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Urbanovo in Štrigova has been bringing together winemakers, wine lovers, and gastronomy enthusiasts for a quarter of a century

Published: 16.05.2026 · 1 min read

Croatia Events Wineries Bregovita Hrvatska Pušipel Merlot Horvat St. Jerome Đurinski Kocijan Puklavec Family Wines Vuglec
Ivo Kozarčanin
Ivo Kozarčanin
Bakhov Sin

Pušipel, known in Međimurje as the local name for the grape variety also known as moslavac, furmint, or šipon, was of course the star of the 25th edition of the wine festival. On the first day, guests enjoyed impressive white wines, including sauvignon, riesling, and chardonnay. Among the red wines, merlot stood out in terms of quality.

The Graševina late harvest (dried berry selection) 2015 from Đurinski Winery was awarded the best predicate wine at the 10th International Štrigova 2026 wine evaluation. The title of champion in the Pušipel category went to Vina Horvat with their aged Pušipel 2021, while among other varietal white wines from regular harvests, first place went to Chardonnay Anno Bona 2022 from Kocijan Winery. The award for the best sparkling wine went across the border to Slovenia, where Seven Numbers 2019 from Puklavec Family Wines took first place. The champion in the category of red wines from regular harvests was the blend Passion 2022 from Vina Vuglec. A special award, the Franjo Lebar Prize for the best Sauvignon, went to Sauvignon Character 2025 from St. Jerome Winery.

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Franjo Lebar was a pioneer of Sauvignon. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 97.

The awards were presented in Štrigova on Friday, 15 May, at the opening of the 25th edition of Urbanovo, which runs until Sunday. On the first day, during the official opening, visitors were able to taste excellent white wines in a relaxed atmosphere without crowds, including Pušipel (as locals call moslavac), riesling, sauvignon, and chardonnay. These four are considered the white “aces” of the region, with green silvaner acting as a kind of wildcard variety. Among red wines, merlot performed better in quality than pinot noir, with some very interesting cabernet sauvignons also presented.

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Riesling 2018 from magnum bottle
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The most popular Međimurje varieties
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Pušipel or moslavac, šipon, furmint
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Only 15 years old
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Sauvignon 70%, Riesling 30%
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Kocijan is consistent
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Playful packaging, serious content
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Plenty of fine bread...
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...and a bit of prosciutto
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Green, white, Međimurje, Rhine, grey, and yellow – Vina Kerman
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Serious conversation...
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...and a less serious one
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Hažić Wine House
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Nine reasons...

Photos: Marko Malović