ViniBuoni d'Italia 2025

Selection of the Best Wines for the Vinibuoni d’Italia 2025 Guide Takes Place in Istria

The selection of wines for the “TOP 300” and “Oggi le Corone le decido io” categories was held as part of a special event organized in collaboration with the Istria Tourist Board

The final judging for the renowned Vinibuoni d’Italia 2025 guide took place on September 12 and 13, 2024, at the Aminess Maestral Hotel in Novigrad, Istria. This marks the first time that the concluding wine selection has been held outside of Italy, further deepening the guide’s long-standing connection with the region. Since 2011, the Vinibuoni d’Italia guide has featured a dedicated section highlighting carefully selected indigenous wines from Istria.

“The warm welcome and flawless organization by the Istria Tourist Board are a testament to their exceptional efforts in promoting the region. Beyond its natural beauty, Istria continues to attract an ever-growing number of visitors thanks to its rich food and wine culture. The region has successfully transformed tourism into a true showcase for its local products - wine, olive oil, truffles, and other delicacies are now enjoyed and celebrated by millions of tourists around the world. Our heartfelt thanks go to the Tourist Board for their impeccable coordination of our stay in Istria, to the staff of the Aminess Maestral Hotel, and to the Croatian Sommelier Club for their invaluable support,” said Mario Busso on behalf of the Italian organizers.

Istria’s culinary heritage took centre stage during the closing evening, “La Notte delle Corone”, which offered the perfect setting to pair exceptional local cuisine with tastings of all the award-winning wines. A welcome toast - organized in collaboration with the Asti DOCG and Moscato d'Asti DOCG Wine Protection Consortiums, as well as the Acqui Wine Protection Consortium - and the presence of the prestigious Giaveri Siberian Classic caviar added an extra touch of refinement to this exclusive event.

Over two days of intensive tastings, the Italian commission led by Mario Busso and Alessandro Scorsone selected the top 300 wines, awarding them the prestigious “TOP 300” title from among 726 finalists.

Meanwhile, the judging panels of the “Oggi le Corone le decido io” project - made up of renowned journalists, food and wine critics, and sommeliers from Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia - evaluated the same wines and assigned 418 distinctions, which will be featured in the upcoming Vinibuoni d’Italia 2025 guide. Leading the rankings were Tuscany with 57 titles, followed by Piedmont with 54, Veneto with 46, and Friuli Venezia Giulia with 37 awards.

Valle d'Aosta achieved the highest share of award-winning wines relative to the number of finalists, with an impressive 83% receiving a “Corona,” followed by Istria and Molise, each with a 75% success rate.

“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to present the selections made by our regional coordinators to the international judges who participated in the “Oggi le Corone le decido io” award panels. This recognition further inspires us to continue our year-round promotional efforts,” said Chiara Busso, event manager for Vinibuoni d'Italia.

TOP 300
Fakin: Teran Michel Limited Edition 2018
Meneghetti: Malvazija Istarska Black Label 2022
Vina Rossi: Malvazija Istarska Templara 2022

I vini della Corona
Fakin: Teran Michel Limited Edition 2018
Meneghetti: Malvazija Istarska Black Label 2022
Vina Franković: Malvazija Istarska Korona Sur Lie 2018
Vina Rossi: Malvazija Istarska Templara 2022

Oggi le Corone le decido io
Fakin: Teran Michel Limited Edition 2018
Meneghetti: Malvazija Istarska Black Label 2022
Vina Franković: Malvazija Istarska Korona Sur Lie 2018

Istrian winemakers included in the guide
Ab - Vina Anđelo Brčić
Agrolaguna
Damjanić Ivan
Degrassi d.o.o.
Fakin
Geržinić
Kabola
Meneghetti
Vina Franković
Vina Poletti
Vina Prelac
Vina Rossi

»» Top 5 Facts About the Wine of Istria
»» Wine roads of Istria