Returning bigger and bolder after last year’s success, Wine Vision by Open Balkan 2023 will see the nations of Serbia, North Macedonia and Albania again join forces to showcase their shared wine culture for the world
The organisers were determined to make a good impression when I arrived in Belgrade for the first Wine Vision by Open Balkan fair back in September 2022. I was greeted at the plane door of my unglamorous Wizz Air flight from Luton and whisked through the VIP lane, then chauffeured into the centre of Serbia’s buzzing capital.
I was at the event to chair the judging of a new wine competition and attend this brand-new event, which is determined to establish itself as the number-one destination for anyone wishing to discover the Balkan wine scene.
The centrepiece of this fair is the dramatic dome of Hall 1 in the Belgrade fairground, an incredible sight that has hosted the likes of Deep Purple, REM and Pink – aroll call now joined by the less well-known ‘rock stars’ of the Balkan wine industry. The dome is the largest in the world made from prestressed concrete and was built in the 1950s to be modern and progressive, but also channelled inspiration from the circular cupolas notable in Byzantine architecture.
A bold vision
The first Wine Vision fair showcased nearly 400 producers and exhibitors from 22 countries. It welcomed 30,000 visitors and featured a masterclass program of guided tastings as well as the wine competition I was invited to chair, which had an international panel of judges including five Masters of Wine. For visitors interested in experiencing a modern twist on traditional Balkan food, there were also top chefs from the region taking part.
My masterclass was a fully booked session on award-winning Serbian wines (several were Decanter World Wine Awards Gold and Platinum medal winners). It was a privilege to show off what winemakers in Serbia are now achieving. They may have come from behind in modernising their wine industry, but today’s scene is genuinely exciting and continues to evolve at pace.
I was also honoured – and rather nervous – to speak on stage to an audience of prime ministers from across the region, plus national press and TV. Wine is an important story in the Balkans and one that is strongly supported by Serbia’s President Vučić, who is a great wine enthusiast himself.
I was keen to highlight the importance of joint efforts in promoting wine across the region and how wine is a great lens through which to learn about these less well-known countries.
I’ll be going to Belgrade again in November thi
