WineOS by Graševina Croatica Is a Smashing Success
Wine, spirits, cuisine, and culture converge at Eastern Croatia’s most important wine fair
With a festive toast and the first glasses of sparkling wine, the 11th edition of WineOS by Graševina Croatica, the largest and most important wine and gastronomic event in eastern Croatia, opened at the Economic Center of Osijek-Baranja County.
Held on January 16th and 17th, WineOS once again positioned Osijek as a must-visit destination for lovers of fine wine, spirits, and cuisine. This year, more than 5,000 visitors attended over the course of two days, bringing together winemakers, hospitality and trade professionals, media, and guests eager to explore the region’s outstanding food and beverage culture.
More than 150 exhibitors from 11 countries participated in this year’s event, including over 30 wineries affiliated with Graševina Croatica, the regional association representing winemakers of Slavonia and the Croatian Danube region. The fair’s steady international growth reflects not only the quality of Croatian wines, but also the increasing appeal of eastern Croatia as an emerging eno-gastro destination.
Local and national tourism and economic institutions underscored WineOS’s broader role beyond wine tasting. Representatives from the Croatian Chamber of Economy, the Croatian Agency for Agriculture and Food, and the Croatian National Tourist Board highlighted the fair as a platform that connects winemaking, gastronomy, and tourism development—establishing Slavonia and the Danube region as authentic destinations rooted in quality and tradition.
WineOS has also become an integral part of the cultural identity of Osijek and Osijek-Baranja County. City and county officials emphasized the event’s long-term contribution to viticulture, winemaking, and eno-gastro tourism, noting its role in attracting visitors during the winter season and encouraging longer stays in the region. Support from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries further reinforced wine tourism as a key pillar of Croatia’s destination competitiveness.
At the heart of this year’s program was Graševina, Croatia’s most widely planted white grape variety and a defining feature of the region’s wine identity. A highlight for visitors was the series of professional Graševina & Dine workshops organized by Graševina Croatica, which paired local Graševina wines with regional delicacies. Led by wine promoter Irena Lučić, the workshops offered an immersive introduction to local flavors, while two masterclasses guided by wine expert Zoltán Győrffy explored the stylistic diversity of the region’s Graševina.
These educational and experiential elements are part of the international Rueda–Graševina project, implemented by Graševina Croatica in partnership with DO Rueda through the EU AGRIP program. Running from 2026 to 2028, the project aims to increase international recognition of wines with PDOs (protected designations of origin) and to promote Europe’s shared wine heritage. The initiative will be officially presented on January 27 at the Esplanade Hotel in Zagreb.
Beyond tastings and education, WineOS continues to strengthen its role as a meeting point for culture, tourism, and regional storytelling. By welcoming new members and supporting its winemakers’ international visibility, Graševina Croatica reaffirmed its commitment to preserving authenticity while embracing sustainable growth. For travelers seeking meaningful wine experiences, WineOS offers not only a fair, but a gateway into the flavors and culture of eastern Croatia—an increasingly compelling destination on Europe’s wine map.
