Decanter World Wine Awards 2026: Istria Wins 103 Medals
Another major milestone on the global wine stage:
Croatian winemakers achieved a record-breaking result at the world's
largest wine competition, the Decanter World Wine Awards 2026
Excellent news has arrived from London, where the winners of the 23rd edition of the prestigious international competition, the Decanter World Wine Awards, were announced on 17 June. Croatian wines earned an impressive 412 medals. Of these, 103 were awarded to Istrian winemakers, once again highlighting the region’s outstanding quality and consistency. Building on years of success, Istria has reaffirmed its reputation as one of Croatia’s leading wine regions.
Two Platinum medals arrive in Istria:
Bastian Marchiori Malvazija Istarska 2023
Bruno Ferenac Malvazija Paulina 2024
As many as 13 Istrian wines were awarded Gold medals:
Vivoda St. Euphemia Malvazija Istarska 2019
Baćac Malvazija 2025
Vina Brčić Malvazija 2025
Deklić Konstantin odležana malvazija 2022
Matošević Alba Robinia 2022
Rossi Templara Monte d’Oro 2024
Benvenuti San Salvatore Muškat 2022
Fakin Muškat Mark 2021
Degrassi Contarini Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Berba by Bertoša Teran 2022
and
Tomaz Avangarde Malvazija Istarska 2025
Tomaz Barbarossa Teran 2023
Tomaz Barbarossa Superior 2021
These awards are the result of the consistency, expertise, and unwavering commitment to quality that Istrian winemakers have cultivated over many years. “An impressive 103 medals, including two Platinum and 13 Gold awards, once again confirm that Istria ranks among the world’s leading wine regions and that Malvasia is an exceptional grape variety,” said Ivan Marić, Director of Vinistra, the Istrian association of winegrowers and winemakers, following the announcement of the results.
The medal winners from the Decanter World Wine Awards 2026 will be presented on July 2nd, 2026 at the exclusive event Decanter 2026 Winners Showcase by Vinistra.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all award-winning Croatian winemakers on achieving a record-breaking 412 medals and look forward to discovering new experiences along Istria’s renowned wine roads!
»» All about the Decanter World Wine Awards 2026
»» Explore the Istrian Wine Roads
»» Learn more: Interesting Facts About Istrian Wines

[June 2026]