Why Does the Media Love WineOs?

Slavonia's top wine fair is poised for international success

For years, the wine fair WineOS — taking place on January 16–17, 2026, in Osijek, Croatia — has moved beyond the framework of a national wine event, increasingly positioning itself as a relevant regional and European wine story.

This evolution is confirmed by the growing number of foreign journalists, authors of specialized wine and gastronomy magazines, and influencers who return to Osijek year after year — not only as visitors, but also as important promoters of the fair and of Croatian wines on the international stage.

One such supporter is prominent British journalist and influencer Paul Bradbury, a well-known lover of Croatia who has followed WineOS almost since its inception. He highlights the fair’s development and its importance for the wider region.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day, but if it had been built by the WineOS team, it would have been finished much faster. I have been following this fair for ten years. From a small festival, it has grown into the main Slavonian wine tasting event, in a top location, with excellent workshops and lectures and a truly impressive presentation of Slavonian winemakers, as well as those from the wider region. This is an opportunity to reunite with old favorites and taste new, previously unknown wines, catch up with old friends and meet new people. I also love the international stands and tasting the ‘old hits’ of Rioja, Chablis, and Sancerre,” said Bradbury.

Messages such as Paul’s, published in international media, blogs, and on social networks, give special significance to WineOS. They position it as a compelling wine event on the European map, while simultaneously opening space for Croatian winemakers to be seen, tasted, and recognized beyond Croatia’s borders.

That media engagement is one of the key pillars of the event’s development is also emphasized by Boris Ocić, president of the Udruga Dekanter (Dekanter Association) and one of the fair’s organizers. He notes that high-quality cooperation with journalists has been an integral part of WineOS’s strategy from the very beginning, as authentic stories are essential to building recognition and credibility on both domestic and international markets.

Wine author and personal wine supplier Charine Tan also highlights WineOS as one of Croatia’s highest-quality wine events, particularly due to the level and authenticity of its offerings.

“WineOS stands out with its unique focus on eastern Croatia and its authentic and often underrepresented flavors. The event’s location and programs allow visitors to immerse themselves in the rich gastronomic and wine culture of the region and to gain a deeper understanding of local tradition through direct interaction with winemakers. For wine professionals, WineOS is an invaluable platform for networking and developing business opportunities,” said Tan.

Texts, reports, videos, and publications produced by foreign media not only promote the fair itself, but also Croatia as a wine and tourism destination, contributing to a broader and more nuanced international image of the country. For domestic wine producers, this exposure represents a direct opportunity to access foreign markets, build new business relationships, and strengthen their export potential.

For more information, visit WineOS by Graševina Croatica.