians and Slovenians joined forces in a strategic effort to promote their sparkling wine destinations. Since then, we’ve held Sparkling Breakfasts in Zagorje, Plešivica, Srijem, Erdut, Međimurje, and now — here in beautiful Kvarner,” said Marija Vukelić, creator of the Sparkling Breakfast project.