Rovinj, one of the most beautiful towns in Istria and Croatia, once again welcomed an international event bringing together gin lovers and anyone looking for a memorable food and drink experience – the 3rd GinIstra Festival. This unique festival celebrates craft gin, local distilleries and innovation in the world of mixology. Held annually in Rovinj, it has become a must-visit event for gin enthusiasts and anyone looking to discover new flavours and experiences.
GinIstra celebrates gin in all its forms, with a special focus on local production and craft distilleries from Istria and across Croatia. Over the two-day festival, visitors had the chance to taste a wide variety of gins, take part in mixology workshops and learn more about the gin-making and distillation process. The festival also saw the announcement of the best gins across six different categories.
A total of 68 gin samples from five countries entered the competition, with the judging panel made up of leading spirits experts from Croatia, Italy and Serbia. The exceptional quality of the entries was reflected in the results, with one additional platinum medal awarded to Six Point Eight Distillery for its 6.8 London Dry Gin, along with an impressive 23 gold medals.
The title of “Best Gin in Show 2024” went to Poetica Olive Gin by Poetica Distillery from Vrgorac. In the Sloe Gin category, three distilleries particularly stood out: Vergilas Craft Distillery with its Whitehead Premium Sloe Gin, Sempervivum with Karolina 58 Gin, and Carasman with its 10K Jack.
The story of Vergilas Craft Distillery is deeply connected to Rijeka’s rich history and its famous waters.
Rijeka has a long and fascinating history, with one of its most recognisable names being Robert Whitehead, the British mechanical engineer who left a lasting mark on the city through his revolutionary contribution to the development of naval weaponry – the torpedo.
Inspired by Rijeka’s remarkable past and the Rječina River that runs through the heart of the city, the story leads back towards its source, to the restored mill in Trnovica, a small village on the Rječina that was once an important local centre of life and activity.
It was in the old mill in Trnovica that successful entrepreneur and innovator Ivan Vergilas found the inspiration for something new. Surrounded by the sound of the waterfalls and the calm flow of the Rječina River, he imagined enjoying a fine spirit with a truly distinctive signature. That idea eventually became the foundation for Whitehead, a collection of spirits inspired by Rijeka and its heritage.
The award-winning Whitehead Premium Sloe Gin is handcrafted in small batches, using classic gin as its base and adding sloe berries, the fruit of the blackthorn shrub. The berries bring a subtle sweet-and-sour character, creating a fresh and distinctive combination when paired with the classic gin. They also add another layer of botanical complexity, making the gin a versatile choice for cocktails and mixed drinks.
The combination of sloe berries and gin creates a spirit that is herbal, refined and full of layers, with new aromas gradually revealing themselves with every sip.
Alongside the tastings, GinIstra offered a rich programme of talks and workshops, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about the history of gin, explore mixology techniques and discover how unique cocktails are created.
One of the festival’s highlights was the selection of Istrian gins, which have experienced a real boom in recent years, inspired by the region’s rich natural landscape and long tradition of using local botanicals. Istrian distillers make the most of ingredients such as lavender, rosemary, immortelle, juniper and other herbs and spices that thrive in the area, giving their gins a distinctive Mediterranean character.
Local distilleries from Rovinj and across Istria also used the festival as an opportunity to showcase their innovative spirits, often pairing them with local tonics and fresh ingredients such as herbs and citrus fruits. This combination of local flavours and craft expertise is what makes GinIstra such a special experience, capturing the spirit and taste of Istria.
GinIstra offered something for every kind of gin lover. Tastings were at the heart of the festival, giving visitors the chance to explore a wide variety of gins from Istria, Croatia and beyond. The programme also included mixology workshops led by experienced bartenders and distillers, where participants could learn how to make the perfect gin and tonic as well as more creative and complex cocktails using gin as their base.
Beyond its educational programme, GinIstra is also known for its relaxed and lively atmosphere. The first day featured performances by Matija Cvek, Mateo Pilat and DJ SoChica, while the second day brought Gordan Gregurović, TBF and DJ Frenki to the stage.
With the chance to discover new flavours, meet talented distillers and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of one of Croatia’s most beautiful regions, GinIstra in Rovinj offers something for both the palate and the soul. It brings together a passion for gin, local traditions and a fresh, creative approach to craft spirits, making the festival a true celebration of Istria’s flavours and spirit.
